Lamination is a common printing technique in the printing and packaging industry, especially for printing on paper packaging. Paper packaging becomes stronger and shinier when laminated.
What is Lamination?
An application of a thin, clear plastic protective film to the surface of printed paperboard is called lamination.
What is the Flexible Packaging Laminating Process?
Using a bonding agent, two or more flexible packaging webs are laminated together. There are three types of the web: films, papers, and aluminum foils. It is necessary to apply an adhesive to the less absorbent substrate web, then press it against the second web in order to bond them.
What are the advantages of lamination?
In the same way that laminated paper packaging products retain their original fresh color, resist moisture, and are easy to clean after dusting, laminated paper packaging products have a longer shelf life.
Enhanced product protection.
For food and beverage packaging, laminates provide protection against substances such as water, oil, or grease.
Moisture barriers (a thin, impermeable coating) can be used in combination with a variety of laminates to ensure that products remain sterile until they are ready to be used.
Anti-counterfeit security.
In order to prevent counterfeit tickets, paper manufacturers often use specially colored laminated adhesives. The unique color of a laminated ticket can be clearly seen when the ticket is torn open. Flexible enough to withstand water contact and slight bending, these specialty tickets are water-resistant.
Tickets for sporting events, music performances, and even public transportation are issued this way.
Light up “blocking” barriers.
The internal adhesive layer of some laminates blocks light transmission. Many products need this “blocking” coating to prevent light from passing through.
Advertisements (aisle signs or signs in store windows), trading cards, and photographic light boxes are among these products.
What is gloss and matte lamination?
In the production of packaging, lamination involves covering a product’s surface with a polymer film. There are two types of products: glossy and matte, depending on their surface reflectivity.
The laminated print on glossy laminated paper packaging will be glossy and very eye-catching. Candy products, toys for children, etc., are commonly made using this technique.
In contrast, matte laminated paper packaging will make printed paper appear dull. There will be a very smooth feel to the surface. In most cases, this method is used for business cards, catalogs, flyers, and paper bags. Creating a sense of elegance, attractiveness, and mystery about the product is the goal.
Why should we use glossy/matte lamination for publications?
It is easier to stand upright for paper packaging products when they are laminated with glossy or translucent plastic. Ink rolled under a glossy (or translucent) film coating will also extend the color’s durability over time, reduce discoloration, and increase water resistance.
Also, depending on the type of lamination, the product will have the right amount of brightness and gloss. Especially on wrapping paper, catalogs, invitations, and business cards, the plastic layer is easy to clean and won’t stain.
Lamination steps
In order to create the finished product, the glossy, matte lamination process goes through a number of detailed stages. Laminators and rollers are used to create glossy and matte laminated products. One post is pressed against the roller coated with glue as the paper is placed in the roller system. Using the other post, the paper is rolled up again. The paper is then rinsed and divided into sheets after the glue has dried.
Laminated Uses
Laminating custom-printed cartons prevent staining and moisture, adds strength and durability, and adds gloss and vibrancy to the ink.
As a result of the film, the printed carton becomes more rigid and more water resistant when it is exposed to wet conditions. Additionally, the lamination prolongs the life of printed colors.
Lamination Options
Printed cartons, rigid cartons, and corrugated cartons can be laminated in four different ways.
- Glossy lamination
- Matte lamination
- Soft-touch lamination
- Anti-scratch lamination
By laminating a thin PET film to the cardboard, glossy laminate boxes and matte laminate boxes have a glossy or matte exterior finish. Folding cartons, E-flute and F-flute corrugated cartons, rigid cartons, cosmetic cartons, and custom paper bags commonly have finishes.
Glossy
A glossy lamination gives custom cartons a brighter shine than a UV glossy coating or varnish. It’s a great way to give custom boxes a clean, modern look. Glossy printed cartons have a shiny finish, which makes the color stand out. To achieve a very bright visual effect, glossy lamination works well with foil stamping silver foil.
Matte
Custom cartons can benefit from matte lamination, which provides a smooth, luxurious feel and look. Color trays and soft designs can be used with it. Matte finishes also eliminate glare and often look cleaner since fingerprints do not appear after people touch them.
Additionally, matte laminate can be used to apply foil finishes and partial UV finishes. Colors look more vibrant and bright due to the strong contrast.
Soft Touch Laminate
Soft-touch lamination gives the printed carton a soft-touch feel by applying a special frosted coating. It consists of a special BOPP film that has an excellent SOFT TOUCH feel. There is a pleasant and intense velvety effect on the matte surface, similar to the texture of peach skin. In the printing and packaging industries, it is widely used for high-end applications. In the production of folding cartons, cosmetic cartons, jewelry cartons, cardboard gift boxes, and rigid cartons, this finish is very common.
Premium and prestigious products that require tactile differentiation benefit from soft-touch cartons. Printing, gluing, and embossing are all possible with this laminate. It can be used for embossing, recessing, dot UV finishes, and foil stamping. Various high-end products such as cosmetics, jewelry, watches, and watches are ideal for it.
Scratch-resistant lamination
A special BOPP film is used for scratch-resistant lamination, making custom cartons resistant to abrasion and scratches. It is also effective at removing dirt and stains caused by fingerprints. As a result, high-end cosmetic cartons and rigid cartons commonly use the finish.
Matte laminated boxes are prone to scratching, which is solved by using anti-scratch lamination. In the case of custom cartons printed with large solid dark colors (such as black, blue, and red), matte lamination can cause scratches. Custom paper boxes are given a matte finish.
What industries can it be used in?
Lamination is used to create flexible packaging with enhanced barrier properties, appearance, and strength. Thus, it can be used in any application requiring enhanced barrier properties, appearance, and strength.
Usually, lamination is used to extend shelf life and maintain freshness in the food industry. Products such as ice cream, potato chips, snacks, and beverages are packaged in laminated flexible packaging in the food industry. As well as raw foods like bagged boiled pouches, frozen or microwaveable products, vegetables and meat, it can also be applied to raw foods such as bagged boiled pouches.
Aside from the food industry, lamination is also used in electronics, apparel, cosmetics, and medical fields.
Conclusion
Custom flexible packaging is available in glossy laminated, frosted, soft touch, scratch-resistant laminated, etc. You can find more information by clicking here.
