John Tucker04.19.16
The label is probably the most important form of advertising, as many customers make their buying decision right at the point of sale. Label paper should present the product authentically, convey its own message and show its best side: From uncoated natural papers such as Zanlabel touch which underline a product’s naturalness, individuality or craftsmanship to the double one-side coated qualities such as Zanlabel gloss which is available with linen embossing as well. Apart from design criteria, the perfect presence is also based on excellent printing results. Each and every process has its own rules to be considered. Most labels are still being printed offset. Gravure and flexo printing are particularly suitable for high quantities such as mineral water or beer labels, for example.
Offset print – the universal printing process
Printing quality essentially depends on how the color dries on the paper. In sheet offset printing for example, the drying process takes place in two phases: First, through physical ink penetration and second, through the subsequent chemical oxidation. Penetration means that part of the printing color penetrates the capillary system and the fibrous structure of the paper surface. Due to different manufacturing processes, each paper quality shows different penetration manners.
After the penetration, in a floating transition, the drying process starts through oxidation. Double one-side coated label papers such as Zanlabel gloss exhibit very good trapping characteristics. Furthermore, double coated label papers distinguish themselves by excellent printing properties, a very calm acutance in the printing picture and especially by a high print colour gloss. Uncoated papers naturally do not produce such good results during the printing process. With Zanlabel touch, this might be balanced through a slight pigmentation. These factors do not only apply to offset printing but also to gravure printing.
Gravure print – the process for especially high quantities
With gravure print, the print picture lies slightly deeper in so-called “cells” in the print form and this is where the expression gravure comes from. The color which will be absorbed by the paper is in the cells. Depending on the depth and width of the cells, they can take different amounts of colour. Thanks to the varying thickness of the color coatings, continuous tones are superbly presented. The printing cylinder rotates in a tub with liquid color. When coloring, the printing as well as the non-printing areas accept the color. When taken out of the color tub, the superfluous color will be skimmed off the non-printing parts with a fountain blade.
Gravure print requires absorbent and smooth papers. They usually have a low paper weight. In coated grades, the coating must neither produce dust nor sand. Furthermore, the papers must resist sudden drying in the drying oven. Gravure print is only profitable with very high quantities such as labels for the beer or mineral water industry. Therefore paper qualities such as Zanlabel are optimal for this as they combine the stated features and are simultaneously cost-efficient. Furthermore, they are available in non-wet strength (NWS), light wet strength (LWS) and wet strength (WS) versions.
Flexo print – the renaissance of letterpress
In the past, there was nothing but letterpress – a process during which all printing areas are raised. However, a long time ago, letterpress was superseded by offset printing as the universal printing process. In modern flexo print, letterpress has experienced a renaissance. The name “flexo” is derived from the flexible printing forms made of rubber or UV-sensitive photopolymer plastic. This resilient printing form which is hard-wearing is especially suitable for printing on rough materials. Using this procedure, label papers can be printed quickly and cost-effectively while still retaining their premium quality.
About the author: John Tucker is Sales Director at Zanders, a Germany-based label and packaging paper manufacturer.
Offset print – the universal printing process
Printing quality essentially depends on how the color dries on the paper. In sheet offset printing for example, the drying process takes place in two phases: First, through physical ink penetration and second, through the subsequent chemical oxidation. Penetration means that part of the printing color penetrates the capillary system and the fibrous structure of the paper surface. Due to different manufacturing processes, each paper quality shows different penetration manners.
After the penetration, in a floating transition, the drying process starts through oxidation. Double one-side coated label papers such as Zanlabel gloss exhibit very good trapping characteristics. Furthermore, double coated label papers distinguish themselves by excellent printing properties, a very calm acutance in the printing picture and especially by a high print colour gloss. Uncoated papers naturally do not produce such good results during the printing process. With Zanlabel touch, this might be balanced through a slight pigmentation. These factors do not only apply to offset printing but also to gravure printing.
Gravure print – the process for especially high quantities
With gravure print, the print picture lies slightly deeper in so-called “cells” in the print form and this is where the expression gravure comes from. The color which will be absorbed by the paper is in the cells. Depending on the depth and width of the cells, they can take different amounts of colour. Thanks to the varying thickness of the color coatings, continuous tones are superbly presented. The printing cylinder rotates in a tub with liquid color. When coloring, the printing as well as the non-printing areas accept the color. When taken out of the color tub, the superfluous color will be skimmed off the non-printing parts with a fountain blade.
Gravure print requires absorbent and smooth papers. They usually have a low paper weight. In coated grades, the coating must neither produce dust nor sand. Furthermore, the papers must resist sudden drying in the drying oven. Gravure print is only profitable with very high quantities such as labels for the beer or mineral water industry. Therefore paper qualities such as Zanlabel are optimal for this as they combine the stated features and are simultaneously cost-efficient. Furthermore, they are available in non-wet strength (NWS), light wet strength (LWS) and wet strength (WS) versions.
Flexo print – the renaissance of letterpress
In the past, there was nothing but letterpress – a process during which all printing areas are raised. However, a long time ago, letterpress was superseded by offset printing as the universal printing process. In modern flexo print, letterpress has experienced a renaissance. The name “flexo” is derived from the flexible printing forms made of rubber or UV-sensitive photopolymer plastic. This resilient printing form which is hard-wearing is especially suitable for printing on rough materials. Using this procedure, label papers can be printed quickly and cost-effectively while still retaining their premium quality.
About the author: John Tucker is Sales Director at Zanders, a Germany-based label and packaging paper manufacturer.