Coating Provides Superior Printing of Plastic on HP Indigo Presses
- Published: May 30, 2008
CINCINNATI, OH | Michelman and Utopia Digital Technologies have teamed up to develop an advanced printing surface designed to enhance the printing of polymer and plastic media on HP Indigo presses.
The HP-certified coating, called Extreva CS3, is a modification of Michelman’s DigiPrime. To take advantage of the new coating, Indigo users need to order through GPA, a supplier of paper and film substrates based in Chicago, IL, and specify substrates with the Extreva CS3 coating. GPA is the exclusive distributor for the technology, which is currently available only in North America.
Extreva CS3 is pre-applied to the substrate, eliminating the need for press owners to handle chemicals. It features a full suite of beneficial properties never before available to HP Indigo press operators, and is available on PVC and synthetic sheets. The coating produces consistent color development from sheet-to-sheet and lot-to-lot, excellent ink and coating adhesion, and most importantly, superior functional performance.
Functional performance is demonstrated by absolute flatness of the substrate before and after printing; no shrinkage, warping or registration issues; a surface that slips uniformly and consistently with no sticking to press components or other sheets, resulting in less downtime and fewer torn blankets; a reduction in static build up; faster drying; and the ability to repel fingerprints and other contaminants.
Extreva CS3 is non-yellowing and has outstanding shelf life, and because it’s water-based, can extend blanket life when compared to solvent-based primers. Using substrates coated with Extreva CS3 can also increase the printer’s efficiency and profitability by minimizing downtime, waste and maintenance costs.
