In the modern world, a tendency has been identified for using alternative methods of obtaining raw materials. Such materials, which are synthesis products, are widely used. Characteristics allow their use to a wide range of consumers. We see these products every day on advertising posters, food packaging and price tags. What are the features of synthetic paper, consider in more detail. Perhaps you should abandon the usual pulp in favor of an analogue?
What does this term mean?
This type of material has been widely used since the last decade, and the beginning of large-scale production was laid in the mid 90s of the XX century. The very first attempts to synthesize a substitute for cellulose products were made back in the 60s of the last century.
This material is a polymer system with components, the quantity and characteristics of which are protected by patents. From general information it is known that the composition of the polymer product includes various fillers and resins. Strength and visual characteristics provide inorganic impurities. This also determines the ability to retain colorants well.
There are types of material on which an additional one to several surface layers are applied.
Characteristics
This material performs all the functionality assigned to traditional paper. In addition, it has synthetic paper and film properties of a similar origin.
Basic indicators:
- strength;
- flexibility;
- water tightness;
- resistance to influence from the outside.
With all the possibilities provided by the use of material in printing, there is a significant drawback - the high cost.
Performance
Synthetic-based paper is able to maintain its original appearance and shape under the influence of climatic factors, therefore, its use is possible outside the premises.
Due to the fact that the composition of this material includes coatings and fibers that absorb moisture, it reacts neutrally to liquid. Chemical reagents are also practically not able to harm this innovative product.
Synthetic printing paper exhibits high resistance during multiple runs, and low surface porosity allows you to apply drawings with a higher resolution compared to traditional materials, with greater detail. The polymers present in the composition cause tensile and deformation resistance. This property allows you to abandon the use of additional materials for lamination. The contrast and intensity of the image deposited on synthetic paper are preserved for a long time.
Varieties
This material is available in most of the most used formats. For printing, a polymer product of format A 4 is proposed. In addition, you can purchase paper with an adhesive layer, which is convenient to use for the manufacture of labels. The roll format is also on sale in a large assortment.
Use possibilities
The use of synthetic paper often must be dictated by economic feasibility due to its high cost. The range of use is wide:
- This material is widely used in printing printing products of an advertising nature. This is due to high performance properties. A leaflet printed on such a surface will retain its pattern and shape for much longer than that made on plain paper, even of high density.
- The polymeric material is used for printing outdoor advertising: posters, posters that can withstand any weather conditions when placed on the street.
- Resistance to changes in temperature and moisture makes it an excellent material for the manufacture of packages and labels. It is not affected by food and critically low temperatures.
- The manufacture of tourist and geographical maps is one of the developed areas where synthetic paper is used. Terrain maps on a polymer base are resistant to aggressive environmental factors such as rain, snow, wind, earth, temperature and pressure drops.
- Also this material is used for printing playing cards.
- Business cards on paper of synthetic origin have a special gloss and will long remind of their owner. Therefore, the use of this basis for printing information materials, booklets, brand books is also widespread.
- Many restaurants prefer this menu printing material.
- This product has been widely used in children's printing. Books for children, especially the younger age group, which are resistant to moisture, are the most popular on the market today.
Printing Features
For printing on synthetic paper, UV or special inks designed for such a material are used. It is also possible to use ordinary printer ink, but you should make a test application of the image to control the print. The optimum print speed is recognized at 8,000 sheets / minute. In order to prevent individual sheets from sticking together during the run, it is recommended to blow each one first with a fan.
Before using printed paper, make sure the ink is dry. Oil-based coloring agents are often used for quick drying. This is important for offset printing, as the surface is able to absorb water. Some printers use pre-treatment of the material with an alcohol solution to remove excess fluid.
On average, printed sheets dry out within 5-12 hours. This process can be accelerated by drying with infrared rays or ultraviolet.
Post-processing
Different types of synthetic paper are great for decorating with foil embossing. For these purposes, steel dies are used.
You can fasten the sheets together by applying glue, which is pre-dissolved or melted. After applying the composition to both joined canvases, they must be placed under the press for a short time for better distribution of glue. The same layout method is used for bonding with cellulosic layers.
Range
The market for printing materials is filled with offers from many manufacturers. However, the most popular brands and suppliers for Russia and surrounding countries are the following:
- Polyart - production of the French company Arjobex;
- Polylith from Granwell Products, a U.S. company;
- Yupo from the same manufacturer from Japan.
French technology for the production of the Polyart product is characterized by the use of a plastic film, on which a matte coating is applied, consisting of two coated layers. Coated synthetic paper is excellent at printing with ordinary inks and allows them to dry quickly. In addition, the additional layer has antistatic properties, saturated and clearly conveys colors. This product is suitable for offset printing, as well as using flexo and silk screen printing. It is worth mentioning that Polyart paper is regularly sanitized and has a hygiene certificate, so it can be used in contact with food.
Polylith has a relatively low price, which led to the popularity of the brand. The polypropylene resin used in the production of this brand provides its matte gloss and wide range of applications in industries for which film coating is important.
Paper from the Japanese manufacturer Yupo has maximum resemblance to the cellulose analogue, which is achieved by applying two outer layers to the thick polypropylene middle layer. This product has all the necessary certificates and permits and can be used in the manufacture of food packaging.
The modern market for printing materials provides great opportunities for printing, in particular, due to the presence of synthetic paper in printing. In certain cases, it copes with its functions better than cellulose due to its strength, flexibility and resistance to various influences.