Kurz is set to introduce a new program of stamping foils that, according to the firm, offers a "quantum leap in the manufacture of continuous holographic foils”. The program named Light Line Select is made up of diffractive, continuous stamping foils characterised by the absence of visible seam lines in the design.
Ever since continuous design foils arrived on the market, producers have searched for ways to avoid these so-called shim lines. Color play in holographic stamping foils is achieved through refraction of light by ultrafine microstructures. These structures are transferred onto foil using specially rotary tools called shims. The shim edges have always been recognisable on the foil as faint seam lines, and, until now, attempts to eliminate them, or make them less visible, have been unsatisfactory.
Some time ago, Kurz developed a new manufacturing technique for eliminating these shim lines and since 2002, the company’s product range has included virtually seamless stamping foils with a large-area rainbow color effect. These foils, called Laser Select, have enjoyed great success in the market place, according to Kurz. Consequently, Kurz is now also applying its new manufacturing method to a variety of diffractive designs. They no longer have any repetitive shim lines width wise. For foil widths less than 620 mm, no seam is visible in the foil travel direction either. Starting from April 2006, the new Light Line Select stamping foil is available off-the-shelf in five designs, in silver, and in qualities specifically geared for use in the graphics industry. Additional colours and designs may be made to order.
