The need for print companies to expand their portfolios has, according to manroland, led it to introduce a new inline embossing process, which it describes as an outstanding tool for adding value, especially in folding carton production.
The company says that users can enhance folding cartons easily and quickly with the new solution called Roland InlineImpress, which it has lodged a patent application for and which for which it issues licenses to use the process. Besides the license certificate, the license package includes a detailed description of the process, one day of instruction by a manroland trainer at the user’s premises, a starter kit of ink and coating, and the first embossing plate.
Using a voluminous substrate as a basis, Roland InlineImpress uses a special embossing plate mounted in a coating module to apply a structure to the image during the printing process without any deformation of the sheet reverse side. This is possible because, instead of the conventional method of embossing the substrate itself, the structure is pressed into an embossable UV coating.
Technical prerequisites necessary for using InlineImpress include an embossing plate, UV equipment, a substrate that is highly voluminous carton 230gsm and above, process compliant inks provided by printcom, and a press with a double coating module is advantageous, according to manroland, which adds that precise dryer settings are very important. The company adds that the success factor comes from harmonisation of the different influencing variables, as well as the ingenuity of the process.
According to manroland, the process requires no separate workstep because everything is done inline and costings are more accurate because there is no need for a spoils allowance for a separate production step. Embossing dies are also not necessary.
It lists the benefits of the new process as:
§ New creative possibilities for packaging design
§ High-quality enhancement of customers’ orders in one pass through the press
§ One less production step saves time and costs
§ Simple implementation and uncomplicated handling
§ Differentiation of customers’ products at the point of sale through multisensory product presentation
