Adhesives, Coatings & Substrates
What key slitting factors impact the handling of adhesive webs? Paid Members Public
When it comes to Adhesive Web Slitting, there are two different worlds … Science and Manufacturing (see Figure 1). Science deals with creating the many, many different adhesives to be applied to the very large variety of manufactured, flexible-web materials. The two main adhesive-web application types that the converting industry deals
Coating Concepts: Product-process integration: What is the right coating method? Part 1 Paid Members Public
There are three common ways to pick a coating method: inertia, flowcharts and screening tables. The practical advantages of inertia speak for themselves. However, the use of removable-cartridge coaters has reduced the barriers to change. Also, it often is more economical to find a contract manufacturer with the “right” method
Photoinitiated addition-cure for silicone-release coatings: Part 2 Paid Members Public
Silicone (polydimethylsiloxane) polymers are unique materials that are chemically inert and of low polarity that remain fluid at temperatures as low as -120° C and retain useful properties at temperatures >250° C for extended times. Cross-linked silicone polymers can be bulk-solid elastomers, rubbers, gels and low-surface-energy coatings capable of lightly
How proper treatment for flexible laminates helps achieve high bond strength, zero optical defects Paid Members Public
This article discusses the main criteria for high-quality lamination used in today’s flexible packaging sector and the role that surface treatment plays with sophisticated substrates. Lamination requires two essentials: bond strength and zero visual defects. Fundamental to both is the need to understand the part played by surface tension
COATING CONCEPTS | Product-process integration: What is the right coating method? Part 2 Paid Members Public
The previous installment in this series covered the first step in choosing a coating method: flowcharts and screening tables. Here, we turn to the next two steps: pilot tests and fine-tuning to get a more robust process. Click the link below to download the full article.
SUBSTRATE SECRETS | What, why, and how do we measure substrate properties? Part 1 Paid Members Public
Substrates harbor many secrets. Some are easy to discern (such as haze and gloss), while others (such as barrier, tensile strength or heat-sealing properties) can’t be known by simple visual appearance. However, they should all be measured to ensure accurate property levels are met or known. But which properties
Metallized-PE films: Challenges & opportunities to meeting market needs for recyclable, high-barrier flexible packaging Paid Members Public
Currently, the only path to have flexible packaging recycled in North America is via Store Drop-Off programs, which require these packages to be predominantly based on polyethylene (PE). For many barrier applications, these PE packages must use an EVOH layer, metallizing or topcoating. We will look at all three as
