Innovative technologies can revolutionize the printing industry, enhancing impact and sustainability

Special effects printing is a method that can add impact, value and profit to each sheet of paper. There are a variety of digital ways to achieve these special effects at different stages of the production process. In the past, these decorative or special effects could usually only be done after printing, such as laminating, partial or overall glazing and bronzing (hot or cold). Other effects need to be done in or on the press, such as using special inks or printing on metallized substrates for metallic effects, which is also suitable for fluorescent or other special colors.

However, the advent of digital printing technology has made it more ambiguous to achieve similar effects, while combining the flexibility of digital printing with lower minimum quantity and set-up requirements. These special effects can be divided into synergy during printing and synergy after printing. Before looking at these special effects in detail, it is also worth noting that a sustainability debate is on the rise regarding digital embellishment as an alternative to more traditional processes. Research by Vigodi, a company that produces stand-alone decorative presses, has found that its digital embellishment can reduce CO2 emissions per B1 sheet by 85%, reduce fossil fuel use by nearly 85%, and reduce water consumption by 80% compared to traditional gilding. The study, conducted by EcamRicert and Mérieux NutriSciences Companies, compared the use of Vigodi gilding (175g) with traditional gilding on 1 to 100,000 sheets of B1 paper.https://www.risedongsheng.com/

The above is just one of the options offered by Vigodi, and there is currently no indication that any other supported technologies offer similar advantages. However, one advantage of digital printing is the ability to reduce material and energy waste, as it requires only the quantity required for printing or post-press. These special effects can boost the appeal of a print, adding value to the final product. Some special effects can only be achieved with the purchase of the appropriate press, so they may be a factor in choosing a new press. Increasingly, toner presses offer more color options, including clear "glazing", white, fluorescent and metallic, although usually only one or sometimes two at a time.

Machines with the fifth color include Xerox's iGen series, Ricoh's Pro C7200 and Heidelberg's Versafire EV. Although the Pro C7500 is about to replace the Versafire EV, no specifications have been released. Kodak's Nexpress and Nexfinity models can also do this, and can choose where the fifth color is placed in the print sequence, although both models are currently discontinued.

Xerox's Iridesse and the latest Fujifilm's Revoria can support up to six colors, while most HP Indigo can even handle up to seven colors, although adding additional colors adds to the cost. Additionally, Xerox's PrimeLink C9065/C9070 also offers a conversion kit for two prints that can support up to eight colors, although complete toner cartridge replacement is required between prints.

The additional color options offered by different manufacturers may vary, but they typically include the following:

1. White: used for color or transparent substrates to enhance printing results.

2. Transparent color: used for floodlighting or local glazing effects, can print transparent patterns or text.

3. Fluorescent or neon colors: Pink and yellow, for example, can be replaced or mixed with standard CMYK colors to expand the color range of printing and create a more attractive effect.

4. Metallic: Some machines offer metallic options that can be re-printed or blended to create new colors and finishes.

In terms of post-press processing, there are various ways to achieve special effects printing, usually by combining the following techniques:

1. Hot Foiling: Use hot gold foil to transfer special patterns or text to paper, which can be achieved by laminating machines and hot stamping equipment.

2. Spot UV: UV coatings are used to create a high-gloss effect on a specific area, which can be achieved through digital decoration equipment.

3. Creative Lamination: Using different types of films for lamination can increase the texture and visual effect of the paper.

4. Texture effects: Build texture 3D effects in a multi-channel manner, which can be realized on digital decoration devices.

In the digital decoration market, some high-end products offer more options for special effects printing, such as:

1. Konica Minolta/MGI and Vigodi product lines: These dedicated industrial production equipment can provide UV glazing and bronzing effects, including a wide range of bronzing and finished effects.

2. Kurz: The company acquired Steinemann and provided inkjet glazing and bronzing systems, including sheet-fed equipment for 2D surface glazing and bronzing, as well as equipment for bumping and texturing effects.

Overall, the digital decoration market offers a variety of options for special effects printing, whether through in-press or post-press processing, a suitable solution can be found according to the needs of the business and product.https://www.risedongsheng.com/