Ilfs Uv Coating QC Seminar
Ilfs Uv Coating QC Seminar
Ilfs Uv Coating QC Seminar
HIGHLY CONFIDENTIAL
Overview
60 Gloss Meter Testing of UV Coatings UV Cure Level Testing Scratch Resistance Testing (Level of Cure) Potassium Permanganate Stain Testing for UV Coating Consistency UV Coating Adhesion Testing Press Set Up and QC Procedures for UV Integrated Label System.
Testing
Ensure that the area to be tested is representative of the total printed sample or is in accordance with the specifications, and that the print sample is large enough to cover the gloss meter aperture. Place the test sample, print side up, on a flat area. Following manufacturers operating instructions, measure the gloss of the printed sample in the "machine" direction. Record the values separately. Gloss readings above 70 are typically acceptable for direct mail applications.
Saturate an industrial strength napkin with Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK). With average effort, rub back and forth with the napkin containing MEK. Count number of cycle rubs it takes for the coating to begin coming off. 11-15 cycles back and forth is average. Below this represents a poor cure situation.
With a nickel coin, rub back and forth on the surface of the UV coating. Coating should remain intact for six to eight cycles.
Place print on flat surface. Apply a six inch strip of tape smoothly onto the print. Grasp one end of the tape with thumb and forefinger. Using the other hand, hold print firmly on the surface. Pull the tape off print at a 180 angle at a moderate speed.
Examine the print and tape for evidence of ink removal. Ink/overprint removal of 10% or less are acceptable.
Control Procedures
Press Set Up and QC Procedures for ILFS Integrated Label System (with UV Silicone)
For Flexo Applied Applications
Press Set Up and QC Procedures for ILFS Integrated Label System (with UV Silicone)
Use Nitrile rubber gloves when handling UV during mixing process Do not leave pails or drums of UV open when not in use due to the inherent UV light sensitivity of this type of product.
UV Curing Requirements:
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Press Set Up and QC Procedures for ILFS Integrated Label System (with UV Silicone)
On Line Quality Control Procedure (before adhesive is applied):
Use a micrometer to ensure that the volume of UV silicone release coating remains at no less than 0.15 mil. Check reverse side of web after UV application and make sure no UV silicone has penetrated. This should be done visually as well as with a permanent pressure sensitive label (shipping label) by sticking the label on the reverse side of the web and making sure fiber tear occurs. Using your fingernail, scratch the surface of the cured UV to make sure only an insignificant amount of UV silicone is coming off. This is a quick test to confirm that cross-linking has taken place.
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Press Set Up and QC Procedures for ILFS Integrated Label System (with UV Silicone)
Visually check the curing of the coating. If coating remains in liquid state after the UV lamps, take the following steps:
Make sure the lamps are operating properly. Make sure the paper has not been exposed to a high degree of relative humidity. If high humidity is an issue, increase the UV application until cross-linking is observed. Check the effectiveness of the release coating with a permanent pressure sensitive shipping label before hot melt coater is engaged. If clean release is observed, turn on the hot melt coater.
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Press Set Up and QC Procedures for ILFS Integrated Label System (with UV Silicone)
As Final Quality Control Check After Hot Melt Coater is Engaged:
Peel hot melt labels off integrated label piece and make sure no streaks are observed on the release coating surface. Directly off line, pinch long way on label; label should almost fall off.
Make sure dies are not set too deep so as to punch through back of piece. This will result in fiber tear of the label.
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60 gloss meter is available from UV Process Supply www.uvprocess.com Potassium permanganate stain testing kit can be purchased on www.uvprocess.com but is expensive. Or you can purchase pure potassium permanganate and dilute down to a 1% solutions (99% water/1% potassium permanganate). This is available from JT Baker at www.mallbaker.com Micrometer is available from Mitutoyo (815-444-9538). Part # 293-761-30. Measurable down to 0.05 mil. 3M 610 Tape is available from ULine (800-958-5463) or www.uline.com
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