Non-leafing Aluminium for Metallic Offset Ink

For offset printing ink only "Leafing" metallic pigments are available when metallic effects are required. Unfortunately its optical advantage always diminishes when over-lacquered, inter-coat adhesion is weak, and after-press processing (e.g. lamination, foil-stamping, etc.) on "Leafing" metallic offset ink is always troublesome. Offset inks based on metallic pigments with "Non-leafing" properties are the best solution, offering both good inter-coat adhesion properties and retention of the metallic effect when over-lacquered. Until now, "Non-leafing" pigments with acceptable optical appearance were not available for offset printing.

The development of "Non-leafing" metallic pigments, which took place at ECKART, for offset printing applications took some time due to the manufacturing capability available. The first "Non-leafing" aluminium offset pigment with good optical appearance is presented to the printing industry along with its end product: Non-leafing Metallic Offset Ink. The study will include review of the production technology, starting with atomizing the aluminium, optimizing the milling parameters and the final formulation of the new ink. Technical advantages of this ink related to inter-coat adhesion and color blending will be included.