What is the most common print process for small to medium print jobs?

Offset continues to be the predominant printing process for small and larger run printing jobs due to is flexibility, its variability, the high quality standard that can be achieved by it and its cost effectiveness.

What are the requirements for damping solution additives in the offset printing process?

The damping solution must work well with every printing element: the press, damping unit, printing plate, stock, and offset ink. Very early on in the history of offset printing, it was realized that the untreated tap water is seldom suitable as a damping solution.

What are Germicidal effects?

Damping solution additives must be capable of effectively suppressing the growth of microorganisms in the damping solution circuit. The only way to keep the damping system in good condition is to use damping solution additives with suitably designed preservatives that retain long-term effectiveness.

What are some important facts about metering?

Standardizing the offset printing process should also include standardization of the composition of the damping solution. The prescribed addition should be respected, since all effective ingredients are matched to the recommended concentration for use.

What are the requirements for water in the offset printing process?

The composition of water is determined by the geological strata in the catchments area and by any subsequent treatment.

The following parameters are of importance for offset printing:

Hardness - total hardness indicates the amount of calcium and magnesium salts dissolved in the water.

Hydrogen Carbonate Concentration - all waters fromm natural sources contain hydrogen carbonates which show a slightly alkaline reaction and, there, cause a rise if pH of the damping solution.

Chloride - Nitrate - Sulphate - corrosion of certain metals may be caused or increased by water components such as chloride, nitrate and sulphate. Therefore, machine manufacturers specify limits for the content of such products in water.

What are the special properties and applications specific to ACRYLAC water-based dispersion varnishes?
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ACRYLAC High Gloss: maximum gloss, very good rub resistance, universal application, processing in machines with long delivery and adequate drying equipment, usage on absorbent stocks.

ACRYLAC Gloss: high-gloss varnish for varnishing on both sides, very fast drying and good wet blocking resistance.

ACRYLAC Run Resistant: matt satin finish, even when applied wet-on-wet, outstanding rub resistance and fast drying.

ACRYLAC Matt: high degree of mattness, fast drying.

ACRYLAC Semi-Matt: Semi-matt varnish, fast drying, very good rub resistance, does not change degree of mattness on matt-coated stocks.

ACRYLAC Special: linking unit varnish with very good gloss, good slip and applicatin characteristics.

ACRYLAC High Gloss Heatset Web Offset: high-gloss dispersion varnish for the varnishing unit in headset presses.

What are the special properties and applications specific to PRINTLAC oil-based varnishes?

PRINTLAC High Gloss: maximum gloss, not suitable for subsequent finishing.

PRINTLAC Gloss: universal varnishes with very good gloss and fast drying. Especially used for low-weight substrates with a tendency to curl.

PRINTLAC-ECO Gloss Mineral-Oil-Free: mineral-oil-free, high-gloss varnish based on renewable raw materials.

PRINTLAC Rub Resistant: particularly rub-resistant printing varnishes for folding cartons and packaging.

PRINTLAC Matt: very good matt effect and good rub resistance.

PRINTLAC Specail-Lye-Permaeable: specifically for labels on returnable bottles, very good permeability to lye.

PRINTLAC Special-Overprint Paste: as a protective coating preferably on matt-coated papers, best effects when applied wet-on-dry.