TROUBLESHOOTING | INSUFFICIENT SCRATCH AND SCUFF RESISTANCE

The challenges of scratch and scuff resistance

The scratch and scuff resistance of printed product shows their resistance towards abrasion and mechanical load. In general, inks and coatings provide a good scratch and scuff resistance – if they are processed properly. Thus, you can stamp, fold or glue.

The requirements on the end product depend on the later mechanical load. One condition is the sufficient drying of inks and coatings.

Normally, oxidative inks need 48 hours for drying, inks characterised by neutral odor need 72 hours. “Fresh” inks also provide a delayed drying. Partly, metallic inks require even more time for drying and often have a tendency towards separation. If you face problems with your scratch and scuff resistance, damage symptoms can be different. Possible are ease scratches, but also abrasion and strong damages.

Solving insufficient scratch and scuff resistance
S​​tep by Step

1. Stir the coating before use

Wax additives influence the scratch and scuff resistance of your coating. By means of stiring you help these additives to disperse within the coating. But be careful: The higher the matt level of a coating, the more damageable it is.

2. Increase your dryer performance

The optimal setting of the dryer is individual (IR and hot air). Temperature in your pile should not exceed 35°C. Consider a sufficient airing also during the drying process. The dryer’s air contains water after a longer production period (humidity). If this water comes into contact with the printed sheets, inks and coatings may become wet again (laundry effect).

3. Reduce the speed of your printing press

Like this, you realize a longer exposure time of sheets in the dryer.

4. Choose the appropriate powder

Adjust grammage of substrate and type of granularity. In general: The heavier the substrate, the coarser the granularity. The higher the ink coverage, the higher the requirement of powder. But: The harder and coarser the granularity, the more likely are scratches. We recommend 20 µ for paper up to 170 g, 30 µ for board and paper from 170 g to 400 g as well as 45 µ for board above 400 g and coarse stamped board. Do not use powder on a mineral basis (too hard!).

5. Consider a complete coverage of printing inks

Use an anilox roller with a higher cell volume. Printing inks must be completely covered.

6. Choose a substrate with a homogeneous surface

Avoid substrates with a rough coat. The reason: A good adhesion of the coat (inks, coating) on the substrate‘s surface. But be careful: Matt and silky matt papers are especially prone to abrasion.

7. More recommendations

Check the scratch and scuff resistance after 24 - 48 hours. Make sure that inks and coatings are completely dry.

Your short checklist

Influence factor: Coating (1)
Measure: Stir regularly

Influence factor: Dryer
Measure: Increase performance

Influence factor: Powder
Measure: Use appropriate powder
Influence factor: Anilox roller
Measure: Apply bigger anilox roller

Influence factor: Coating (2)
Measure: Use adequate coating alternative

Influence factor: Substrate
Measure: Choose homogeneous surface

Still have open questions? Contact us and we will support you with the application.

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