The Lamination of Thermal Inkjet Media: Effects and Compatibilities

摘要

The finishing of a thermal inkjet media may include the lamination of the printed image. This can be done with cold/pressure sensitive, heat-assist or hot/thermal over-laminates or even with liquid laminates. There are many reasons which justify this additional process and they can be divided in three main groups: effects on the physical and mechanical properties (stiffness, curling, tear strength, etc.), effects on the optical properties (color gamut, gloss level, brightness, etc.) and effects on the durability (image permanence, handleability, etc.). These effects may be very different when laminating swellable or micro-porous inkjet receiving coatings, as well as dye or pigmented inks.rnThe compatibility between the over-laminate, the ink and the media is an essential property to consider when designing any of these components. A good indicator of this compatibility is the peel-strength measurement. Factors affecting this property are the media (coated paper, photo paper, etc.), the inks (type of inks, color and ink coverage), the ink receiver layer, the over-laminate (PVC, polyester, pressure sensitive, heat-assisted, etc.) and the time between laminating and peeling.