Services
Thermal Film Laminating
Thermal Laminating is pretty much the standard laminating technology. All films have the base film (about .6mi) plus adhesive (.75mil). The type of base film is the big decider in how the product will perform in the post consumer market. Below is the basic list of thermal based films.
- Polypropylene
- Polyester
- Nylon
Thermal films are applied using heated rollers (250 degrees) which liquefies the adhesive and bonds instantly. Sounds simple but its not. Years of experience aqre the only factor in resolving the multitude of issues the arise during the laminating process. Paper, inks, and presws chemicals all play a challenging role is getting your product laminated and out the door or ready for the next finishing operation.
We have a professional staff ready to answer any questions you may have in making sure your job is planned correctly and moves through our facility flawlessly.
Polypropylene (OPP)
This film is the least expensive and most popular for posters, cards, book covers etc. It has a "soft" surface (it is not recommended when other processes such as die cutting will be performed after laminating due to its soft surface). Recently a new polypro series was introduce called Matte SF. This new matte Scuff-free (more like scuff-resistant) is an excellent film for finishing projects which normal matte polypro would not be good for. Initially foil stamping test have proven good. Animal glues will also work well but this film is a polypro based film and curling is a major factor on thin papers.
Polypro films are also an excellent Write-on/Wipe-off film. Since the surface tension (dyne level) is so low the dye pens will sit on top but do not bead up. Polypro is available in 1.2mil only. Thicker polypro films are customer order and expensive since they are not a commodity product.
Type of Products and Application issues
- Book Covers: Poor
- Foil Stamping: No
- Gluing: No
- Folding: Scuffs easily (accept SF series)
- Wite-On/Wipe-Off: Dry Erase
- Book Jackets: Good
Polyester (PET)
Also very popular but a bit more expensive than OPP, this film is more "scuff resistant" than OPP. We recommend this film when the printed matter will go through other processes that might damage the surface of the film because of friction. It is available in gloss, matte or satin finish.
Lay-Flat (Nylon)
This type of film is used mostly for book covers (the paperback type) where curling can be an issue. It is also known as "Curl-Free". It is available in Gloss or Matte finish.
Specifications and technical assistance.
Laminating Specifications
38" x 72" maximum sheet size
2 1/2" x 2 1/2" minimum sheet size
Single side
1/2" waste on all sides required for lamination purposes
Double side
3/4" waste on all sides
Paper
60 # text minimum weight
24pt. Heaviest
Always
Include a ruled up press sheet
Have enough waste margins
Have minimum powder
Specify exactly what film you want, exact counts
Give ample warning
Other Issues and things to know
Lowest offset powder setting possible for optimum appearance
Flat sheets are required for least waste
200 sheets waste minimum or 3%
Wax-free for the best bond
Seal Metallic Inks
Lamination will not bond to unstable surfaces
Flood and Spot UV Coating
The one and only Super high gloss coating available. Nothing compares to the UV wet look and durability. Award winning graphics are high-lighted with this remarkable acrylate plastic coating. That that ordinary print job into a spectacular fireworks of contrasts.
We Can...
- Gloss, Matte, & Satin UV
- Remoist Glues
- Scratch-off Inks
- Screen Print Waterbase and UV
- Specialty Coatings
Specifications
Maximum Sheet Size: 28" x 40"
Minimum Sheet Size: 15" x 23"
Margins: 1/2 minimum waste on all sides
Paper Minimum: 80# Text
Paper Maximum: 24pt. Board
Paper Surface:
Paper must be clay coated
Blemishes in paper will be highlighted
Inks & Other Considerations
UV compatible inks only
Inks have to be completely dry - surface to paper
Aqueous sealers will slow the inks drying process
Refex blue and Rhodamine Red will change color
Offset Powder show -- so dust or remove powder
Metallic Inks are unstable due to an aluminum powder base so UV will adhere to powder but can be removed if burnished.
Metallic inks need to be sealed
Specialty Coatings
Iridescent
Glow in the Dark
Glitter
Preparation
Positives should be right reading emulsion side up.
Full sheets positives are required.
Match positive to press sheets for best results.
ElKote
Allforms Print Finishing is a leading provider of the ELkote finishing process. ELkote is a newly patented graphic arts process. It is a true breakthrough for the finishing and printing industry, providing the ultimate in dull/gloss combinations, and allowing numerous design enhancements for projects of any size.
ELkote is resistant to cracking marring, and is compatible with stamping and embossing. Allforms Print Finishing is sure that you will find this process very exciting by adding value through creating visual dimension and texture.
Design Advantages
If you are looking to add value to your next project by adding visual dimension and texture to your next project, than the newly patented ELkote finishing process provided by Allforms Print Finishing is right for you.
The two step ELkote finishing process provides endless design advantages. ELkote maintains the same contrast as that of dull laminates and spot UV combinations, has highly consistent and tight registration and allows for soft feathered edges.
The ELkote finishing process is very durable, is susceptible to less scratching than ordinary dull laminates, the edges will not crack, and the gloss is guaranteed not to flake or scratch off.
Production Advantages
At Allforms Print Finishing, we know that design advantages are only part of adding value to your projects. Advantages in the production of your projects using the ELkote finishing process are just as important.
Because we have such extensive experience with the ELkote finishing process, we can offer you quick turnaround, highly competitive pricing, and the best customer service in the country.
Our Coating Equipment
- AutoBond Film Laminator - AFD - 1 Side, High Speed
- AutoBond Film Laminator - Compact II - 2 Sided, High Speed
- Autofeeds Film Laminator - 2 Sided, High Speed - 1.7 Mil, 3.0 Mil, 5.0 Mil, & 10 Mil
- GBC Laminator - 2 Sided - 1.7 Mil, 3.0 Mil, 5.0 Mil, & 10 Mil - Seal Edge or Flush Cut
- Film Linen Embosser
- Roll to Roll Film Laminator
- 2 Color Man Roland Converted for Flood & Spot UV
- Steinemann Colibri Flood UV High Speed Roller Coater
- Sakurai Spot UV Screen Press
We have recently expanded our services with a parntership with Elite Print Finishing to include Foil Stamping, Gluing, Die Cutting, and Embossing.
- BOBST BMA 126 Foil Stamper and Embossing Die Cutting 50"
- BOBST BMA 102 Foil Stamper and Embossing Die Cutting 40"
- Master Platen 1060 Foil Stamper and Embossing Die Cutting 40"
- BOBST SP 102E Die Cutting with Auto Stripping
- BOBST Domino 90 Auto Gluer
- BOBST Media 100 II Auto Gluer with Backfold
- Leary Jet Glue System - J202 Leary Jet both with 8 Output
- Leary Hot Melt Jet Glue System
- EHD Kludge Foil Stamper 14" x 22" - Embossing Die Cutting
- Polar 115 Cutter with Air Assist
- Freight Liner Tractor Trailer with Air Ride
- 28 ft. Straight CDL Truck
- One Ton Cargo Van
Featured Services
TP-102
Book Covers
