Analysis of UV varnish for textured effect

Abstract

Packaging and especially printing industry is experiencing an exponential growth in terms of customer demands. Owing to these demands, UV varnish is playing a major role, which is preferred over lamination due to environmental issues and cost. The UV varnish can give gloss or matte finish. Textured effect on the surface can be achieved by blend- ing gloss finish over matte. Various textures can be achieved by varying the blend of solutions, ratio, viscosity, surface tension, etc. Among varnishing parameters that affect the results are UV-lamp intensity, speed of varnishing and screen ruling of anilox cylinder. The texture created in such a manner, needs to be evaluated with respect to the topographic index to find an optimum combination of the parameters to achieve a particular textured pattern.