As with any industry, the printing industry has its specific concerns, challenges, and standards that must be adhered to. Among these various requirements, one particular aspect that requires keen attention is the abrasion resistance of printed materials. Given the importance of this attribute, this blog post aims to shed light on why abrasion resistance matters in “prepress printing” and the wider printing industry.
Understanding the Significance of Abrasion Resistance
In simple terms, abrasion resistance refers to the ability of a material to withstand the wear and tear caused by friction or rubbing. When it comes to printed materials, whether they’re labels, packaging, brochures, or books, resistance to abrasion is of prime importance.
Imagine a brochure featuring splendid graphics that start to fade or smudge at the first touch or a label on a product package that begins to degrade after a little friction. This spells disaster for the overall presentation and jeopardizes the consumer experience.
Close Encounter with Prepress Printing
In the realm of prepress printing, abrasion resistance becomes even more crucial. Prepress is the term used in the printing industry that encompasses all the processes that occur before printing and final output. These processes include design, typesetting, layout, proofing, and plate making.
Every printing process, including prepress printing, presents the potential risk of damaging the printed material through abrasion. For instance, during handling, shipping, or even subsequent packaging, the printed products may come in contact with abrasive surfaces. As a result, high abrasion resistance is a key quality that prepress professionals look for when sending a product into the final stages of production.
The Consequences of Poor Abrasion Resistance
Compromised Image Quality: Fading, smudging, and distortion are common by-products of poor abrasion resistance which negatively affect the quality of the printed image.
Customer Dissatisfaction: Print products that cannot maintain their appearance under routine handling and usage can lead to customer complaints and, consequently, reduced business opportunities.
Economic Consequences: Replacing or reprinting damaged printed goods can drive up production costs, negatively impacting a company’s bottom line.
Navigating Abrasion Resistance
To optimize abrasion resistance in printed materials, printing companies often make use of specific treatments such as UV varnishes, lamination, solvent coatings, or protective films. The type of ink used in printing, in addition to the substrate material, also plays determinant roles in abrasion resistance.
For instance, in prepress printing, UV inks are often preferred as they offer substantially improved abrasion resistance. High-quality paper or other rigid substrates are also selected for their ability to withstand wear.
Concluding Round Off
In the world of prepress printing, and indeed throughout the printing industry, the significance of abrasion resistance is undeniable. Offering a host of benefits preserving quality to enhancing durability, and ultimately satisfying customers, it’s a crucial factor in the longevity and aesthetic appeal of printed materials.
Investing in materials, inks, and treatments that heighten abrasion resistance will undeniably ensure your printed products stand the test of time, contributing to the ongoing success of your printing business. The printing community, therefore, should acknowledge, understand, and incorporate high abrasion resistance as a standard need in their printing choices.
Let’s continue to engage in robust discussions and perpetuate meaningful progress in the captivating world of print. Adhering to such critical factors as abrasion resistance and yet continuing to push creative boundaries, we can surely drive the printing industry forward and keep the fascinating world of print alive and thriving.