Commercial enhancement processes James Playford Series Editor: Louise T Davies Commercial enhancement processes Lesson 27 © Folens 2009 © Folens 2009

Lesson objectives/aims Understand different finishes, including varnishing, laminating, embossing and foil, used in the priont industry. Have a knowledge of encapsualtion. Investigate the uses of varnishing, laminating, embosisng and foil finishes. Investigate the use of encapsulation. © Folens 2009

Learning ladder By the end of the lesson: You must: be able to demonstrate an awareness of commercial enhancement processes be able to suggest the commercial enhancement process used to enhance specific products. You should: be able to describe the advantages and disadvantages of a range of commercial enhancements be able to identify products with features produced by a range of commercial enhancements. You could: explain the terms corrugation and die cutting. © Folens 2009

Introduction As a Graphic Products student you will need to be able to understand the commercial enhancement processes used in the printing industry. Many graphic product designers employ processes such as varnishing, laminating, embossing and hot foil blocking to enhance the appearance and perceived value of the product. You may wish to employ one or more of these processes during your controlled assessments. You may also be asked to identify, compare, select and evaluate a range of enhancement processes in your exam. © Folens 2009

Varnishing (1) Varnish is used to produce a high gloss finish to graphic products or selected areas of graphic products. There are two methods of application: Ultraviolet radiation is used to harden with a liquid plastic coating. Varnish is added as a fifth colour during lithography or gravure. © Folens 2009

Varnishing (2) Varnish can be applied as a continuous surface coating giving the entire project a high gloss finish, or to selected areas. Applying varnish to selected areas is called spot varnishing and has been used in the images to the right to emphasize the MP3 player and the wet area of the glass. © Folens 2009

Laminating (1) Laminating is the technique of permanently joining layers of material together. Lamination allows designers to combine the properties of differing materials to achieve a desired outcome. A paper/plastic laminate such as a classroom poster or bus pass combines the high quality printable surface of the paper and the protective, moisture resistance of the transparent. © Folens 2009

Laminating (2) Food and beverage packaging needs very specific material properties. It must be rigid enough to be self-supportive and not fail under the pressure of the weight of the product. The product must be kept fresh in a hygienic environment. The outer surface needs to have an attractive design printed on an ink absorbent glossy surface. The printable surface must be protected from moisture and abrasion. © Folens 2009

Laminating (3) Food and beverage packaging needs very specific material properties. To achieve this: Cardboard is used to provide rigidity. Foil or plastic film is used to provide the hygienic environment. High glossy paper is used to provide the printable surface. Plastic film is used to provide protection from moisture and abrasion. © Folens 2009

Embossing Embossing is used to raise a selected area of text from the surrounding surface. A die presses the material into the required shape. Embossing works best on relatively thin sheet material including paper, card, metals and plastic. © Folens 2009

Hot foil blocking Hot foil blocking allows decorative metallic coating to be added to paper and card surface. The gold areas of the passport have been added using hot foil blocking. A metallic film is pressed into the surface by a heated die. © Folens 2009

Encapsulation Encapsulation is a type of lamination. Paper based graphic products such as posters, menus and softback books require a durable high quality image. Glossy papers provide an excellent printing surface but are vulnerable to moisture damage, light induced fading and abrasion. A plastic film is bonded to the surface to provide the required protection. © Folens 2009

Task Obtain samples of each of the following enhancement processes: varnishing, laminating, embossing and hot foil blocking. Write a short description of each process and display the samples to illustrate aspects of their manufacture and use. © Folens 2009

Plenary What is spot varnishing? What role is played by each of the materials in a milk carton? How are products embossed? Where have you seen hot foil blocking used? What advantages does encapsulation offer for school text books? © Folens 2009

Extension Investigate the production and use of corrugated cardboard sheets (sheet material shaped into alternate ridges and grooves). Investigate the industrial use of die cutting (punching out an area of card or paper for dramatic effect). © Folens 2009

Homework Complete the task you were set in class. © Folens 2009