Coating and printing processes

Coating and printing processes involve the application of a thin film of functional material to a substrate, such as roll of paper, fabric, film or other textile. The coating or printing can be applied to serve some sort of function (e.g. water-proofing) or just for decoration.

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Coating processes are widely used to enhance and alter the physical properties and appearance of a fabric. Most fabrics are made of nylon, polypropylene, polyester, cotton and wool fibers, while most of the polymer coatings are based on polypropylene, polyester and polyethylene. Properties such as chemical resistance, anti-stain (or low surface energy), chemical release, hydrophilicity, vapor and gas diffusivity, electrical conductivity and abrasion resistance, may be added to fabrics, by altering the material surface without affecting its overall physical and mechanical properties.

The main coating processes include:

• Air knife coating
• Immersion (dip) coating
• Gap Coating
• Curtain coating
• Rotary screen
• Reverse Roll coating
• Gravure coating
• Metering rod (Meyer bar) coating
• Slot Die (Extrusion) coating
• Hot Melt coating
• Roller coater
• Flexo coater
• Silk Screen coater
• Anilox coater

The main coating and varnishes for the printing industry include:

• Overprint varnish
• Water based coating
• Acrylic based
• Solvent based
• Aqueous coating
• UV Coating - curing (chemistry)