Transfer metallization Question

We need to make a transfer of vacuum deposited aluminium onto 30 gr/sq/m/ paper in order to avoid putting the paper into the vacuum system. Could you please advise which material would be the best substrate to carry aluminium? I was thinking about siliconized PET (to deposit metal on siliconized side), but have some concern if metal would then migrate into plain side of PET? Or if we rewind strait after metallization there is no risk of flake off?

Answer.

PET is certainly used for this process. I am not sure about using silicone on the substrate. Yes it does provide a poor adhesion level but what you do not want is the metal coming off before it reaches the transfer process. Also silicone is notorious for migrating to places where you do not want it to be. I would be concerned that the silicone would transfer to the back surface of the web and so then be transferred to the metal surface and so giving adhesion problems in the transfer process.  Often the transfer process relies on the adhesive used to attach the metal to the new substrate (paper in this case) being stronger than the adhesion to the original substrate. Thus you do not necessarily need to have an ultra-low adhesion on the PET just so long as it is lower than the high strength adhesive on the paper. The adhesive you chose can be either a hot or cold adhesive depending on whether you want a hot or cold stamping process.

If you want to also transfer some of the polymer release coating then it is possible to use a UV curable polymer and partially curing the coating so that it is sure to fail within the polymer thus transferring some of the polymer with the metal. 

Comments

[john ellis]

You could use the tried an tested methods and formulae as used by the stamping foils industry.
I have access to these methods and materials
e mail me your details to metalliserservice@btinternet.com
or www.metalliser.co.uk

[Madan sharma]

Dear sir,

we are gravure printers and laminators.

we want to print 8 colour on polyester ,then metalise it,and transfer the print with metalisation on to kraft paper.

Could you please suggest a initial coating to be applied before print and metalisation,which can transfer the print with metal completely on paper,and we also require a top coat on print before metalisation to prevent the colour change of print at the time of metalisation.

Your kind advise shall be highly honoured.

Regards,

Madan sharma.