Drytac Europe has launched a new range of Protac high coat weight (HCW) pressure-sensitive laminates designed to overcome the challenges faced when laminating UV-printed output.

On the introduction of the new laminates, Steve Broad, sales director of Drytac Europe, comments, “As UV printers are now regularly used in the creation of permanent and semi-permanent signage, we have introduced our HCW laminates to extend both the life expectancy and colour integrity of all UV printed output.  In addition, the HCW laminates add anti-scratch and anti-graffiti properties to the printed signage.”

All high coat weight films from Drytac have UV inhibitors within the adhesive – a clear coating that adds longevity to all UV inks.  Steve Broad explains, “One of the problems of UV ink is its limited outdoor durability in south facing light conditions.  This is due to the fact that the inks are manufactured with minimum levels of inhibitors so they cure more efficiently.  Drytac Protac HCW films have high levels of inhibitors which overcome this issue and protect UV-printed output from sun damage.”

“Our tackifiers in the adhesive help with adhesion to low surface energy substrates which is especially important if your products are going to be cut on digital cutters i.e. Zund and Kongsberg to name a few.  Our aggressive adhesive gives confidence to stop any delamination on such substrates,” he concludes.

Protac anti-graffiti (HCW) 50 micron PET, solvent adhesive. (Class 1 Fire rated)

This film is ideal for when a ‘popped’ image is required.  The high gloss product offers the added bonus of having anti-graffiti qualities.  Although UV inks are improving all the time, they still have a tendency to be quite flat.  The laminate is perfect for printed hoardings, bus stop graphics or anywhere print is liable to be vandalised and offers outdoor protection for up to 3 years.

Protac anti-scratch resistant matte (HCW) 100 micron monomeric PVC, solvent adhesive. (Class 0 Fire rated)

Protac anti-scratch matte has now been manufactured with a high coat weight for UV print.  Most true matte films on the market will mark easily.  However, Drytac has manufactured a flat matte film with anti-scratch properties which incorporates all the benefits of the Protac range of films for the UV market – such as UV inhibitors and tackifiers – but at a higher coat weight.  These films offer protection for up to 3 years outdoors.

Protac glossy (HCW) 80 micron monomeric PVC, solvent adhesive. (Class 0 Fire rated)

This range offers cost-effective PVC laminates suitable for UV print and offer up to 3 years’ protection against UVA and UVB radiation.  It incorporates good gloss levels to enhance UV printed-output and benefits from Drytac’s leading UV inhibitors and tackifiers.