Cold foiling technology is becoming increasingly popular in the Chinese market. In fact, this process has been under development in Europe and the United States for many years. Kurz, a German company renowned in the foiling industry, has been committed to researching this technology. In the past, European and American customers also encountered issues such as incomplete foiling and unclear edges. However, through relentless efforts, they have successfully applied cold foiling technology in recent years. Now, these customers can use cold foiling technology smoothly and enjoy the convenience and advantages it brings. The application scope of cold foiling is expanding, and the market potential is huge. Therefore, Kurz is very eager to bring the mature experience and technology from Europe and America to Chinese customers and help them successfully adopt this new technology.
What is Cold Foiling Technology?
Cold foiling involves pre-printing UV-curing adhesive and then transferring cold foil onto the substrate to be foiled. The basic equipment configuration includes:
Printing press (flexographic, offset, or letterpress)
Foil application unit
Unwinding device
Rewinding device
UV curing unit
Therefore, most commonly used laminating or rotary die-cutting foil stamping components of rotary label printing presses are already suitable for cold foiling. Other presses can be modified to be suitable for cold foiling, and most equipment suppliers can provide specially designed cold foiling components.
Cold Foiling Process (Taking Flexographic Printing as an Example)
UV adhesive can be applied through flexographic or offset printing. In both methods, UV adhesive is first coated onto the substrate, followed by the application of cold foil. UV curing is performed before stripping, and the final stripping process completes the cold foiling.
Advantages and Characteristics of Cold Foiling Technology
Competition in the industry is fierce, and everyone is looking for efficient, low-cost, and innovative printing solutions. Cold foiling technology is a suitable choice. We are promoting cold foiling not to replace hot foiling, as they are two completely different processes, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, we need to understand the characteristics of each process, combine them with our own equipment conditions and project requirements, and try to maximize their advantages to make the best choice.
Some foil stamping projects that are difficult to achieve with hot foiling can be easily completed with cold foiling. Cold foiling can achieve gradient effects that traditional hot foiling cannot obtain. Combining these effects with the design theme can bring a completely new design effect and experience.
In summary, the main advantages of cold foiling technology are as follows:
1.Low investment cost: No need for hot foiling experience or special hot foiling equipment, templates, tools, or pads.
2.Flexible, efficient, and economical: Particularly suitable for small-batch production.
3.Low cost and high efficiency: Standard printing plates can be used.
4.High-speed and effective: Production speed can reach up to 120 meters per minute.
5.Suitable for thin, soft, or heat-sensitive packaging materials: Foiling on heat-shrinkable films becomes possible, etc.
6.Integrated printing and foiling in one process: Easy to control printing accuracy.
Innovative and eye-catching: Can create metallic half-tone gradient effects, bringing a vivid and three-dimensional appearance.
