It depends on your print technology and end use. With heat-sensitive constructions (such as thin films or hot-melt adhesive laminates), the toner application must be managed with caution due to the fuser temperature. For inkjet, the surface treatment and absorbency are critical.
Small desktop, water-based inkjet printers typically require treated or coated facestocks to control dot gain and achieve crisp image quality. New, industrial, water-based inkjet presses can often run standard paper materials. However, for filmic substrates, optimized inkjet filmic materials work best.
In UV inkjet, The inks transfer onto the label materials in a non-contact process through very small nozzles. The inks, which contain 100% solids are durable and scratch-resistant and cured using a UV or LED lamp. Pinning and corona treatment variables can help to optimize print performance including ink adhesion. Conventional materials often work, but optimized digital grades are recommended for best performance. Filmic substrates like PP and PE are best when moisture resistance, flexibility or durability are essential. Use UPM’s Label Material Finder to match the substrate to your press type and application requirements
