The Challenge
Label converter running an HP Indigo 6900 with a primer, followed by inline cold foil on a press faced issues:
- Inconsistent foil adhesion over HP Indigo inks
- Unwanted foil transfer in non-image areas
- Many water-based primers from other companies were tested, but none created a surface allowing adhesion of the cold foil while remaining imprintable and glueable.
The Solution
S-OneLP introduced KK494 as a post-print layer to create a surface for cold foil adhesion.
The Result
“I want to thank S-OneLP for the help with the challenges we were experiencing with our cold foil labels. We were printing on our HP Indigo 6900 using DP680 primer and then applying cold foil on our Mark Andy press, but we couldn’t get a surface over the Indigo inks that would allow the cold foil adhesive to transfer and stick properly to the labels. We were also seeing foil transfer in areas where it shouldn’t be.
We tried multiple water-based primers over the Indigo prints with no success, so I’m glad I reached out to S-OneLP for suggestions. I appreciate how quickly S-OneLP was able to recommend and provide the KK494 Imprintable/Glueable Gloss UV Coating for us to trial.
After applying KK494 as a post-print coating over the Indigo output, it was an instant success. It created the right surface for the cold foil adhesive to transfer cleanly and bond properly, while eliminating the unwanted foil transfer we were experiencing.
We’ve been running these labels for a few months using KK494 as part of our existing process, and everything has been consistent and reliable. Now all of our problems are gone!”—Bob Ferrell, Supervisor of the Ink and Web Department at Grafika
Why It Works
Cold foil over HP Indigo is a high-end, in-line digital finishing technique applying metallic foil to printed materials with UV-curable adhesive rather than heat and pressure. Process combines versatility of HP Indigo digital printing with specialized, in-line, or near-line finishing equipment producing vibrant, metallic, and holographic effects.
Key Components of the Process
- Adhesive Application: UV-curable adhesive applied to substrate defining where foil sticks.
- Foil Transfer: Metallic foil applied to adhesive-coated substrate.
- UV Curing: UV light instantly cures adhesive, bonding foil to substrate.
- Waste Removal: Excess foil peeled away, leaving precise, sharp details.
Benefits of Cold Foil over HP Indigo
- High Detail & Flexibility: Unlike hot foil that struggles with fine details, cold foil allows intricate, sharp lines, and even gradients.
- No Die Costs: Use a digital file or printing plate. Eliminate need for expensive, custom-engraved brass dies.
- Fast Turnaround & Short Runs: Cost-effective for short-to-medium runs, produced quickly without long setups.
- Overprinting Capability: Foil overprinted with CMYK inks enabling variety of metallic colors, tints, and shades.
- Heat-Sensitive Substrates: Cold process is ideal for thin films, shrink sleeves, and labels that would be damaged by traditional hot foiling.
Common Applications
- Premium Labels: Popular for cosmetics, beverages, and personal care industries.
- Short-Run Customization: Ideal for personalized, variable data materials.
The Bigger Opportunity
KK494 delivers surface consistency. When cold foil performance falls short, select the right coating for production-ready success.
Get a quote now by connecting with us today.
941.256.7900 or labelsandpackaging@sone.com