Michelman and Utopia Digital Technologies collaborate for HP-certified coating

Michelman and Utopia Digital Technologies have teamed up to develop a new printing surface designed to enhance the printing of polymer and plastic media on HP Indigo presses. 

The HP-certified coating, called Extreva CS3, was developed collaboratively by Michelman and Utopia and is a modification of Michelman’s DigiPrime, a technology used by film producers and converters around the globe. To take advantage of the new coating, Indigo users need to order through GPA, a supplier of paper and film substrates based in Chicago, Illinois, and specify substrates with the Extreva CS3 coating. GPA is the exclusive distributor for the technology, which is currently available only in North America.

Extreva CS3 is pre-applied to the substrate, eliminating the need for press owners to handle chemicals. It is said to offer a full suite of beneficial properties never before available to HP Indigo press operators, and is available on PVC and synthetic sheets. ‘The coating produces consistent color development from sheet-to-sheet and lot-to-lot, excellent ink and coating adhesion, and most importantly, superior functional performance,’ said the company in a statement.

Functional performance is demonstrated by absolute flatness of the substrate before and after printing; no shrinkage, warping or registration issues; a surface that slips uniformly and consistently with no sticking to press components or other sheets, resulting in less downtime and fewer torn blankets; a reduction in static build up; faster drying; and the ability to repel fingerprints and other contaminants.

Extreva CS3, like DigiPrime, is non-yellowing and because it’s water-based, can extend blanket life when compared to solvent-based primers. Using substrates coated with Extreva CS3 can also increase the printer’s efficiency and profitability by minimizing downtime, waste and maintenance costs.