Michelman partners with HP Indigo

Michelman has expanded the range of DigiGuard UV overprint varnishes allowing HP Indigo press owners to extend the application range by meeting the industry's durability and resistance standards for high-performance labels.

Michelman has expanded the range of DigiGuard UV overprint varnishes allowing HP Indigo press owners to extend the application range

New UV overprint varnishes (OPVs) permit HP Indigo digitally-printed labels to endure harsh environments, including extreme heat, chemicals, water, or friction during packing and transport. 

These technologies allow press owners to increase the addressable market size and produce more with their HP Indigo digital label presses in applications such as packaging for personal care and cosmetics, household cleaners, automotive oils and fluids, wine and beer bottles, and industrial and electronic equipment.

Lisa DiGate, Michelman's global business vice president at HP Indigo, said: 'Michelman has partnered with HP Indigo for nearly 20 years to bring innovation that offers press owners digital print versatility to enter new markets. We are excited to introduce new solutions that protect HP Indigo printed labels, address more demanding label applications, and open up new market opportunities throughout the label industry; for our customers and partners.'

According to Michelman, the new suite of DigiGuard Plus UV OPV strengtheners is an economical and easy-to-use method, compared to lamination or other complex alternatives.  The entire portfolio is designed to improve UV OPVs' performance combined with Michelman's DigiPrime priming products, allowing converters using off-the-shelf varnish with the strengtheners added. Printers can use their current UV curable OPVs without investing in additional products or finishing equipment. 

Furthermore, the performance of the expanded product range has been tested using the Sutherland Rub & other ASTM, Finat, Bottle to Bottle, and submersion tests, achieving digital print industry resistance standards for label durability.

The new range of products includes:

  • DigiGuard Plus 902 UV OPV Strengthener providing water, thermal and chemical resistance and is an economical substitute for DigiGuard UV OPV 901. 
  • DigiGuard Plus 920 UV OPV Strengthener providing mechanical and rub resistance 
  • DigiGuard Plus 921 UV OPV Strengthener for water and chemical resistance

Moreover, DigiGuard Plus 920 and DigiGuard Plus 921 can be used in combination to provide mechanical, water, and chemical resistance.

Eli Mahal, head of L&P Products and Solution at HP Indigo, added: 'This new technology allows press owners to extend their application range by meeting the industry's durability & resistance standards for high-performance labels.

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