Choosing the right adhesive for flexographic mounting tapes should not follow a “more is better” approach. Low tack adhesives offer an alternative that can help avoid common issues such as difficulty in removing plates and tearing during removal, which are often caused by strong, high-tack adhesives.
Less Is More with Low Tack Adhesives
The use of high-tack adhesives can lead to increased operational costs. Damaging a printing plate during removal not only incurs replacement costs but also risks injuries to operators handling large, stubborn plates. Low tack adhesives can prevent these issues, offering significant benefits both on the production floor and in overall operating costs.
Why Low Tack Adhesives Work Better
Low tack adhesives may seem like a counterintuitive solution, but they offer superior bonding for printing plates without the hassle of difficult removal. It’s important to move beyond the traditional “thumb-tack” test and instead focus on how well the adhesive bonds to plates. Low tack adhesives are specifically designed to provide the right level of adhesion while still being easy to remove.
If your operation involves frequent job changes and shorter runs, mounting and demounting plates can be a constant pain point. Low tack adhesives allow plates to be removed more easily from the cylinders, reducing labor time and the potential for plate damage. Some operators resort to using baby powder, soap, or edge-sealing tape to lessen the grip of high-tack adhesives. However, these workarounds are time-consuming and can lead to additional problems like bubbles and plate lift, resulting in more press downtime.
Low Tack Adhesives Increase Profitability
The time operators spend changing plates can be reduced by 25% to 50% when using low tack adhesives, directly cutting labor costs and increasing production throughput. These savings add up, enabling shops to run more jobs each week and improve profitability.
Low tack adhesives also help preserve expensive, high-tech plates by reducing the risk of damage during removal. Additionally, they make repositioning plates easier, which is essential for achieving accurate registration without wasting time or damaging the plates.
When to Choose High Tack Adhesives
While low tack adhesives offer numerous benefits, they may not be the right fit for every operation. In challenging environments with extreme temperatures, humidity, or cleanliness issues, high tack adhesives may provide the necessary grip for consistent performance.
Finding the Best Low Tack Adhesives for Your Pressroom
There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to mounting tapes. Many manufacturers offer a range of low tack adhesives that cater to different pressroom requirements. Along with the adhesive, the foam and backing of the tape also play a significant role in print quality and tape longevity.
Tapes with closed-cell foam offer better compression and recovery, delivering longer-lasting print quality, particularly for long runs. A conformable foam backing can help the adhesive bond to cylinders with surface irregularities, extending the life of the sleeves. Polyester reinforcements on some tapes, by contrast, can cause issues like tenting over scratches, reducing contact area, and leading to print imperfections.
Making the Right Choice with Low Tack Adhesives
Understanding the advantages of low tack adhesives can help you make informed decisions that reduce operating costs and increase efficiency. Not all low tack adhesives are the same, so take the time to evaluate which one best suits your pressroom’s specific needs.
