Cold transfer is an efficient finishing technology in the graphic industry that can be used to produce both sharp-edged, brilliant metallizations and impressive hologram effects. Above all, cold transfer impresses with its versatility and the wide range of substrates that can be decorated with it.
Cold transfer can be used in both long-grain flexo printing and sheet-fed offset printing. Regardless of the process selected, it is particularly important for high-quality finishing that all components - from the adhesive to the substrate to the transfer product - are ideally matched.
In long-grain flexo printing, cold transfer is usually used to finish self-adhesive labels - polyethylene or polypropylene.
Do you want to know what possible applications there are for cold transfer in sheet-fed offset printing? Read more in our dedicated FAQ.
In a first step, a UV adhesive is applied to the substrate in the print module. The wafer-thin carrier material is then applied with the finishing by means of an anilox roller and pressed onto the substrate. Now the adhesive is cured using UV light before the transfer layer of the carrier is peeled off, leaving only the finish on the label. The metallized finish remains on those areas where adhesive was previously applied. Cold transfer is usually applied directly at the start of the printing process, so that the finishing of the label can be easily overprinted in multiple colors in the subsequent work steps. This makes a wide range of decorative effects possible. For more information, visit our cold transfer website.
Yes. The technical outlay for installing a cold foil transfer unit is relatively low. In long-grain flexo printing, all that is needed is an unwinding and rewinding station and a pressure roller. A separate pressure unit is not required.
Cold transfer enables a variety of metallization effects - both as fine lines and filigree lettering as well as in the form of full-surface decorations. The fact that the metallizations can be overprinted creates special color shades. In addition, diffractive and holographic effects are possible in cold transfer, which are in particularly high demand in label printing.
If you would like to discover our full range of cold transfer finishings, we would be happy to send you a brochure. Simply send us a message to request one.
Smooth, coated papers and plastic substrates achieve the best results in long-grain flexo printing. This makes the process ideal for finishing a wide range of labels. Furthermore, the technology is constantly being developed further, meaning more and more materials are being added.
Both cold transfer in long-grain flexo printing and hot stamping achieve high-quality results and brilliant finishing effects. Anything from high-gloss decorations to sharp-edged metallizations and hologram effects is possible. Hot stamping is characterized, above all, by the fact that haptic details (relief finishing) are possible. Cold transfer, in turn, impresses with its particular efficiency: The process can be directly incorporated into the printing process without the need for additional stamping tools. In addition, the finishing is only applied by printing without any heat input. This also reduces energy costs.
Both processes offer an effective and durable alternative to conventional finishing processes such as lamination. With digital transfer, the focus is on glossy metallizations, even for small batches and special editions from as little as one piece. Cold transfer, in turn, impresses with an unrivaled range of different effects as well as a high printing speed. This means that long-grain flexo printing allows for printing at up to 120 meters per minute.
If you want to know more about the digital transfer process, visit our website.
Absolutely! On the one hand, no plastic remains on the substrate - in contrast to lamination, for example - because the carrier is removed after application of the finishing. All KURZ transfer products are fully recyclable and can be recycled through KURZ RECOSYS®, the company’s own PET take-back system for the graphic industry, which is unparalleled worldwide. In addition, KURZ is constantly further developing its solutions and making them even more sustainable. The cold transfer module DISTORUN®, for example, enables precise positioning of single images and continuous decors. This means that the remaining free surfaces on already used substrates can be used in further finishing passes.
KURZ is also continuously developing further solutions for long-grain flexo printing.
