02Sep2016

Sleeking – An Exciting New Laminating Technology

Why do you need ‘Sleeking’?

Adding more value to print has been born out of a need to stand out from the competition. This has become even more critical in today’s saturated market. This is where sleeking comes into its own. This specialty method is creating a lot of interest in the print world. Being able to use image transfer technology that will bond with digital ink. When users avail of sleeking they will immediately set themselves apart from the crowd. This process has been used to produce items such as wedding stationery, business cards and greetings cards. Even university certificates with individual names can be printed in gold.

 

What is the process?

Sleeking begins with a carrier film onto which a foil, which could be silver or gold, has been applied. A sheet of paper is put through a digital printer. Wherever you put toner you then pass the sheet through the laminator. As it goes through the laminating process, the foil comes off the carrier film onto where the toner is. It’s similar to foiling. Then put the sheet back through the digital printer. Now you can print on the background to give a completely different effect.

Let’s take a look at a sleeking job being run through the GMP Qtopic 380

Step 1. Separate the image and digitally print the section that you want Sleeked in black, deleting all extra details. The image transfer technology will bond to the digital ink.

Step 2. Run the print through the laminating machine with your desired finish such as gold, silver or a colour.

Step 3. Digitally overprint to create a layered high impact print.

The technology opens up a completely new revenue stream for users, saving both time and money compared to outsourcing. Using just one system to laminate, foil and spot UV offers an even greater return on investment, as multiple applications are possible. In a digital age, decorative print finishes add an extra dimension to print.

Click here to request a Sleeking demonstration on the new GMP QTopic 380.