|
Serigraph pioneered the idea of Decorating as an industry and continues to lead in many product categories because of endless innovation in plastic printing and down stream process technologies. We hold 27 patents and have numerous others in process.
This section contains only a few of the inventions & custom solutions that we have developed for different applications.
Mistycal for Painted Look
We created Mistycal as a replacement for and major advancement over one of the oldest products in the decorating world, Waterslide Decals. The Waterslide process is error-prone because the decal must be fully wet before it’s applied. It works, but not consistently. Mistycal on the other hand only requires a mist of water. The process is application friendly and allows for more accurate placement of the graphic. Furthermore, the Mistycal can easily be re-positioned during application.
Mistycal uses a very thin carrier with a release coating. The ink pigments release and fuse to the product after seeing some heat. It is an ink transfer without the equipment needed to apply heat transfers.
This product was developed at Serigraph and validated in the field to high performance specifications. One of its biggest advantages is the ability to conform to compound contours.
It has no edge, no profile because it has no substrate on the product.
Mistycal could be the solution for one your decorating challenges. Contact us to learn more.
SeriGlaze for Hardness, High Gloss
Our proprietary SeriGlaze process is a coating technology that provides a wide range of gloss levels - from a smooth glass look to a low gloss, matte finish look. It can also be delivered in a brushed pattern and others as well.
The coatings offer extreme hardness and formability unmatched by other printing processes. In some applications, nano-particles are used to achieve specification.
If scratch-free surfaces are required, SeriGlaze delivers exceptional abrasion resistance. The coating can cover up most minor imperfections, such as existing scratches or blemishes in a material.
If standard inks are not glossy enough, SeriGlaze is an elegant solution. Contact us to learn more.
Premier Illusion. Micromotion. Embossing.
Serigraph offers many ways to add texture and depth to a graphic.
Three dimensional looks have long been added to flat graphics through a time-tested technique called embossing. A special tool is used to press a graphic pattern into the printed material. This is especially dramatic when used on a reflective foil or a holographic substrate. The process works on paper, board stock or plastic materials, either clear or opaque.
We have gone far beyond mechanical embossing. Serigraph offers a variety of printed effects that create 3D patterns, often more cost effectively.
One is a patented embossing technology called Premier Illusion. It is a first surface treatment that lets you feel the texture of the pattern. It can highlight a portion of the graphic or be applied to a broad area.
Another patented technology, called Micromotion, simulates micro-embossing. Using computerized graphic technology, it delivers very fine lines to create graphic patterns. Most often it is used in a burst pattern to highlight a portion of a graphic, but many patterns are available. A first surface application, MicroMotion works best on foil-based materials or against dark colors. It is not recommended against light colors.
Another simulation of traditional embossing can be created with a product we developed called Reflex, a technology that has no texture on the first surface. You can’t feel it. A pattern is applied to the second surface of a clear material and then backed in a proprietary process with a foil. It creates the illusion of depth without a raised profile. Contact us to learn more.
Specialized Inks for Many Looks
Many special effects can be added to make graphics come alive. Our Liquid Ink technology for example, can make water scenes shimmer. Beverage bottles can carry water droplets or icicles that look real. This entails a thick lay-down of clear ink that only screen printing can pull-off. A gel-like ink is pushed through a wide mesh screen. The glossy, raised look creates a contrast with other graphic elements. The same process can also lay down a flocked, fuzzy look.
A related product, Liquid Metal, can be delivered in a wide range of colors that look like molten metal.
We provide dome coating with clear plastics, but in some cases Liquid Ink can provide a similar look at less cost.
We have ink systems that feel like leather to the touch.
We offer neon inks that replicate the look of a lighted, neon sign.
A unique capability of screen printing is the ability to deliver a sparkly, glitter on top of a graphic piece. Pearlescent inks are
also available.
Other processes create the look of marble or perfectly simulated wood grains. You can’t tell them from the real thing.
We carry thermographic inks that change color with temperature. They can be used to create a special graphic effect with temperature variation. Of they can make an image appear or disappear with temperature change.
All of these special inks can carry a full range of tints.
The range of effects from customized inks is very wide, beyond those described. Just ask and inks can be tailored to your custom graphic needs. Contact us to learn more.
Metalization
Metalized patterns can be applied to base graphics with great precision.
Our patented decorating technology called Select Metalization can replace conventional foil stamping processes. It has the advantage of accommodating multiple images on the same printed sheet, which foil stamping could not effectively accomplish.
It is generally a first surface treatment that can be applied to a wide variety of substrates.
Serigraph offers many specialized inks that carry chrome or other metal pigments.
It also utilizes a wide variety of laminates, including chrome and holographic patterns, to create exciting cosmetics. Contact us to learn more.
Lenticular and Promotion™
Serigraph’s Lenticular technology delivers graphics that can be viewed through a ribbed lens that create a three-dimensional effect. The product really delivers a punch because it adds depth to the image.
It has been used to great effect for Point of Purchase displays and premiums. It also works for recreational objects that are added to a packaged product as an extra reward.
Serigraph developed a major advancement for the world of 3D graphics in a product called Promotion™. This patented technology allows selected areas of a graphic to be viewed as 3D or as floating.
The base art is printed on the back side of a clear material and then our patented technology is applied to the front side of the material. Or the base art can be second surface and a special film is applied to the front side. Then the special technology is printed on that film.
In effect, we print the lens. The 3D punch brings special focus to the product being displayed. Promotion™ can be applied to the whole graphic or selected areas, meaning that 2D and 3D looks can be combined. Contact us to learn more.
|