Printing equipment is selected based on the printing method,
ink type, and the specific synthetic paper used. Many synthetic papers
are designed to run on standard commercial printing equipment, but some setups
require adjustments to ensure proper ink adhesion, drying, and durability.
Synthetic paper does not require special printing equipment,
but it does require compatible inks and controlled press settings. Offset,
digital, flexographic, and screen-printing work well when paired with the right
materials and process adjustments.
Let’s read how:
·
Synthetic paper often works on standard printing
presses
·
Ink compatibility matters more than the
equipment itself
·
Drying time and adhesion are the most common
challenges
·
Some applications benefit from treated or coated
synthetic sheets
·
Always test before full production
Does Printing Equipment Need to Be Different for Synthetic
Paper?
Let’s take a look at this for different types of printing:
1. Offset
Printing
Equipment: Standard offset presses
Adjustments needed: Yes
Synthetic paper can be run on conventional offset
presses, but it requires:
·
Oxidation-drying or UV inks
·
Reduced fountain solution to prevent ink
rejection
·
Longer curing times or inline UV systems
2. Digital
Printing (Laser & HP Indigo)
Equipment: Standard digital presses
Compatibility: Depends on the brand
·
HP Indigo works well with many synthetic papers
due to liquid electrophotographic inks
·
Laser printers can handle thinner synthetic
stocks, but heat tolerance must be checked
Key considerations:
·
Confirm temperature limits to avoid melting or
warping
·
Use manufacturer-approved substrates only
3. Inkjet
Printing
Equipment: Standard industrial inkjet presses
Ink type matters most: Pigment or UV
Synthetic paper works best with:
·
UV-curable inks
·
Latex inks
·
Pigment-based aqueous inks with coated
synthetics
Uncoated synthetic paper typically does not absorb ink, so
standard dye ink may smear.
4. Flexographic
Printing
Equipment: Standard flexo presses
Flexo printing performs extremely well on synthetic paper when
using:
·
UV inks
·
Solvent-based inks
·
Proper anilox selection
No special equipment is required, but ink formulation is
critical.
5. Screen
Printing
Equipment: Standard screen presses
Best for: Short runs, signage, specialty graphics
Screen printing works very well on synthetic paper due
to:
·
Thick ink layers
·
Strong adhesion
·
Excellent durability
This method requires no special machinery, only compatible ink.
Common Challenges (and How Printers Solve Them)
A. Ink
Adhesion
Synthetic paper is non-porous. Solutions include:
·
Surface-treated sheets
·
UV or specialty inks
·
Inline corona or flame treatment (industrial
settings)
B. Drying
& Curing Time
Unlike wood-pulp paper, this tearproof paper does not
absorb ink.
·
UV curing speeds production
·
Extended drying racks may be required for offset
jobs
Is Special Printing Equipment Ever Required?
Special equipment is only necessary when:
·
Printing on very thick synthetic sheets (>350
microns)
·
Running high-speed UV production without curing
units
·
Performing inline finishing, such as hot foiling
or embossing
Best Practices Before You Print
·
Request printer-approved synthetic paper samples
·
Run a short press test
·
Verify ink and curing compatibility
·
Follow the manufacturer's handling guidelines
Synthetic paper does not require entirely new printing
equipment, but it does demand smarter material and ink choices. Printers who
understand curing, adhesion, and substrate behavior can produce high-quality
results using the same presses they already have.
Have a question about printing on our synthetic paper? Reach
out to us at enquiry@cosmofilms.com.
