Idvac Ltd. Unveils Innovative Gold Colour Metallised Process for Solvent or Water-Sensitive Films
February 14, 2024Idvac Ltd., based in Manchester, UK, proudly introduces innovative method for creating bespoke gold colour metallised films, completely free from Pigments, Inks, or Dyes. This advancement caters to the high-tech security market, particularly targeting solvent and water-sensitive film substrates.
Gold colour holds a prestigious status in both decorative packaging and security applications, symbolising opulence and wealth. Traditionally, achieving this coveted hue on vacuum metallised films required the use of solvent or water-based pigments, inks, or dyes. However, Idvac’s innovative approach eliminates these conventional methods.
Our process begins with vacuum metallising a specially developed single optical coating onto flexible films, followed by standard aluminium metallising for hot stamping applications. Conducted inside a standard Roll to Roll vacuum web metalliser, this bespoke gold metallised colour can also be applied atop existing metallised flexible films using Idvac’s specially developed optical coating.
What sets this method apart is the controlled thickness of the optical single layer, enabling the production of different shades of gold colour while eliminating the use of any water or solvents colouring agents. The optical coating can be de-metallised using standard chemical or laser etching techniques, resulting in a mesmerising effect as the metallised aluminium acts as a mirror, reflecting the radiant gold colour.
Under the leadership of Professor Nadir Ahmed, Idvac Ltd. has been at the forefront of advanced metallising processes since its establishment in 2004. With over 20 years of success, the company has introduced various vacuum processes and technologies, including HRI (ZnS), Copper, Red Copper, Copper/Nickel alloy, SnOx, SiOx, AlOx, Silver, Colour shift, etc.
In addition to our colour innovation, Idvac Ltd has also developed other processes, including a corrosion protection process to safeguard metallised copper films from tarnishing, showcasing our commitment to comprehensive solutions suitable for outdoor applications.
The advantages of this new development are vast and include:
- Production of gold metallised colour on flexible films without using pigments, inks or dyes.
- Completion of the process in a dry, vacuum environment.
- Application on water or solvent-sensitive films where traditional inks or pigments cannot be used.
- Utilisation for hot stamping or lamination application.
- Etching of Idvac’s special optical coating using standard chemical or laser etching techniques, enabling the creation of silver-coloured details on a gold-coloured background.
- Control over the thickness of the optical coating to produce different shades of gold.
- Application of gold colour on the top side, backside, or both sides of metallised surfaces.
- Elimination of gold inks or pigments printing, resulting in a more environmentally friendly product.
- Average line speed of metallising the optical coating is about 200m/min, depending on the required gold shade.
- Reduction or elimination of water or solvent retention in the gold metallised film.
This ground-breaking technique not only revolutionises colour fabrication but also opens doors to a myriad of possibilities across industrial applications. Idvac Ltd. continues to lead the way in advancing vacuum metallising processes for holographic, packaging, and other niche markets.
