Faster testing of effect colors for laminate applications
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| Photo: GRAFE |
With a special process, the GRAFE GROUP, Blankenhain, Germany, is able to test and simulate color ideas for multilayer applications as early as the development phase. “This way, we can achieve results faster in material designs in this area and optimize the development time for customized products to the benefit of our customers,” explains Lars Schulze, Head of Color Development and Material Sciences.
Multilayer applications are used in a variety of ways in the packaging and pharmaceutical industries to protect products from environmental influences and extend their shelf life. In the furniture industry or for high-quality consumer goods, laminates are a cost-effective alternative that achieve a high-quality surface appearance – and that with a minimal use of effect pigments.
“The substrate material in the base color, in combination with the applied effect carrier, saves on the need for solid-colored plastic,” explains Schulze. A decorative film that carries expensive effect pigments for the optics is combined with the cost-effective, solid-colored base material, which ensures the stability of the product,” the expert adds. ”This combination of a base layer and a translucent effect layer enables unique color effects that cannot be achieved with mono-coloring, or only at great expense.”
The challenge in developing the color design lies in the dosage of the pigments in the top layer in combination with the appearance of the substrate. “With our technology, color ideas can be tested cost-effectively and simulated in-house, saving the customer time, material and machine setup costs, and thus also product development costs,” reports Schulze.
With its specially developed sample profiles, GRAFE offers its customers a service that allows them to get an impressive picture in advance. “Using four basic colors, from white to gray to black shades, we have applied various effect variants. They illustrate the depth effect achieved by layering, due to the multi-layer structure,” the color developer explains, pointing out that the top coat can also be equipped with the desired properties, additives or aggregates. Every individual color development is included in our development service.”
“A sample box with a collection of sample plates made of PETG is available for customer advice. The plates, the size of a credit card, are based on the GRAFE 2024/25 color trends. With a view to the diverse range of applications in the film and sheet industry, other plastics are conceivable,” Schulze enumerates. In addition, the company is looking forward to inquiries and close cooperation with industrial partners from a wide range of sectors for a variety of other decorative effects.
