Chapter 21 Substrates 399
Polyester
Polyester is one of the strongest plastic fi lms used
as a printing substrate. It has high clarity, toughness,
durability, and good dimensional stability. It must
be treated to prepare its surface for offset printing.
Polyester substrates are used for decals, labels, and
signs.
Copolyester
Copolyester is an extruded and dull-fi nished
plastic substrate. It has a high degree of dimensional
stability, clarity, and formability. It is available in
matte fi nish or transparent colors. Copolyester is a
comparatively inexpensive plastic substrate. Book
report covers, overhead projector overlays, and fl ip
charts are a few of its applications.
Polycarbonate Film
Polycarbonate fi lm is a high-gloss substrate
with good dimensional stability, good heat
resistance, and excellent light transmittance. Low-
haze polycarbonate fi lm can be printed on offset
presses without pretreatment. It is easily die cut and
embossed. Polycarbonate fi lm is used for decals,
nameplates, membrane switch panels, overlays, and
product identifi cation.
Rigid Vinyl
A rigid vinyl substrate has good stability and is
available in calendered gloss or matte fi nish. It comes
in white translucent, white opaque, and standard
opaque colors. Rigid vinyl is commonly used for
identifi cation cards or credit cards, but it is also used
for shelf signs or labels, danglers, wall signs, and
pocket calendars. Rigid vinyl is easily die-cut and
thermoformed into shapes.
High-Impact Polystyrene
High-impact polystyrene is a versatile and
economical plastic substrate. It is offset-printable
and available in translucent and opaque colors. It is
used for point-of-purchase display signs and toys.
Cellulose Acetate
Cellulose acetate is a plastic fi lm. It provides
outstanding clarity but poor dimensional stability
and tear-resistance. Its soft surface is receptive
to a wide variety of inks. Cellulose acetate is used
for folders, book jackets, and overhead projector
transparencies.
Clear-Oriented Polyester
Clear-oriented polyester is the cheapest plastic
substrate available. It tears and scratches easily but
provides good clarity. It is used for short-term display
signs, labels, visual aids, and similar products.
Kimdura®
Kimdura® is a white opaque or translucent
polypropylene fi lm substrate. It serves as a “synthetic
paper” that has been treated for offset printing. It
is tough and durable, and can withstand repeated
folding. Kimdura has good dimensional stability and
a waterproof printing surface. It is used for posters,
brochures, catalogs, children’s books, outdoor maps,
globes, menus, and instructional manuals.
Reemay®
Reemay® is a spunbonded polyester that is
acrylic-coated on both sides. It is bright white. Reemay
feels like fabric and can be sewn and grommeted. It
is used for banners and similar applications and has
excellent UV-resistance.
Tyvek®
Tyvek® is a strong spunbonded polyolefi n plastic
substrate. It has a smooth surface, good dimensional
stability, resistance to ultraviolet light and moisture,
and excellent opacity. Tyvek is treated with an
antistatic agent to facilitate sheet handling. For
printing purposes, it is commonly used for envelopes,
tags, labels, maps, and book coverings.
Environmental
Issues
The paper industry is trying diligently to be
good stewards of the earth’s natural resources.
Reforestation is taking place. Programs are ensuring
that perpetual planting, growing, and harvesting of
trees is taking place while protecting the environment.
The driving force behind recycling advocacy is to keep
petrochemicals: Petroleum-based chemicals.
thermoformed: Formed by heat and pressure.