George Rice & Sons — Coating to Compete

With a standard, three-roll coating system, the first transfer is all the user gets. But with the anilox chambered doctor blade system, the coating is more immediate and is always delivered with the same consistency, eliminating the variables that cause problems.

According to Zimmon, the quality improvements with the new system have been substantial: better consistency with coatings; no more problems with streaking and striation with water-based matte and dull coatings; resolution of issues with uneven coatings, orange-peel and lack of control with sheetfed spot UV coatings. The printer is now able to produce matte and dull coatings for customers, whereas before it would only do varnish and some satin finishes. It is also able to offer water-based spot coating, instead of being able to do only a flood or nothing. In addition, it has freed up the unit that was dedicated to varnish, so it can offer eight colors—a plus to its clients and designers who seek more options.