Impact of Environment Temperature Changes Upon Print Durability

Abstract

In order to evaluate the stability of bar code characteristics under operation, a study was carried out to determine the resistance of graphic element prints to the impact of temperature changes and resistance to mechanical action (friction). The print resistance to mechanical action depends on the properties of the printing ink and the print material. For the study, flexographic bar code prints on different types of paper were made by using water-base and ultraviolet-hardening (polymerising) inks. Research has shown that Vellum paper is less suitable for bar code printing with water-base or ultraviolet inks as it gets considerably rubbed off during the first five minutes of mechanical impact (optical density decreases from 1.35 to 0.91). Rafla Coat paper is much more suitable for bar code printing with ultraviolet inks as in this case the largest optical density is obtained. In addition, this paper is resistant to mechanical impact after temperature changes.