Piccari Press is a licensed user of the new technology called Metal FX®. We use a specially formulated ink with a high luster silver pigment to produce a brilliant metallic sheen. The ink gives the illusion of a foil stamp, without the added cost or time. In fact, this metallic ink takes much less time to dry than traditional metallic ink and is very opaque so there is no need for a double hit. Using a special silver ink base, new technology makes it possible to print a wide range of metallic colors as well as special effects in just one pass.
How it works
A silver base ink allows metallic colors to be printed while using the usual CMYK colors during just one pass through a five color press. Trapping describes the process of printing one ink on top of another. Traditional metallic inks do not trap well, so it is almost impossible to print another color on top of them. However, Metal FX® ink traps very well, enabling you to overprint process color tints in-line.
Using the designer software, Piccari's Pre-press team can set up almost any color and also can produce certain special effects. Two of the most popular effects are HoloFX (where the images seem to appear and disappear) and LiteFX (where the images seem to change tone). Because the same ink is used for all jobs, no specially mixed inks ever go to waste. The base ink has an increased tack level which translates into better trapping performance and less rub-off. In fact, unlike a traditional metallic ink, varnish is not required and actually reduces the metallic sheen. A dull spot varnish around the metallic will accentuate the gloss and sheen.
Benefits
The Metal FX® ink offers four main benefits:
- Metallic sheen and brilliance which mimics foil stamping at a much lower cost.
- Fantastic opacity on both coated and uncoated paper- a single hit is usually sufficient.
- An almost unlimited metallic color palette in a single press pass.
- Special effects that have to be seen to be believed that can enhance any printed piece.
Added Value
Piccari Press, Inc. is one of the few licensed printers on the East Coast. We are pleased to announce that we have specially trained Pre-press technicians who can help to answer any questions which may arise. Also, very soon Piccari will be holding workshops for those design agencies who would like to learn how to best utilize the design kit with Photoshop plug-in. As always, your sales person at Piccari is the best resource for both information and advice. If you are interested in more information or samples showing the array of Metal FX® effects, please contact your Piccari representative.
