BO-PET Synaps

Waterproof synthetic paper for a wide range of applications – Synaps

Marketed under the brand name Synaps, this double-sided silk-coated, water-resistant synthetic paper is made from BO-PET material. Synaps can be written on like paper, yet it is tear-proof. It is wipe-clean, looks like paper, and has a similar feel. Laser prints on Synaps are waterproof, making lamination unnecessary for outdoor use.

Synaps is available in three grades and in many different thicknesses. The properties of Synaps XM are optimized for toner-based digital printing. Synaps OM is best suited for offset and inkjet printing. Synaps PS is a self-adhesive version of the synthetic paper. For outdoor applications such as advertising posters, table displays, or ski passes, synthetic papers like Synaps are an ideal material.

The manufacturing process of Synaps and other synthetic papers

The production process of synthetic papers such as Synaps or optimont® synthetic paper is based on the polycondensation of polyethylene terephthalate from the raw materials ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid. Using flat film extrusion, the thermoplastic material is formed into a film, which is then biaxially stretched after production. Stretching refers to the controlled elongation of the still-warm PET film. In this context, biaxial means stretching both in the machine direction and across the machine direction. Such films are referred to as biaxially oriented, which is where the “BO” in BO-PET originates.

Effects of the stretching process on Synaps and other synthetic papers

Biaxial stretching improves the mechanical strength of polyester film. BO-PET films offer high toughness; they are dimensionally stable as well as tear-resistant, impact-resistant, and abrasion-resistant. In order for the very smooth BO-PET surface to be printable like paper, synthetic papers must be coated on both sides or at least on one side. These coatings create both the tactile and visual impression of paper. The key difference from conventional paper is that synthetic papers such as Synaps or optimont® synthetic paper are virtually tear-proof, waterproof, and UV-resistant.

Applications for Synaps

Synaps has been tested for use on various printing systems. In general, the synthetic paper can be printed without difficulty on laser printers. It can also be used in UV flexographic printing and thermal transfer printing. Under certain conditions, offset and screen printing can also be carried out on Synaps. Details can be found in the product data sheet. UV and latex inkjet printers may also be used under specific conditions. However, there are exceptions. For example, Synaps cannot be printed with poster printers from KIP or Ricoh. Standard desktop inkjet printers are not compatible with Synaps, nor are Riso duplex printers or Océ ColorWave printers.

For further processing, cutting devices, die-cutting machines, and laser cutters can be used. The synthetic paper can also be cut on roll cutters and cutting plotters.

Fields of application for synthetic papers such as Synaps or optimont® synthetic paper

• Weather-resistant posters, signs, and labels for logistics and B2C applications
• Admission tickets, access passes, and ID cards
• High-quality business cards or marketing materials
• Promotional signs, table displays, and menus
• Product stickers, manuals, and city maps
• Prohibition signs, information signs, or emergency plans that must remain clearly legible over long periods under adverse outdoor conditions, in factories, offices, or public buildings
• Ski passes and parking permits

Bleher alternatives to Synaps: optimont® synthetic paper

Bleher offers its synthetic paper in two product variants:

• optimont® synthetic paper is produced from BO-PET film with a matte coating on both sides. It is available in thicknesses between 120 and 270 µm. Custom formats, roll goods, as well as DIN A4, DIN A3, and DIN SRA3 sizes are available. Depending on thickness, opacity according to the CIE standard ranges between 94 and 98 percent. According to ASTM D-1003, light transmission is between 7 and 13 percent. Tear resistance reaches 1400 kg/cm² in the machine direction (MD) and 1500 kg/cm² in the transverse direction (TD).
• optimont® synthetic paper AD is single-side matte and therefore printable on one side only. The BO-PET film is just 60 µm thick. Despite its thinness, this tear-resistant synthetic paper can be printed with standard laser printers and is also suitable for copiers. Bleher supplies this thin synthetic paper in DIN A4 and DIN A3 formats.

Long-term data security on synthetic paper such as Synaps or optimont® synthetic paper

Anyone who has looked at products in the outdoor area of a garden center or DIY store may wonder how labels remain legible despite exposure to wind and weather. It can be assumed that such labels for the B2C sector are made from synthetic paper such as Synaps or optimont® synthetic paper. The same applies to labels on pallets and containers in the logistics sector. It is crucial that stored information remains legible even under heavy exposure to water, heat, or cold and over long periods of time.

With labels made from synthetic paper, all parties in a supply chain – from manufacturers to logistics providers to retailers – ensure long-term data visibility, even under challenging environmental conditions. Barcodes, text, and QR codes remain readable for a long time, even when products or containers are stored outdoors and exposed to high temperatures, wind, sunlight, snow, rain, or cold.

Further areas of application for BO-PET Synaps or other synthetic papers

• Tourism and travel

Whether traveling by train, plane, or bus, tear-resistant luggage tags made from BO-PET Synaps ensure that luggage reaches its destination safely. Labels and tags made from synthetic paper are easy to write on, water-repellent, and withstand a wide range of stresses – essential when entrusting luggage to third parties.

• Agriculture and forestry

Durable plant labels preserve information about planted crops over long periods, even under adverse weather conditions such as rain, snow, frost, or UV exposure. It does not matter whether the labels are printed or handwritten.

Especially in horticulture, such information is extremely helpful for maintenance. In reforestation projects, the information recorded on labels attached to planted trees allows precise monitoring and documentation of growth. Which plants best withstand today’s climatic conditions, weather, and wildlife browsing?

• Industry and logistics

The application of labels and tags in industry, production, and logistics is extensive. Key factors are resistance to water, chemicals, weather, and mechanical stress.

Product batches, individual products, and quality categories are labeled, as well as rejected goods or items requiring further processing. Long-term machine readability of the labels used is essential for automated workflows. BO-PET Synaps and similar synthetic papers meet all these requirements.

• Advertising and public information

Adhesive advertising banners on storefronts are important promotional tools but must also be easily removed and replaced with new information when needed.

Self-adhesive BO-PET Synaps film is suitable for this purpose, as it can be removed easily and in one piece. Information boards or prohibition signs in public spaces such as parks, hiking trails, and traffic areas must be durable. To remain effective over time, signs and text must maintain a clear and official appearance, even after prolonged exposure to weather and UV radiation.

All these requirements are met by printed signs made from BO-PET Synaps material.

• Creative and hobby applications

For various artistic and decorative techniques, BO-PET Synaps or other synthetic papers are ideal materials.

Painting with alcohol inks is a good example. The ink-receptive coating of BO-PET Synaps enables particularly attractive effects. The finished artworks are waterproof and tear-resistant. BO-PET Synaps is also suitable for creating stencils for decorative patterns and shapes. In graphic design, flocking on BO-PET Synaps can produce very appealing effects.

Thanks to its heat resistance, synthetic paper can be shaped and folded into creative lampshades in any desired color. An important area for the use of synthetic papers – whether for hobbyists or professionals such as museums – is model making. The material can be crafted into highly detailed and at the same time stable models.

The coated surface allows realistic color design – properties that make model builders true fans of BO-PET Synaps.

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