Inkjet film IPF

Inkjet film – print medium for a wide range of printing applications

optimont® IPF inkjet film is produced from BO-PET material and finished with a special coating to create the ideal print medium for high-resolution inkjet printing applications. Thanks to its microporous coating, IPF inkjet film enables fast ink drying as well as razor-sharp print images, brilliant colours and high opacity. The smooth surface ensures precise detail reproduction and even colour distribution. The film can be used to produce stencils for screen printing as well as clichés for pad printing or printing plates for flexographic and offset printing. optimont® IPF is an ideal solution for producing high-quality repro films on modern inkjet printers. The inkjet film is compatible with both pigment and dye inks. It is therefore suitable for use in industrial and professional printing processes.

BO-PET material as the basis of the inkjet film

The biaxially oriented polyester film (BO-PET film) used as the carrier material for inkjet film ensures optimal flatness and can therefore be placed very well on the printing plate. IPF inkjet film is water-resistant and tear-resistant, making it ideal for long-lasting applications. If required, the film can also be vacuumized. This contributes significantly to avoiding undercutting during exposure. The film is largely dimensionally stable, meaning it is free from shrinkage and distortion and remains accurately fitting even during longer archiving. Ink on the microporous ink-receiving layer dries quickly, even with high ink application. Prints do not bleed and impress with high edge sharpness, very low dot gain, high optical density and also high UV density.

The manufacturing process of IPF inkjet film

The production process of IPF inkjet film begins with the polycondensation of ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid into polyethylene terephthalate. Polyester film is produced from this thermoplastic polymer by flat film extrusion. Immediately after extrusion, the film is further processed by what is known as biaxial stretching. This stretching in the machine direction and transverse to it gives the produced BO-PET film (BO stands for biaxial orientation) special strength, dimensional stability and clarity. At the same time, the film becomes temperature-resistant and durable. In the case of IPF inkjet film, the BO-PET film is also coated on both sides after biaxial stretching. This creates the resistant IPF inkjet film, which, with its microporous coating on both sides, is available for a wide range of different printing applications.

Optical properties of IPF inkjet film

Printed areas on IPF inkjet film are reproduced homogeneously and without halo formation. Improved scratch resistance makes the film easy to handle. As a result, and thanks to the short drying time, prints on IPF inkjet film can be further processed without loss of time. UV density depends primarily on the printer ink used and the amount of ink applied. We recommend using Epson UltraChrome or Canon Lucia pigment ink systems.

Important product features of IPF inkjet film at a glance

• Good visual impression for reliable inspection
• Reusable and archivable
• Very good freedom from shrinkage and distortion
• Excellent vacuum behaviour
• Very good UV density
• Precise and sharp-edged reproduction at high densities
• No bleeding
• Safe handling and improved scratch resistance

Optimizing the printing conditions for IPF inkjet film

A successful printing process on IPF inkjet film depends on various factors. The temperature range within which successful printing on IPF inkjet film can be carried out is between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius. Relative humidity should be between 30 and 60 percent. Printers for high-quality printing on IPF inkjet film should be set to the highest print quality. The films to be printed must be well protected from water, dust and fingerprints. Under these conditions, IPF inkjet film is suitable for pigment inks as well as dye inks.

Applications of IPF inkjet film

• Graphics
• Technical drawings
• Overhead films
• Screen printing templates
• Packaging prototypes
• High-quality labels
• Film replacement in reprography

Optimal storage conditions for IPF inkjet film

For the longest possible durability, storage rooms for IPF inkjet film should meet certain requirements. In a storage room for optimont® IPF inkjet film, the relative humidity should be approx. 50 percent. The temperature range should be between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius. After printing, exposed films are best stored in their original packaging. Good protection against UV radiation in sunlight and other direct light exposure is also important.