Q: What is Prime IT?  
A: To answer the needs of film producers, converters and printers Ciba Specialty Chemicals has developed Prime IT, a surface modification technology, having as first pronounced effect the enhancement of ink’s adhesion (and coating in general). Better ink adhesion also means having a superior printing quality on plastic.

Q: Is Prime IT a stable and homogeneous treatment? How long does Prime IT last?  
A: Yes, Prime IT changes definitively and homogeneously the surface of the plastic substrate. After 1 year, Prime IT substrates still maintain their printing properties.

Q: Is Prime IT only suitable for UV printing?
A: No, even if best results can be obtained with UV inks, Prime IT has virtually no limitations as it changes permanently the surface of the plastic substrate in terms of surface tension. The substrate can be then printed with technologies different from UV printing, e.g. Water-based inks. The typical average value of surface tension is 46-50 dyne/cm.

Q: Who can use Prime IT?
A: We think that Prime IT is the right product for printers that will recognize immediately a benefit in using it. Film producers and converters could use it as well although solving adhesion problems is not one of their main issues. Additionally we think printing machines producers could be interested in having our treatment implemented in their machines as additional value to give to their customers.

Q: Which kind of substrate can Prime IT treat?
A: In principle Prime IT is suitable on any kind of plastic substrate. We are constantly carrying on trials on several substrates (PP, PVC, PE….).

Q: What does Prime IT look like?
A: Prime IT is a yellowish liquid solution (Solvent Based: IPA, Ethyl Acetate). Water Borne solution is in development.

Q: How can Prime IT be applied?  
A: Prime IT can be applied with a standard engraved roll (flexo or gravure).

Q: Can Prime It be applied using an offset roller?
A: No, Prime IT solution is too low in viscosity and therefore it cannot be applied using offset rolls. A possibility might be the fountain solutions channel but this has still to be tested.

Q: Does Prime IT need a pre-treatment?  
A: Yes, the substrate has to be corona or flame treated.

Q: Can Prime IT be used on films to be laminated?
A: Yes, It is possible to use Prime IT on films, which will undergo a lamination process.

Q: Which printing techniques can be used on Prime IT substrates?
A: Virtually every UV printing technique can be used.

For further details contact us at primeit@cibasc.com