Anodised Aluminium Printing System's Photo Quality

Edited by the Printingtalk editorial team May 26, 2006

A claimed breakthrough in anodised aluminium printing was launched by British company GSM Graphic Arts at this year's Sign UK exhibition.

A claimed breakthrough in anodised aluminium printing was launched by British company GSM Graphic Arts at this year's Sign UK exhibition.

Using sub-surface printing technology, for the first time Primodise delivers full colour, digital, photo quality print in to the surface of the aluminium, rather than simply on to the surface, claimed GSM Graphic Arts.

Being anodised, that creates a product that is said to be scratch, scuff and water-resistant.

The new process is said to have generated a high level of interest amongst the signage industry following its launch at Sign UK, particularly given the end product's durability and resistance to the weather, added the company.

However, GSM said that it expects the appeal of Primodise to be much wider, with companies involved in fine art, amongst a number of other potential applications.

GSM's Mark Dinsdale said: "Primodise combines the process of anodising - opening up the pores of an aluminium substrate - with digital print technology in a three-stage process.

The pores of the aluminium are opened, digital print is applied in to the surface and the pores are re-sealed.

There is no sub-lamination and no surface print; all you are left with is a full-colour, photo-quality image sealed in to the aluminium substrate." And he added: "It is this that sets Primodise apart from existing print technologies and it has huge potential, particularly for those looking for durability and product customisation.

Digital print makes it possible to customise individual signs, or produce smaller print runs, whilst the sealed-in, sub-surface print provides a lasting image that is scratch, scuff and water-resistant.

It will also resist solvents and detergents, making it an ideal anti-graffiti method for outdoor applications." North Yorkshire based GSM Graphic Arts produces a range of labels on substrates including stainless steel, aluminium and plastic, domed labels, data plates, fascia graphics, stickers and 3D labels.