Pre-Press
Shelf Life
What is the shelf-life of Zodia paper?
Zodia product shelf-life is dependent on many factors including application, storage conditions and format (roll vs. sheet); it is therefore difficult to set a specific shelf-life time period. As is normal practice, we recommend that stock be used in FIFO fashion using the date-of-manufacture on our label as your guide. At a minimum, you should expect one year from date of delivery regardless of date of manufacturing as long as product is stored in their original packaging and under typical warehouse conditions (not exceeding 120ºF). Any product that has been opened and is being returned to storage should be properly resealed. For stock that has exceeded this time period, best practice is to confirm performance under specific application.
Printing
Can Zodia AQ be printed on any digital press?
Yes. Although Zodia AQ is designed specifically for HP® Indigo* presses, tests have shown the Zodia AQ can be printed on a number of other digital presses with excellent results.
Does Zodia work in a laser printer?
No, Zodia cannot be printed with conventional office equipment such as laser printers or photocopiers.
During the Press
Inks
Does printing on Zodia require different inks than printing on paper?
Yes. Printing on Zodia requires specially formulated inks geared for synthetic papers. (High solid, oxidizing inks).
Can conventional inks be used on Zodia?
No. See above. Also, adding dryer to conventional ink for paper is not acceptable.
Can I combine printed Zodia with another substrate?
Yes. However, if Zodia will be combined with another substrate, you should print the entire job (Zodia and other substrate) with inks formulated for Zodia.
Dust
How can we minimize dust build-up?
- Dry dust in an open unit.
- Minimize impression pressure.
- Print with yellow down first to minimize the effects of dusting.
- Use coarse blankets versus super smooth.
Set-Off
How can we eliminate set-off?
To avoid set-off, use a good amount of spray powder to reduce the contact between the printed sheets and improve the airflow in the load,allowing the ink more time to dry.
- Racking lifts no higher than 3-6 inches (depending on ink coverage) will prevent the weight of the lift from causing set-off to the printed sheets.
- Prevent static from occurring. (See: “How can we control static when printing on Zodia?”)
- Move / Air the printed piles of Zodia with care.
Static
How can we control static when printing on Zodia?
Maintain at least 42% relative humidity to avoid static. Use stationary elimination equipment such as ionizing air units or static elimination bars at the feeder and delivery.
Post-Press
Is die cutting possible on Zodia?
Die-cutting can be performed on Zodia with sharp blades and are free from nicks. Also, cutting right angles and sharp internal corners on Zodia will cause tearing, so be sure to radius the die (1/16 inch minimum).
Other Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zodia fire retardant?
Yes – we add Halogen flame retardants to our synthetic paper’s manufacturing process. The compound we use inhibits, suppresses, and delays the production of flames to prevent the spread of fire.
Does Zodia contain PCBs?
No, Zodia synthetic paper does not contain PCBs as additives.
Is Zodia FDA approved?
Zodia meets all of the FDA requirements for 177.1520 except for the density. Our paper combines PP resin, filler,and other additives – the thickness is not the same as 100% pure PP resin. Zodia can come into direct food contact.