Michelman introduced two innovative AlOx topcoats. Working in collaboration with BOBST, one of a supplier of equipment and services to packaging and label manufacturers, Michelman has developed and commercialized Michem® Flex B5770 and Michem Flex B5780. Both Michelman barrier coatings are designed as topcoats for AlOx transparent films and work in conjunction with BOBST’s AlOx coatings. Industrial scale and laboratory testing conducted on BOBST K5000 vacuum metallizers and offline coaters has shown significant reductions in OTR and WVTR, exceptional durability properties as shown through Gelbo flex testing, and excellent printability. In testing, Michem Flex B5770 showed no loss of barrier after 20 Gelbo flexes, while Michem Flex B5780 showed only slightly reduced levels. Michem Flex B5780 shows slightly better print receptivity, and has superior bond strength when tested in laminate structures. According to Mr. Robin Cooper, Marketing Strategic Program Manager, Printing & Packaging Group at Michelman, “The excellent barrier properties of vacuum deposited aluminum oxide (AlOx) are of interest for a wide range of high barrier packaging applications. The conversion of these films can offer challenges and result in loss of barrier. We have worked together with BOBST to address these challenges and we are excited to now offer new materials and processes that enable high barrier AlOx films to be produced and converted with ease.”
