Advantages

CR1 metallic flexo cold foil for inline narrow-web labels and packaging in gold, silver, matte and selected custom colors. Inline cold transfer without a heated stamping die; Suitable for fine graphics and label-scale solids; Water, alcohol and abrasion resistance options for handled packaging.

Tech Specs & Notes

Inline flexographic or compatible narrow-web cold foiling with UV-curable cold foil adhesive. No heated die is required; curing energy, adhesive laydown and web tension control the transfer. The substrate surface should normally reach an appropriate treatment level for UV adhesive wetting. Select the release and durability grade for the graphic area and end-use handling.

Markets

Wine and beverage labels, personal-care labels, food packaging, tube labels, flexible packaging and premium narrow-web decoration

Substrates

Coated paper, PE, PP, PET, synthetic paper, pearlized film, non-absorbent label stock, shrink film and in-mold label structures

Storage

Store sealed in the original packaging, away from direct sunlight, heat and humidity. Recommended storage is 5-35°C. Use within 12 months from shipment and keep long rolls supported horizontally.

Product Brief

Metallic Flexo Cold Foils are developed for inline flexographic cold foil transfer on labels, packaging and selected flexible materials. The CR1 range is designed for buyers who need a clean metallic finish without a heated stamping die, with the foil, UV adhesive, anilox setting, curing energy and web tension matched to the real production line.

CR1 metallic flexo cold foil is available in gold, silver, matte gold, matte silver, bronze, red, blue, green and selected custom colors. It is suitable for wine and beverage labels, personal-care labels, food packaging, tube labels, flexible packaging, books, paperboard and premium narrow-web decoration, subject to the substrate surface and adhesive system.

Technical Specifications & Parameters

Detailed Product Description

Metallic flexo cold foils are selected as part of a complete inline transfer system rather than as a film separated from the printing process. The release behavior of the foil must work with the UV cold foil adhesive, anilox roller, printing plate, curing station, substrate surface and web tension. When those elements are matched, the CR1 series can provide clear metallic coverage, stable running and good reproduction of text, dots, halftones and fine graphic details.

The CR1 series is the standard metallic flexo cold foil route within the CR family. It covers bright gold and silver, matte gold and matte silver, bronze and selected color foils for packaging, labels, books, paperboard and flexible packaging. The foil can be selected for general-purpose metallic decoration, fine label graphics or larger local areas according to the artwork and production conditions. CR1 should not be confused with holographic CR2 products or the S double-sided same-color grade; the correct series should follow the required visual effect and substrate structure.

Inline cold foiling does not use a heated stamping die. A compatible adhesive is printed or applied to the intended graphic area, the foil contacts the adhesive layer, and the UV system cures the adhesive after transfer. The production line should control adhesive coverage, curing energy, press speed and web tension so that the foil releases cleanly without excessive flying foil, scattered transfer, wrinkles or edge loss.

Substrate preparation is important for both paper and film. Coated paper, art paper, paperboard, synthetic paper and label stock should provide a stable receiving surface for the adhesive system. Low-surface-energy films such as PP and PET normally require corona treatment or primer before cold foiling. The stated surface-tension guidance is at least approximately 38 dyn for suitable UV adhesive wetting. Uncoated or semi-coated paper may require a compatible coating before production to improve transfer and adhesion.

The metallic finish is available in bright and matte options. Gold and silver provide a reflective packaging effect, while matte gold and matte silver provide a lower-reflection appearance with clear metallic layering. Bronze, red, blue, green and selected custom colors can support brand identity and decorative differentiation. The perceived result changes with the background color, surface gloss, adhesive coverage, ink system and curing condition, so final color approval should be made on the intended substrate.

Key Product Features

• Inline flexographic workflow: Designed for narrow-web flexo cold foiling where metallic decoration must be integrated into a continuous label or packaging line.
• No heated stamping die: The process relies on a compatible UV-curable adhesive and curing system, which can simplify the production route for suitable lines.
• Fine graphic transfer: The product is designed to support small text, dots, halftones, lines and controlled solid areas when adhesive coverage and curing are properly matched.
• Bright and matte metallic options: Gold, silver, matte gold, matte silver, bronze and selected colors cover common packaging and label requirements.
• Support for film and label structures: PE, PP, PET, synthetic paper, shrink film and selected in-mold label materials can be considered with suitable surface treatment.
• Production roll flexibility: 640mm and 1280mm standard widths, custom slitting and approximately 6000m export rolls support different line and order formats.

Process and Material Matching

The recommended route is inline flexographic cold foiling with a compatible UV-curable cold foil adhesive. Gallus, Mark Andy, Gidue, Brotech, Weigang, Omet and similar inline flexo presses may be used when the adhesive, curing unit and foil route are compatible. Letterpress applications may also be considered where the press, adhesive and transfer conditions are confirmed for the job.

Anilox selection should follow the adhesive coverage and graphic area. A broader area normally needs a different adhesive laydown from a small fine-detail graphic. As a general process guide, large or full coverage areas may use approximately 300-400 lines per inch, medium local areas approximately 450-550 lines per inch, and small fine-detail areas approximately 600-900 lines per inch. The actual setting remains dependent on the adhesive and press configuration.

At production speeds of approximately 30-150m/min, the UV system, adhesive amount and web tension must remain balanced. A moderate operating window of approximately 50-70m/min is often used when stable transfer is the priority. UV lamp power, curing distance, ink compatibility and line speed should be considered together. Excessive speed or insufficient curing can reduce adhesion, while excessive adhesive or pressure can affect fine edges and graphic clarity.

For transparent structures, CR1S is the double-sided same-color grade and should be selected when both sides need a consistent appearance. CR2 covers holographic and transparent holographic effects. Metallic flexo cold foils on this page refer primarily to CR1 metallic decoration, so buyers should describe the required finish clearly when requesting a quotation.

Primary Industrial Applications

1. Wine and beverage labels: Metallic cold foil can add bright gold, silver, matte or selected color effects to label graphics and premium brand details.
2. Personal-care labels: The CR1 route can support cosmetics, skincare and daily-care labels where narrow-web production and clean metallic details are required.
3. Food and flexible packaging: Suitable paper and film structures can be decorated with metallic graphics when the adhesive and surface treatment match the packaging material.
4. Tube and in-mold label decoration: Selected tube labels, shrink films and in-mold label structures can be evaluated within the stated substrate range.
5. Books and paperboard: Metallic details can be applied to coated paper, paperboard, book covers and premium commercial print through a compatible cold foil process.

Project Selection and Purchasing Information

When requesting metallic flexo cold foils, provide the press type, adhesive brand or system, substrate, surface treatment, artwork size, planned speed, UV curing arrangement, preferred color and roll dimensions. If the substrate is PP or PET, state the corona-treatment or primer condition. If the job includes fine text, halftones or large solids, include an artwork sample so the adhesive and foil route can be matched to the graphic area.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is metallic flexo cold foil used for?
A1: It is used for inline metallic decoration on labels, packaging, paperboard, flexible packaging and selected films, especially where continuous narrow-web flexographic production is required.

Q2: Does the process require a heated stamping die?
A2: No. The process uses a compatible UV-curable cold foil adhesive, controlled adhesive laydown, UV curing and web tension rather than a heated stamping die.

Q3: Can CR1 foil be used on PP and PET films?
A3: PP and PET can be considered when the surface has suitable corona treatment or primer and the adhesive system provides proper wetting and adhesion. The actual film and process should be specified before production.

Q4: What production speed is available?
A4: The typical flexographic production range is approximately 30-150m/min. The stable operating window depends on the adhesive, UV curing system, artwork coverage, substrate and web tension.

Q5: What information is needed for product selection?
A5: Provide the press type, substrate, surface treatment, adhesive, UV system, artwork, planned speed, finish, color and roll dimensions. This information helps match the foil to the complete production route.