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With the continuous growth of the packaging and printing industry, packaging technologies have evolved to become more advanced and diverse. To enhance product packaging quality and add greater value, a new technique known as gold sweeping has emerged. This method imitates the appearance of real gold on product packaging, offering a luxurious and eye-catching finish that sets it apart from traditional methods like gold printing or embossing.
What is Gold Sweeping Technology?
Gold sweeping is a specialized post-press finishing technique used in high-quality printing. It involves applying special metal powders to specific areas of printed materials, creating a sparkling, metallic effect. Unlike other methods, this process delivers a realistic metal texture with excellent gloss and fine details. The design is precise, and the overprint is accurate, resulting in a three-dimensional visual impact. The metallic feel is enhanced, and the light reflection is more natural, giving the product a premium look that stands out.
How Does the Gold Sweeping Process Work?
The gold sweeping process may seem simple at first glance, but it involves several key steps. Printed sheets are placed on a single or two-color offset press, where a special adhesive is applied to the areas intended for gold application. These sheets are then fed through the machine, where gold powder is brushed onto the surface and polished for a smooth finish.
The entire process is carried out using a dedicated gold sweeping machine, which consists of a feeding system, coating mechanism, polishing unit, cleaning system, and paper collection device. The machine works by first printing a thin layer of primer (known as "gold sweeping primer") on the desired areas using a specially prepared PS plate. This primer acts as a base to help the gold powder adhere properly.
Once the primer is applied, the sheet moves through the gold sweeping machine. A coating roller picks up gold powder and applies it evenly to the surface. The gold particles are then polished using four specialized polishers, ensuring they stick firmly to the paper. The machine also features gold belts that move back and forth, enhancing the shine and adhesion. A powerful suction system removes any excess gold powder, which can be recycled to reduce waste and environmental impact.
In some cases, if a printing facility has a multi-color press and UV dryer, online gold sweeping can be performed. This allows the gold application to occur directly after the initial printing stages, ensuring efficiency and consistency. When not in use, the gold sweeping equipment can be quickly detached, allowing the press to return to regular printing operations.
Key Features of Gold Sweeping
Compared to other imitation gold techniques, gold sweeping offers distinct advantages. While traditional methods like offset and gravure printing provide good results, they often lack the depth and realism of gold sweeping. For instance, offset printing produces a thin ink layer with limited metallic sheen, while gravure printing, though thicker, struggles with small details and large-area applications. Traditional hot stamping is energy-intensive, inefficient, and difficult to align precisely.
Matte printing, although offering better texture, is slower and less eco-friendly due to difficulties in recycling. In contrast, gold sweeping is efficient, fast (up to 7,500 sheets per hour), and cost-effective. It works well on all sizes and types of designs, regardless of complexity. Additionally, gold powder comes in various colors—such as gold, silver, red gold, copper, green, graphite, tan, lemon yellow, and peacock blue—and different particle sizes, allowing for a wide range of creative options. This versatility makes gold sweeping an ideal choice for modern packaging and printing needs.