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With the continuous growth of the packaging and printing industry, advancements in packaging technology have led to more refined and diverse methods. To enhance product packaging quality and add greater value, a new technique called gold sweeping has emerged—offering an imitation gold effect that stands out from traditional methods.
1. What is Gold Sweeping Technology?
Gold sweeping is a specialized post-press finishing technique used in high-end printing. It involves applying metallic powder to specific areas of printed materials, creating a shimmering gold appearance. This method delivers realistic metal textures with a high level of gloss, fine details, and precise registration. After gold sweeping, the product gains a distinct metallic texture and a soft light diffusion effect, offering a visually striking three-dimensional look that sets it apart from conventional gold printing or embossing techniques.
2. The Gold Sweeping Process
The gold sweeping process may seem straightforward, but it requires precision. Printed sheets are placed on a single or two-color offset press, where a special adhesive is applied to the areas designated for gold. These sheets are then passed through the machine, where gold powder is swept onto the surface and polished for a smooth finish.
A dedicated gold sweeping machine handles the entire process. It consists of several key components: a paper feeding system, a coating mechanism, a polishing unit, a cleaning system, and a paper collection device. The machine works in conjunction with an offset press, using a specially made PS plate to align the gold application precisely. A thin layer of primer, known as "gold sweeping primer," is first printed on the desired areas. This primer helps the gold powder adhere effectively.
Once the primer is applied, the sheet moves through the gold sweeping machine. The gold powder is evenly distributed by a rotating coating roller, which sprays the powder onto the paper. Four polishing units then rub and smooth the gold, ensuring strong adhesion. The machine also features four special gold belts that move back and forth, enhancing the metallic shine and durability. A powerful suction system cleans any excess gold, which can be recycled to reduce waste and environmental impact.
In advanced setups, multi-color printing machines equipped with UV drying systems can perform online gold sweeping. This allows the gold to be applied directly after the initial print stages, ensuring efficiency and consistency. When not needed, the gold sweeping equipment can be quickly disconnected, allowing the machine to return to regular printing operations.
3. Advantages of the Gold Sweeping Process
Compared to other imitation gold techniques, gold sweeping offers unique benefits. Traditional methods like offset and gravure printing have their own strengths, such as speed and cost-effectiveness, but they often lack the rich metallic feel and visual depth that gold sweeping provides. Matte printing, while offering good texture, is slower and less eco-friendly due to higher waste production.
Gold sweeping, on the other hand, is efficient, fast (up to 7,500 sheets per hour), and cost-effective. It works well regardless of text size or area coverage. The range of gold colors available is extensive—ranging from classic gold and silver to red gold, copper, green, graphite, tan, lemon yellow, and even peacock blue. Different particle sizes allow for a variety of effects, making it a versatile and visually appealing choice for modern packaging and label design.