Use and analysis of UV varnish printed braille information on commercial packaging products

Abstract

This paper investigates the possibility of reproducing Braille by UV ink-jet printing on self-adhesive labels, previously printed by flexo printing technol- ogy. The aim was to determine whether it is possible to reproduce Braille, the degree of quality of created Braille dots (cells), the legibility of Braille text, and how many layers of varnish are necessary for quality reproduc- tion. The Braille letter was applied to the previously printed label (design) using 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16 layers of varnish. It has been found that it is possible to reproduce a quality and legible Braille. With the increase in the number of layers, the assessment of legibility and quality of reproduction by the respondents also increased. Samples reproduced with 12 layers of varnish received a very good grade of legibility and good grade for quality of Braille. Samples reproduced with 8 and 10 layers received bad grades for legibility, and even worse for quality, while samples with a higher number of layers of varnish, 14 and 16, received even better grades. The threshold for quality reproduction would therefore be the use of 12 layers of varnish, where a good ratio of workmanship and economy is obtained.

Comparison of colourimetric results obtained by spherical and spectrophotometer with directional geometry on samples with extreme UV varnish application

“…The printing was done from 1 to 12 layers, so colour difference could be monitored with every additional layer of varnish. Final 12 layers of varnish were applied, since previous research showed that with this number of layers of UV varnish legible Braille is obtained (Miloš, Vujčić & Majnarić, 2021). Gloss mode (drying with one UV lamp) was used for printing.…”

“…In this way, UV varnish is also used for printing braille letters, and also illustrations in braille books, signage and labeling in galleries and museums, etc. (Vujčić et al, 2021).…”