Title
Influence of microcapsules on the properties of raised prints
Authors
RAŠA URBAS STEFAN MANOJLOVIC BOŠTJAN ŠUMIGA and URŠKA STANKOVIC ELESINI

Received October 15, 2015
Published Volume 51 Issue 3-4 March-April
Keywords raised prints, microcapsules, fragrance microcapsules, screen printing, special printing inks, Braille

Abstract
Different standards and legislations define the parameters that have to be met so that the blind and visually impaired people can understand raised printed elements (Braille and tactile images). In this research, prints were made by the classic screen-printing technique and by special printing inks with thermally expandable microcapsules. For the purpose of the research, the properties of the inks, as well as the prints, were analyzed. Considering the fact that a printed surface can be recognized more easily with two senses rather than with one, pressure-sensitive fragrant microcapsules were additionally incorporated into the printing ink. The influence of fragrance microcapsules on the properties of printing inks and printed substrates was examined during the research. The analysis revealed that selected inks provide satisfactory results in height and touch recognition and that although incorporated fragrant microcapsules influence the properties of the inks and prints, fragrance contributes to easier recognition of raised printed elements.