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The role of lacquering in advanced surface finishing
Explore how lacquering enhances advanced surface finishing and how Tapematic integrates this process into its modular coating and metallization lines.
Lacquering plays a vital role in modern surface finishing technologies. Whether the goal is aesthetic enhancement, surface protection, or functional performance, lacquer coatings are essential to achieving high-quality, durable finishes across a variety of industries. In this context, Tapematic’s innovative PST Line II offers a fully integrated solution for lacquering and metallization, enabling manufacturers to produce flawless finishes with maximum efficiency, repeatability, and sustainability.
At the center of Tapematic’s technology is the PST Line II, a modular, fully automated coating and metallization system. It is designed to support multiple inline processes, including surface cleaning, UV spray lacquering, vacuum metallization, and topcoat application. This platform is ideal for industries such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, automotive, and beverage packaging, where quality and precision are paramount.
Lacquering within the PST Line II is seamlessly integrated into the production flow, allowing multi-layer finishes—including primers and protective topcoats—to be applied in a single, continuous process. The result is enhanced surface quality, reduced waste, and shorter production times.
Lacquering serves several key purposes in advanced surface finishing:
- It creates a smooth, protective layer that seals and stabilizes the surface
- It enhances color vibrancy and depth, especially when combined with metallic or sputtered coatings
- It improves scratch resistance, UV resistance, and chemical durability
- It contributes to tactile sensations and aesthetic consistency
Without lacquering, even the most advanced metallization or decorative coating can lose its brilliance over time due to oxidation, abrasion, or environmental exposure. Tapematic’s systems are engineered to prevent these outcomes by applying lacquer with uniform thickness and optimal adhesion.
Unlike traditional solvent-based lacquering methods, Tapematic uses UV spray lacquering—a process that offers instant curing, lower energy consumption, and zero VOC emissions. Integrated within the PST Line II, UV lacquer is applied via precision-controlled spray heads and then cured immediately using ultraviolet light.
Benefits of UV spray lacquering include:
- Rapid cycle times due to instant curing
- No need for thermal ovens or extended drying tunnels
- Minimal material waste through targeted application
- Greater sustainability and compliance with environmental standards
This makes it particularly suitable for manufacturers looking to increase throughput while reducing operational impact.
A luxury cosmetics brand partnered with Tapematic to improve the surface quality of its high-gloss perfume caps. The goal was to produce a durable, scratch-resistant, and visually striking lacquered finish over a metallized base.
By implementing the PST Line II with integrated UV lacquering:
- The brand achieved a perfectly even, mirror-like gloss
- Coating rejections due to streaks and dust were reduced by over 70%
- Production time per unit dropped by 25%
- The lacquer layer added long-term surface protection without compromising aesthetics
This case demonstrates how lacquering directly contributes to both product quality and process efficiency.
Lacquering success depends on substrate cleanliness and surface energy. Tapematic addresses this need with an integrated pretreatment module that eliminates surface contaminants, residual from injection process and static charges before lacquer is applied.
While some systems rely on external cleanrooms, Tapematic’s approach ensures that surface preparation occurs inline and in a controlled environment. This reduces floor space requirements, energy use, and operational complexity while delivering:
- Better lacquer adhesion
- Consistent coverage
-Higher first-pass yields
Tapematic also offers the PST Line C, a non-modular, space-efficient system with the same lacquering and metallization capabilities as the PST Line II. Designed for smaller production volumes or facilities with limited floor space, the PST Line C supports the same precision application of primers and topcoats using UV lacquer.
It is not limited to cylindrical parts and is equally capable of handling complex 3D shapes found in packaging, medical devices, or technical components. The compact nature of the PST Line C makes it ideal for companies seeking high-performance surface finishing without the need for large-scale infrastructure.
Lacquering is especially important when combined with vacuum metallization. In Tapematic’s systems, the lacquer acts as both a base layer to promote adhesion and as a protective topcoat over the metal layer.
Typical process steps include:
- UV base lacquer application
- Vacuum sputtering (e.g., aluminum coating)
- UV topcoat lacquer application
This sequence enhances both the appearance and longevity of the finished product. Without a proper topcoat, metallic finishes are vulnerable to scratches, fading, and corrosion. Tapematic’s inline lacquering ensures the metallized surface remains brilliant and durable throughout its lifecycle.
Sustainability is one of the core benefits of Tapematic’s lacquering process. By eliminating traditional solvent-based methods, the PST Line II and PST Line C help manufacturers reduce their environmental footprint without sacrificing performance.
Sustainable benefits of UV lacquering include:
- No hazardous solvent emissions (zero VOCs)
- Lower energy usage due to fast UV curing
- Efficient material use with minimal overspray
- Cleaner production environments
These features not only support eco-friendly manufacturing but also simplify compliance with increasingly strict environmental regulations.
Tapematic’s lacquer systems are fully automated, ensuring consistent coating thickness and process repeatability. Real-time controls adjust spray parameters based on component geometry, movement, and lacquer type.
Automation features include:
- Programmable spray head trajectories
- Recipe management for multi-layer coating cycles
- Inline quality monitoring and diagnostics
- Compatibility with Industry 4.0 platforms and MES
This digital control ensures that every component receives the right amount of lacquer, applied under optimal conditions—eliminating variation between batches.
Lacquering with Tapematic systems is used across various markets:
- In cosmetics, it enhances luxury packaging with gloss, texture, and durability
- In pharmaceuticals, it protects sensitive devices from handling damage or contamination
- In the automotive sector, it adds wear resistance and visual impact to interior and exterior trim
- In the beverage industry, it seals metallized caps and closures for moisture and chemical resistance
No matter the industry, the integration of lacquering is key to delivering a high-end product that meets visual, tactile, and functional standards.
PST Line II: the core platform for integrated lacquering
At the center of Tapematic’s technology is the PST Line II, a modular, fully automated coating and metallization system. It is designed to support multiple inline processes, including surface cleaning, UV spray lacquering, vacuum metallization, and topcoat application. This platform is ideal for industries such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, automotive, and beverage packaging, where quality and precision are paramount.
Lacquering within the PST Line II is seamlessly integrated into the production flow, allowing multi-layer finishes—including primers and protective topcoats—to be applied in a single, continuous process. The result is enhanced surface quality, reduced waste, and shorter production times.
Why lacquering matters in surface finishing
Lacquering serves several key purposes in advanced surface finishing:
- It creates a smooth, protective layer that seals and stabilizes the surface
- It enhances color vibrancy and depth, especially when combined with metallic or sputtered coatings
- It improves scratch resistance, UV resistance, and chemical durability
- It contributes to tactile sensations and aesthetic consistency
Without lacquering, even the most advanced metallization or decorative coating can lose its brilliance over time due to oxidation, abrasion, or environmental exposure. Tapematic’s systems are engineered to prevent these outcomes by applying lacquer with uniform thickness and optimal adhesion.
UV spray lacquering: clean, efficient, and fast-curing
Unlike traditional solvent-based lacquering methods, Tapematic uses UV spray lacquering—a process that offers instant curing, lower energy consumption, and zero VOC emissions. Integrated within the PST Line II, UV lacquer is applied via precision-controlled spray heads and then cured immediately using ultraviolet light.
Benefits of UV spray lacquering include:
- Rapid cycle times due to instant curing
- No need for thermal ovens or extended drying tunnels
- Minimal material waste through targeted application
- Greater sustainability and compliance with environmental standards
This makes it particularly suitable for manufacturers looking to increase throughput while reducing operational impact.
Real use case: high-gloss cosmetic packaging
A luxury cosmetics brand partnered with Tapematic to improve the surface quality of its high-gloss perfume caps. The goal was to produce a durable, scratch-resistant, and visually striking lacquered finish over a metallized base.
By implementing the PST Line II with integrated UV lacquering:
- The brand achieved a perfectly even, mirror-like gloss
- Coating rejections due to streaks and dust were reduced by over 70%
- Production time per unit dropped by 25%
- The lacquer layer added long-term surface protection without compromising aesthetics
This case demonstrates how lacquering directly contributes to both product quality and process efficiency.
Surface preparation: the foundation of effective lacquering
Lacquering success depends on substrate cleanliness and surface energy. Tapematic addresses this need with an integrated pretreatment module that eliminates surface contaminants, residual from injection process and static charges before lacquer is applied.
While some systems rely on external cleanrooms, Tapematic’s approach ensures that surface preparation occurs inline and in a controlled environment. This reduces floor space requirements, energy use, and operational complexity while delivering:
- Better lacquer adhesion
- Consistent coverage
-Higher first-pass yields
PST Line C: compact system with lacquer integration
Tapematic also offers the PST Line C, a non-modular, space-efficient system with the same lacquering and metallization capabilities as the PST Line II. Designed for smaller production volumes or facilities with limited floor space, the PST Line C supports the same precision application of primers and topcoats using UV lacquer.
It is not limited to cylindrical parts and is equally capable of handling complex 3D shapes found in packaging, medical devices, or technical components. The compact nature of the PST Line C makes it ideal for companies seeking high-performance surface finishing without the need for large-scale infrastructure.
Lacquering and metallization: a perfect combination
Lacquering is especially important when combined with vacuum metallization. In Tapematic’s systems, the lacquer acts as both a base layer to promote adhesion and as a protective topcoat over the metal layer.
Typical process steps include:
- UV base lacquer application
- Vacuum sputtering (e.g., aluminum coating)
- UV topcoat lacquer application
This sequence enhances both the appearance and longevity of the finished product. Without a proper topcoat, metallic finishes are vulnerable to scratches, fading, and corrosion. Tapematic’s inline lacquering ensures the metallized surface remains brilliant and durable throughout its lifecycle.
Sustainability advantages of UV lacquer systems
Sustainability is one of the core benefits of Tapematic’s lacquering process. By eliminating traditional solvent-based methods, the PST Line II and PST Line C help manufacturers reduce their environmental footprint without sacrificing performance.
Sustainable benefits of UV lacquering include:
- No hazardous solvent emissions (zero VOCs)
- Lower energy usage due to fast UV curing
- Efficient material use with minimal overspray
- Cleaner production environments
These features not only support eco-friendly manufacturing but also simplify compliance with increasingly strict environmental regulations.
Precision automation for lacquer application
Tapematic’s lacquer systems are fully automated, ensuring consistent coating thickness and process repeatability. Real-time controls adjust spray parameters based on component geometry, movement, and lacquer type.
Automation features include:
- Programmable spray head trajectories
- Recipe management for multi-layer coating cycles
- Inline quality monitoring and diagnostics
- Compatibility with Industry 4.0 platforms and MES
This digital control ensures that every component receives the right amount of lacquer, applied under optimal conditions—eliminating variation between batches.
Supporting a wide range of industries
Lacquering with Tapematic systems is used across various markets:
- In cosmetics, it enhances luxury packaging with gloss, texture, and durability
- In pharmaceuticals, it protects sensitive devices from handling damage or contamination
- In the automotive sector, it adds wear resistance and visual impact to interior and exterior trim
- In the beverage industry, it seals metallized caps and closures for moisture and chemical resistance
No matter the industry, the integration of lacquering is key to delivering a high-end product that meets visual, tactile, and functional standards.