For Front Seal Gumming

Proper application of the front seal is one of the

most critical factors in producing envelopes of good quality. The factors listed below are believed to be some of the key variables affecting quality and consistency in front seal gumming. Provided are some suggestions and the current industry best practices for each.

1. Gum Formulation
 The majority of envelope seal gums in use today are blends of synthetic resin and dextrin (modified corn or potato starch). This type of formulation provides an excellent balance of properties needed for high speed automatic inserting. Different adhesive manufacturers offer formulations of varying resin-todextrin ratios. Higher resin content translates into better lay-flat, better adhesion, higher mileage and faster drying speed, but it also tends to dry faster on the rollers during machine shutdowns and is more difficult to clean up.  Certain jobs may require the use of a resin seal or tropical gum formulation. This type of seal gum has better adhesion and resistance to humidity blocking than resin-dextrin blends. However, resin seals are lower in solids content and, therefore, require more drying on the machine. They also do not remoisten as easily as resin-dextrin blends and lack the high remoistening tack desirable for automatic inserting.

with the gum temperature. If the seal gum is cold, the viscosity will increase dramatically, and its flow will be sluggish. At high temperatures, the opposite occurs. Viscosity changes can significantly impact application amount, so care should be taken to maintain a consistent gum temperature in the gum box. Seal gum that is allowed to dry out in the gum box will skin over and thicken as moisture is lost. The seal gum can be diluted, but a gum liquor should be used. If a machine is going to be down for more than a few minutes, the gum rollers may need to be kept moist with a wet cloth or with a spritz of water from a spray bottle.

3. Application Amount
 Assuring the proper application amount of front seal adhesive is critical to producing envelopes of good quality. Refer to National Adhesives Adjusters Gum Guide for proper amounts. An insufficient application of seal gum can dramatically diminish its adhesion, speed of set, and tack in an automatic inserter. Assuring a sufficient application amount is especially critical on difficult papers, such as rag bond, kraft or coated stocks. Excessive application of front seal gum can lead to problems with insufficient drying on the machine which can lead to blocking of the seal flap. It can also result in excessive curl of the seal flap.

2. Gum Viscosity
 The viscosity (flow property) of the gum is an important factor in determining how much is being carried on the rollers, and ultimately how much gum is being applied to the envelope. It is important to note that viscosity of the gum varies

For Front Seal Gumming

4. Weight of Transfer Roll
 Most envelope folding machines use a floating transfer roll. Choosing the proper floating roll for the viscosity of the seal gum being used is important to ensure good metering. Brass and aluminum are the two types of floating rolls most commonly used. Aluminum with brass inserts can also be used. Since brass is heavier than aluminum, it is typically used for seal gums of higher viscosity. Aluminum is lighter and is better for lower viscosity seal gums. Infrared is an efficient method of drying that does not produce as much radiant heat as other types of drying. Radio frequency (RF) drying is used where there is a need for maximum drying in a short amount of time. This type of drying may require that the seal gum contain a conductive salt to facilitate the drying.

6. Supply to the Gum Box

 A bottle feed system is still the most commonly used method for maintaining a steady supply of seal gum in the gum box. Recirculation is sometimes used to prevent the seal gum from skinning over and to reduce the need for gum bottle changes. The preferred method for delivering a consistent supply of seal gum to the gum box with little or no intervention from the adjuster is with the use of an on-demand level sensing device.

5. Drying
 There are several types of drying that can be used to dry seal gum, including radiant heat, blown hot air, infrared lamps and even radio frequency drying. Most machines use forced hot air drying or radiant heat lamps, but some newer equipment uses a combination of IR lamps and forced hot air.

Henkel Corporation 10 Finderne Avenue, Bridgewater, NJ 08807 1-866-4-HENKEL (866-443-6535) www.henkelna.com/envelopes

and designate trademarks of Henkel Corporation or its affiliates. = registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Henkel Corporation, 2009. All rights reserved. 6012/LT-5662 (7/09).