Unisub Coasters / Placemats - Change to MDF

[garysub]

Hi

I took a call today from Xpres telling me that UniSub coasters/placements etc would be different going forward. The hardwood backing would be replaced with MDF (apparently the firm previously supplying the raw materials for the hardboard has gone into administration). The impact will be immediate for the faster moving lines like square/round coasters. Has anyone had any experience of printing these "new" coasters yet (good/bad/ugly)?

Regards
Gary

[Justin]

Not heard anything about this yet, I'll drop Xpres a quick message and see if we can take a look.

[garysub]

Old and new....

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[Justin]

Do they press as well? Wondering about possible moisture issues.

[Justin]

Getting some samples sent over to look at.

[garysub]

Do they press as well? Wondering about possible moisture issues.

Moisture issues was my first concern as well!

[Chad]

I got this call yesterday from Xpres also... definitely concerned by the change. Looking at the image they sent over, it looks very similar material but obviously lighter. The main thing that makes the Unisub coasters to market leader, is (was?) the compactness of the wood fibres themselves, resulting in no warping after pressing. Fingers crossed there is no change in that department.

[GoonerGary]

I couldn't print onto their lighter backed matt finish coasters. The heat tape was ripping the MDF (I think) backing. How do the new samples compare and what tape are you using?

[Emily Xpres]

Hi All.

Yes the coasters are changing, however the only ones we have in at the moment on the circular 'hardboard' coasters (XP4010).

We did test the coasters in house and the print quality remains the same. We also did moisture testing by pouring water on the MDF. It didn't repel like the older hardwood coasters, however it dried out quickly and there were no signs of staining or swelling of the MDF.

We are getting some of the circle MDF coasters made into samples so we can send these out to customers. Please contact customer services and they can process this for you and get some samples sent out for testing.

Emily

[UK Printed Mugs]

We have had a sample of the round coaster delivered, thanks to Xpres, and will try and print one later but our concern was the weight of the coaster. Does it feel premium still, compared to cheaper coasters we can buy in. And sadly it weighs a lot less. Original 90mm round Unisub is 25g and this new version is 15g. As a premium coaster with a premium price then I would imagine they have to reduce their prices if they want printers to continue to use this product. Emily - any idea of price changes? Certainly the coating on the top doesn't look like it has changed and in reality nothing matches the white coaster coating from Unisub but now the coaster is as light as ones we can buy at half the Unisub price then may have to move clients across to a non-unisub coaster.