Innovation in ink technology is probably key to the increasing penetration of inkjet into new markets. There are several applications where ink technology is currently is lacking, one being packaging. We’ve already discussed the issues – see the blog from Stewart Partridge of Afford Inks. It’s a tough one, getting the ink to work well with inkjet printheads and perform well on the substrate is not easy. Apart from image quality, adhesion and flexibility are important requirements. But the ultimate challenge is making the inks and images food-safe.
John Law, Sun Chemical
Sun Chemical has taken the aqueous hybrid ink approach to this problem. Rather than use 100% UV-curable inks, the ink is an aqueous/UV-curable mix. Although this has advantages there are new issues to overcome too. We are delighted to have Jon Law, Managing Director of Sun Chemical explain the benefits of hybrid inks and how these have been commercialised. Come and hear him at this year’s IMI Europe Inkjet Conference, Amsterdam, 2-4 December 2015.
Mike Willis, IMI Europe