Waller believes that printing/curing on synthetic materials is a great potential for UV inks. “Printers are looking for more ways to highlight their own characteristics in competition, such as the need for more and high-quality surface finishes. At the same time, they are also pursuing higher productivity and lower costs.†Bean pointed out that using UV inks The printers are looking for higher-quality printing at the same level as traditional printing or at a higher level of productivity. “The goal of the past has been to produce UV products with properties that are more like those of traditional inks and coatings. Improvements in the formulation process and curing technology have greatly narrowed these goals. Both have almost the same on-line performance, and printing with energy-curable inks. The effect is even more outstanding."
Duncan pointed out that fast curing, high gloss, abrasion resistance, and chemical resistance are the key properties of UV products all the time, and UV inks also help reduce inventory. “There is a phenomenon of low online working inventory. Fast curing allows printers to quickly print, stack and transport without having to worry about ink drying. This 'offline ready' performance of UV ink coatings means There is no need to invest space and money waiting for the ink to dry.â€
The future of UV ink
Priesmeyer said, “The general trend of the past 15 years is that the average annual growth rate of UV products is 10%. With the continuous advancement of UV technology, product improvement and the introduction of new raw materials, combined with lower costs and higher productivity in the printing industry, UV curing inks The market with coatings will undoubtedly maintain steady growth in the next few years."
Of course, ink manufacturers are also working to break down barriers to further growth: whether it is the cost of ink coatings or even new printing presses, or threats such as electron beam curing or inkjet technology.
Priesmeyer said, “The cost of UV-curable ink coatings is still higher than other products. In addition, the performance of UV ink printers has not caught up with the performance of oil-based systems. We must continue to work hard to improve press performance, cost, and safety. This will allow the UV technology market to maintain similar growth rates as in the past."
Dedman said, “Aqueous flexo inks perform well and at a lower cost, and with the increasing use of digital printing in traditional markets, UV inks will have to continue to work harder than these products to maintain their growth.â€
Duncan said, “With today’s economy still not fully improved, converting existing presses and buying new presses will continue to be a cost issue for printers. As an industry, the printing industry has received more than others in the past few years. The industry's greater impact. In fact, printers have suffered a deep, not just sluggish situation. Unless this situation improves, the capital investment will be slightly slower than in previous years."
Both Webster and Bean believe that UV inks will be under pressure to improve performance and productivity. Electron beam curing may also have an impact on UV curing. Due to the reduction in the capital cost and magnitude of curing units, electron beam curing is more attractive to printers who are using and considering the use of UV inks.
"Ultraviolet technology is a low-VOC, environmentally friendly technology that produces superb print products that are close to the ideal situation of 'good effect/low investment'. "Overall, the advantages of UV inks will be in the future. Mid-year promotes the growth of the market.