Dr. Carole Noutary, technical manager at Fujifilm Speciality Ink Systems spoke in Mumbai about the latest UV inkjet developments, “All geographic regions are taking up the technology, as it provides economic benefits over alternative analog and digital printing techniques, and opens up new applications. This fast growth is encouraging suppliers to invest vast sums in bringing new technology to the market, and this arms race is ensuring inkjet continues to improve in reliability, quality, and productivity.”
The adoption of inkjet has led to improvements in supply chains across the book and newspaper sectors. Packaging is a huge opportunity for inkjet, with new high-performance systems coming to market. Inkjet is being used to print directly on bottles, cans and jars, demonstrating the potential to simplify packaging supply chains. Inkjet can add functionality to print and packaging — while personalization is common these days, there is a growing trend to add value and embellish print products. Inkjet can apply thick films and specialty fluids to provide tactile or dimensional effects. Varnishing and print enhancement systems are growing in popularity.
Inkjet technology is developing apace, the result of multi-billion investments by print head manufacturers, ink makers (with their raw material suppliers) and print equipment vendors. There are many types of bespoke inkjet print systems that are configured for particular applications. Special applications might use solvent-based, water-based (WB) UV hybrid and LED inks — a patented technology by Fujifilm. Noutary further explained, “WB UV hybrid ink features low odor, excellent print quality and requires low maintenance which is suitable for both graphics art and packaging applications. Inkjet is also becoming increasingly important in the fields of industrial applications, with textile printing, decoration, ceramics, 3D, and printed electronics. These developments encourage Fujifilm to make a significant investment in R&D and contribute to expanding the gamut of inkjet applications.”
