Development and Promotion of Combined Ink Technology (Part 2)

In addition to the high gloss of the printed product, the combined ink technology also has other important influences on the printing industry. The combined ink technology can use ordinary printing ink rollers and printing blankets. However, this does not mean that any type of ink roller or blanket can be well used with the combination ink technology. Just as some ink rollers and blankets are more suitable for traditional ink printing, the use of a suitable ink roller or blanket can achieve better print quality and longer material life. The key to combined ink technology is that printing does not require special ink rollers and blankets, as it does with UV inks. This allows printers to use the combined ink technology when applying in-line coating without using in-line coating and traditional inks. Also, no special fountain solution is required for printing.
Printers using combination ink technology have noticed that their printing operability has greatly improved compared to conventional UV printing. Many printers who had previously not been able to use UV printing are now excited because they can now print UV-coated high-gloss prints on existing offset presses simply by adding a few UV lamps. Combined ink technology can also be used on conventional printers just like traditional inks. Typical UV inks have less tolerance for ink balance in the application and the ink balance during the printing process is more difficult to control. The use of combination inks is as convenient as ordinary inks. The printability of UV inks is not good, and it is inferior to traditional inks in terms of dot gain, color registration, print contrast and other qualities. In most cases, the combination ink is similar to the printability of the conventional ink. Since the UV component of the combination ink will only dry out when exposed to the light energy of the UV lamp, the combination ink remains in a liquid state during use on the printing press, so that there is no fear of on-machine crusting as with conventional inks.
Combining inks significantly reduces waste compared to UV inks. Due to the greater latitude of ink use, print quality may be better. According to a printer using a combination ink technology, his printing profit in the previous year increased by 18%, mainly because he used in-line coating of a combination of inks to obtain high-gloss printing products, so he did not have to seek external processing. . More and more printers are now turning to the use of group ink technology, which can significantly increase the value of printed products and increase profits.
Whether or not the combination ink technology can become a continuous development technology. The disadvantage of the ink technology is that it is more expensive than the traditional offset ink, but it is equivalent to the standard UV ink. Various analysis shows that its high price can be offset by many other factors. For example, in-line coating will save labor and reduce handling. The rapid drying of printing ink improves work efficiency and shortens the life cycle, and eliminates dusting and related maintenance issues.
The application of combination ink technology is a major advancement in the printing industry, which will increase the competitiveness of printing companies in the market. If the printer has to go offline for coating, or send the coating job to the outside plant for collaborative processing, the time for commencing may increase by 1-2 weeks. With the combination of ink technology, printing and coating can be completed online, and the completion of orders and the delivery of print jobs will be greatly accelerated.
Manufacturers of combination inks agree that the use of combination ink technology can enable printers to increase profits, especially if they currently use UV technology.
Combined ink technology has also brought exciting new markets to the printing industry. With the dust settled on whether it is practical or not, people are more concerned with whether it is a short-lived technology or a technology that can continue to develop.
The full range of impact brought by the combination of ink technology is obvious. This technology allows printers to apply on-line UV coating, and the problems that have occurred in the traditional printing and coating processes mentioned above will no longer occur. Therefore, the combination ink technology will continue to develop.
Combined ink technology allows printers to complete the final processing of printed products at once, while conventional inks and coatings require two or more off-line coating applications. It is because of these many excellent features that have been understood by the majority of printers, so this technology has gradually been accepted by the printing and processing industry.
Will the combination ink technology be widely accepted as a replacement for the UV glazing technology that is known as the father of gloss? Many printers and ink manufacturers are waiting to see it.
Factors to consider when applying a combination ink technology The printer must carefully consider the use of a combination ink technology. For printers who want to use the combination of ink technology, it is important to seriously study this technology, really understand the various aspects involved in this technology, and whether the combination of ink technology is really suitable for your printing and postpress Processing requirements.
In addition to having a comprehensive understanding of the combination ink technology, printers need to sit down with ink manufacturers, coating equipment manufacturers, and UV light source suppliers to find the best concrete solution that will benefit the application of the combination ink technology. Or determine how you can make it fit for a particular print job.
The printer also needs to confirm whether the printer has used the proper ink roller and blanket, and whether the consumption products used in the workshop, such as fountain solution, are compatible with the combined ink technology without conflict. As long as you consider everything from the beginning, you can ensure that the entire printing process has a good start.
Each printer should perform some internal tests on combination inks and UV drying before deciding to use the combination ink technology. In addition to working closely with the aforementioned suppliers, it is also necessary to negotiate with fountain solution and ink roller suppliers to strive to bring everyone involved in the technology to the table so that the work can be carried out smoothly. Carry out.
Through cooperation with suppliers, printers have also gained extensive knowledge. The more in-depth the printer knows about this new technology, the better it will be for them in the long run.
Printers also need to be aware of the services and technical support that suppliers can provide.
If the people concerned have mastered the technology well, the printer can enjoy it. But when working with suppliers, you should also understand the nature of their staff and company, such as whether they are an independent company. Is it necessary to provide necessary technical support when needed? The printer should have a very clear understanding of the alternative suppliers.
Another important aspect is the relationship between the combination of ink and coating in the combination ink technology, to prevent some kind of accidental conflict between the materials that may be used. Therefore, printers should always pay attention to using the same source of products.