On 5 and 6 November, the Fogra Research Institute held its 13th UV Printing User Forum in Aschheim near Munich. 17 speakers reported on current developments in the industry.
More than 70 participants attended presentations on UV printing. From environmental aspects and applications in web offset to radiation curing alternatives and consumables. UV inkjet, 3D screen printing and metal decorating were also in the spotlight.
Thinking outside the box
Various printing methods beyond classic UV sheet-fed offset printing and the topic of ink adhesion on non-absorbent substrates were highlighted. This included radiation curing in metal decorating, how ink adhesion on non-absorbent substrates could be improved, the challenges for UV in 3D screen printing and the lack of willingness to invest in UV inkjet in the commercial sector.
Environmental aspects
Four presentations focussed on the environmental compatibility of UV technologies. ‘Is UV printing ink plastic?’ was asked and the critical components of UV printing ink, such as binders, additives and waxes, were examined. Other topics included the migration of food contact materials, the challenges of deinking UV ink and the ‘Blue Angel’ environmental label.
Roller application of UV technology
Production costs, shrinking print runs and a significant reduction in capacity utilisation for print shops were explained. The changeover from heatset to UV LED and current projects and application examples for radiation curing in web applications were looked at from the user’s perspective.
Radiation curing
Two further presentations dealt with the question of whether printing inks for electron beam and initiator-free UV curing are an alternative. In addition to the restrictions and bans on photoinitiators, the difficult procurement situation was also addressed as the starting point for the development of an initiator-free curing system.
Consumables
The last section of the symposium looked at various materials, bio-based oligomers, elastomers and test strips. The different physical and chemical requirements for elastomer materials were explained and that UV measurement can be useful for quality control. There was also an excursion into the ‘We love Print’ campaign and the importance of creating an understanding of the significance of print and countering the ‘demonisation’ of printed products. The keynote also addressed the topic of the Green Deal. The relevance of this for the graphic arts industry and the importance of common standards and norms were discussed.
FOGRA
Fogra conducts application-orientated research in the fields of print and media technologies and has often been able to create standards for processes and quality testing. Fogra’s international members are companies from the entire industry spectrum, from the production of print and electronic media to plant engineering. Fogra sees itself as a modern service provider that carries out meaningful tests and certifications, advises companies on quality issues and mediates in technical disputes. Its capital is a wealth of expertise combined with a high level of technological competence and precise knowledge of current developments.
