The Polymeric Group CEO Alvin Pather

Technology-Based Ink Manufacturers

Inkjet technology was originally developed for the printing and publishing industry but has become popular as a method for digital fabrications of mechanical and electronic devices. Inkjet printing recreates a digital image from a computer by propelling small drops of ink onto a substrate such as paper or plastic. While the terms ‘inkjet technology’ and' inkjet printing' are often used interchangeably, inkjet printing refers to the printing of graphical content in the publishing industry while inkjet technology refers to the use of ink jetting for the general purpose of fabrication. Inkjet printers range from small consumer models to huge professional machines.

Inkjet printers that could reproduce computer generated digital images were mainly developed by Hewlett-Packard (HP), Epson, and Canon. Together with Brother, these are the four manufacturers that account for the majority of inkjet printer manufacturing.

The emerging inkjet material depositing market now incorporates inkjet technologies like print heads that use piezoelectric crystals to deposit ink directly onto substrates. This technology has expanded and “ink” now also comprises solder paste for PCB assembly, living cells, tissue engineering, and for creating biosensors. Images produced are used for example in the fine arts reproduction field under trademarks such as Iris Prints or Giclee and Digigraph.

Inkjet Printing Applications

Specialized ink products are commonly used for:
- Self-adhesive labels
- Flexible packaging
- Shrink sleeves
- Polony casings
- Wrap around labels
- Metallic and fluorescent inks
- Molded labels

Ink Products

Major Ink Products include:
• Water-based; Solvent-based; Specialty Liquid; and Energy Curable inks for the label and packaging industries
• Sheetfed and Waterless, Heatset/Coldest Web; Solvent and Water-based Gravure and Flexo Inks; Functional Silkscreen
• Resist ink for LCDs; materials for RFID and printable electronics applications; UV Offset
• Flexo inks for paper bag and corrugated cartons; Metal Decorating inks; screen and pad printing inks
• Rubber-based and Magnetic inks; Security and Banknote inks; Energy Curable Inks
• UV Rotary Screen inks; Pre-Formed Plastic Container UV inks; Primographic Printing inks; Oil-Based Intaglio inks for currency printing; Security inks for document authentication.

Inkjet Technology
Based on technological expertise, ink printing manufacturers consistently develop new and innovative inks from the initial resin and pigment design stages through to the technical development of printing products. Fujifilm continues to introduce new and innovative technology for flexo, digital, and screen applications. They work closely with chemists to develop raw materials that enable them to significantly improve the performance of ink in a number of challenging applications. This includes the formulation of new graphics screen inks for a broad number of substrates, UV Flexo inks for Shrink-sleeve labels, and Solvent Digital and UV inks for press platforms.

New Developments
Developing new technology to deliver innovative, high-performance products to meet the needs of an ever-changing market is essential. Ruco Druckfarben in Germany has developed their RDI UV inkjet ink specifically for the optical media segment. It offers minimal shrinkage and excellent adhesion properties.

In response to concerns over ITX, Brancher Company in France has recently removed it from their formulations and added new additions such as Neutron A, an ITX-free UV Sheet-fed ink for cardboard printing, Luxon and Hadron 3000. Brancher has also developed the new Logo 18000 featuring conventional litho with high pigment strength designed for high-speed presses; and Design, featuring high-rub resistance and high gloss printing ideal for coated and matte papers.

The Polymeric Group also offers a diverse portfolio of solvent, LED, UV and water based coatings and inks. Alvin Pather is the CEO.