The FuturePrint Tech Fest is a celebration of print technology taking place on the 29th-30th June 2021, where experts will provide updates on new technological developments, innovations and stories of how the print technology community is bringing to life new ideas that create new possibilities. Ahead of the event, Marc Graindourze of Agfa discusses the ink angle of inkjet system integration.

How do you start designing your inkjet printing solution when you are an industry where the print becomes part of the product? Let us assume you are convinced that inkjet printing will deliver you key advantages for your lead time, your freedom of design, low waste, variable run lengths, etc. In short, you will profit from all the digital printing advantages. Great. We believe you will.

‘From idea to practice’ does require a strategic but also practical approach. The implementation of inkjet printing inside your existing manufacturing process is possible. But it is more than looking around for a printhead.

An inkjet printing solution is built up from many key elements. The solution can easily be assembled to become specific to meet your needs. One of the key elements in the ink choice, in relation to all other system choices. This schematic graph deals with some important aspects you are recommended to consider on day 1 for design of a single UV inkjet solution.

Inkjet printing solutions based on single pass UV ink exist in all kinds, from small width to large width, from single colour to multiple colour, from slow to very fast, from print on sheet, roll as well as direct to object (direct to shape).

Solution elements such as ink supply system, printhead electronics, full inkjet engines, software etc., exists in all kinds and offered by key inkjet suppliers, many of which are FuturePrint partner. Therefore, it is recommended to check what you can find on the market. It will result in speed for your project using proven solutions.

Single pass UV inks exist in many types, often developed for specific print system set-up as well as even more important to meet the technical performance specifications of the printed product for its end use.

There is no UV ink which you can use for every application. However, tuning UV inkjet formulations allows to result in meeting the reliability printing (consistent print results) as well as the specific needs for the quality within a certain application range.

It is the role of Agfa to be your ink partner during your project, in direct relation with the system integrator, the project manager and so on, resulting in the ink choice meeting your expectations.

During the session ‘When Inkjet Is The Solution - Think System Integration From An Ink Perspective!’, I will discuss the ink parameters in relation to the build-up of the single pass UV inkjet solution.

Register for the session here.

View the full FuturePrint Tech Fest schedule here.