Uv-And Eb-Curable Liquid Printing Inks: New Developments In Flexo Graphic And Rotogravure Printing Processes

Introduction

Radiation curing is of particular interest in the packaging
industry because this industry is noted for its rapid growth in
technological adcances. It started in 1969 when the first commercial
run of UV—curing inks and varnishes were tested on a
folding carton line in the United States[1].

Since then only a couple of reports on UV-flexo inks and their
application were given [2], [3].

In 1984 R. Holman [4] established in his book "UV and EB Curing
Formulation" that the lack of 'safe', monomers, with sufficient
viscosity reducing has, so far prevented the development
of commercially viable UV curable flexographic or gravure inks

In the range of flexographic inks: however progress was made
quickly so that today at least ten printing, ink manufacturers
are in the position to deliver UV—curable flexographic inks [5]
as recently reported on the occasion of the Multi-colour Flexo-
Seminar in the USA.