UV inkjet is a printing process that fully utilises the advantages of digital printing while achieving the high resistance of screen printing. „The UV inkjet gives us more flexibility and freedom to offer every customer a suitable solution,“ says Jan Strohmaier, Key Account Manager at Robos.
11 August 2020
UV inkjet printing enables brilliant colours in almost all shades. (Image: Durst Group)
Digital printing is now often the printing process of choice for small and medium print runs. It becomes exciting when high demands are placed on the durability of the labels. To realise these requirements, Robos GmbH und Co KG, Kornwestheim, decided to invest in a UV inkjet system.
The labelling market has changed: Increasingly, small and medium runs in different versions, shorter delivery times and variable data printing are in demand. Last-minute changes are also not uncommon. For applications in which the labels are not exposed to exceptional stress, high-quality Digital print labels can be used.
Resilience in demand
However, the labelling of numerous other goods High-performance labels in demand. One example is labels for cosmetics and household products, which are exposed to hand perspiration, heavy abrasion and the ingredients of the products themselves. Labels in the automotive industry also have to withstand high levels of stress. When labels are applied in the engine compartment, they not only have to adhere to difficult surfaces, but also come into contact with chemicals. Nameplates on drilling machines must also be scratch-resistant and highly resistant to external influences. In the technical industry, gas cylinders are often stored close together and outdoors. The labelling is exposed to heat and cold, moisture, UV light and strong mechanical stress.
Labels that meet these high requirements could previously only be realised using screen printing. This printing process enables a particularly thick application of ink. The ink is very resistant and durable and also very colour-intensive. If screen-printed labels are to be provided with variable data, this must be printed on subsequently in a further step using thermal transfer printing. New screens are produced when changing types and the machine has to be set up again each time. The UV inkjet is a printing process that Advantages of digital printing fully utilised and at the same time High resistance of screen printings achieved. Many labelling applications can now be produced in flexible runs and with variable data in a single print run using the inkjet process.
Display
Small and medium print runs as well as versions and variants can be realised with the TAU 330 E without additional costs for printing forms. (Image: Durst Group)
Investment in UV inkjet
Some requirements cannot be realised economically and efficiently using traditional printing processes. With the acquisition of a new UV inkjet machine from the Durst Group, Robos is meeting current customer requirements. The Tau series is manufactured at the headquarters of Durst Phototechnik AG, Brixen (South Tyrol/Italy). „There are no costs for screens and films, so a competitive offer can be made, especially for varieties and variants,“ emphasises Jan Strohmaier, Key Account Manager at Robos. Changes to the print motif can also be implemented without major costs until shortly before the actual printing.
Jan Strohmaier, Key Account Manager at Robos. (Image: Robos)
„The UV inkjet gives us more flexibility and freedom to offer every customer a suitable solution.“
In the expert's experience, only a few customers are interested in how the label production is technically realised. Instead, they rely on the expertise of the customer advisors and the reliability of the label printing company.
Quality and benefits
The advantages of using UV inkjet printing include the fast drying of the UV-curing ink under the influence of UV light and the uniform and homogeneous display of colour gradients. In addition, fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and odours are released and the pigment-based standard UV ink is solvent-free, which is good for the environment.
Durable labels for different industries. (Image: Durst Group)
Shades of the PANTONE colour spectrum can be reproduced very well in the extended colour space. The availability of an outstandingly opaque white colour enables numerous application options on transparent and coloured substrates. The UV inkjet labels are smudge and scratch resistant, weatherproof and also resistant to abrasion, cleaning agents and chemicals.
[infotext icon] The company Robos is located in Kornwestheim near Stuttgart and employs just under 100 people. The label printing company already produces with two HP Indigo digital printing presses and will become even more efficient with the new acquisition. The TAU 330 E, which will be installed at the new production site in Kornwestheim, combines reliability with production efficiency and delivers outstanding print quality. The machine can be integrated into the existing ESKO production line, which was also an important prerequisite for the company's investment.
