Green Printing and Plastic: No Longer Strange Bedfellows

According to independent UV print consultant and former plastic printer Kurt Kroening, “Companies considering getting into the business of plastic printing would be well-advised to master the nuances of UV technology first, rather than risk expensive misfires.” A short list of the technical challenges associated with UV printing on plastic includes the need to adjust for a narrower window when setting the ink/water balance; the need to adapt printing profiles to compensate for the higher dot gain; and the need to control ink film thickness to promote curing.