In the distant past, the printing world was immersed in the simplicity of monochrome and two-color hues. Back then, ink resembled a shy painter, slowly unveiling its creations on the stage of time. However, as the wheel of time rolled forward relentlessly, the emergence of the four-color printing press in 1955, akin to a passionate artist, ignited the world of color in its entirety. Yet, this advancement brought forth a new challenge with the elevation of printing speed and efficiency – how to swiftly and effectively anchor ink onto paper, a pressing issue that demanded immediate attention.
(I) The Call for Dryness
In those days, the urgency of ink dryness was not as pronounced. Nevertheless, as printing machines accelerated their pace, issues such as set-off, sticking, and prolonged post-processing times surfaced, turning ink dryness into a nagging concern for printers. It was akin to an artist eager to showcase their work, only to find their brush strokes lingering undried, eliciting feelings of frustration and helplessness.
(II) The Revelation of Ultraviolet Light
As the decade of the 1960s dawned, the clarion call for environmental protection resounded. The dual demands of production efficiency and ecological preservation propelled the ink industry to seek novel avenues. Amongst numerous endeavors, ultraviolet (UV) curing technology shone like a brilliant star, illuminating the future of the ink world. In 1964, the patent for UV ink was officially granted, yet its practical application materialized in 1969. At that time, UV ink resembled an inexperienced apprentice, brimming with potential yet raw in its usage, printing adaptability, and post-processing aspects, plagued by frequent malfunctions, eliciting a mix of love and frustration.
(III) The Dual Leap in Technology and Testing
Entering the 1980s, with the refinement of testing technology, ink manufacturers seemed to have gained a pair of discerning eyes, enabling them to grasp every subtle change in UV ink with precision. They vigorously pursued new detection methods and continually optimized ink formulations, resulting in a qualitative leap in UV ink's quality. Akin to a young painter honing their craft through relentless practice and reflection, UV ink gradually developed its unique style, with its works maturing by the day.
(IV) The Pursuit of High Ink Film Thickness and Widespread Application
Time flew swiftly, and before long, the 1990s arrived. UV ink, no longer content with its current state, embarked on a quest for higher ink film thickness. Despite formidable technical hurdles, ink manufacturers persevered, ultimately surpassing traditional oxidative inks in terms of printing adaptability. Simultaneously, the application domains of UV ink expanded rapidly, encompassing offset, flexographic, and gravure printing, making it ubiquitous in the printing industry and a favored choice.
(V) The Perfect Union of Environmental Protection and Efficiency
Today, UV ink has shed its greenness, like a mature and steady artist, freely showcasing its creativity and colors. It not only has many advantages such as fast drying, non solidifying ink during shutdown, saving work space, and no volatile solvents, but also gradually occupies a pivotal position in the printing market due to its green and environmentally friendly characteristics. From high-end packaging to outdoor advertising, from electronic products to automotive components, the footprint of UV ink covers every corner, decorating this colorful world with its light and color.
After two and a half years of relentless efforts by the R&D team at StarColor, this solvent-free UV ink finally emerged. Embodying all the merits of UV ink, including fast curing, high adhesion, vibrant colors, and the absence of organic compound emissions, it mirrors the environmental friendliness of water-based ink.