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The article provides information on the sheetfed ultraviolet (UV) curing used as hybrid inks and coating unit improvements boost usage in sheetfed printing. It mentions that the UV curing is setting a trend in global printing ink business and is bridging the gap with the conventional ink print quality and runnability. It states that though with the advantages that UV curing brings, it still has to meet the key challenge of harnessing and managing the curing energy created by the lamps to be able to assure its efficient usability. INSET: COATING offline.

The article highlights entries to the 2008 Printing Industries of America/Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (PIA/GATF) InterTech Technology Awards. Flint Group's ArrowScent Micro-Encapsulated Scented Inks offer an effective way to deliver scent to a printed newspaper. Heidelberg USA's Prinect Press Center console with Intellistart and Wallscreen features a futuristic design to decrease operator fatigue and increase productivity. Fujifilm Graphic Systems' Taskero Universe software provides a method for monitoring, controlling and maintaining consistent quality throughout the plant.

The article features press add-on systems delivering ink to sheetfed presses that can increase production and reduce waste. These systems make use of electronically controlled and automated ink cartridges and also provide the ability to track and report ink usage. Disposable cartridges are pre-filled by ink makers and then snapped into fittings on the pumping system. According to the author, for customers who require better ink management and need to know how much ink was run for each job, then this equipment is invaluable. INSET: Pump, pump it up ....

The author discusses the history and development of screening technologies in color pre-press processing. Subsequent developments included second-order FM, hybrid screening, cross-modulation (XM) and advanced AM screening. The algorithms offered distinct advantages and these differences were important determinants in their acceptance by the industry. The article also presents new image screening systems from Global Graphics, Heidelberg, Prinect hybrid, Fujifilm Graphic Systems and others. INSET: Halftone: A Spotty Past And Checkered Present.

This article provides information on inkjet presses and technology. Inkjet printers have been around for decades and revenues from it are expected to grow to over $57 billion by 2009. Beyond the inkjet proofing applications, two classes of inkjet appear in a pressroom, namely Add-On and Value-Added variable-data systems and inkjet presses. The ink is the prime component of any inkjet printer. The type of ink dictates the ability of the printer to deal with different substrates, the printer's reliability, and its speed capabilities. Before, inkjet printing always has been substrate-challenged due to its water- or solvent-based inks, but not, ultraviolet-curable inks can be applied to a wide variety of media. INSETS: Inkjet Pioneer;Inkject Inks & Terminology.

Features several inks and adhesives. Adcote line of solvent-based adhesives for packaging laminations from Rohm and Haas Adhesives and Sealants; Ultrastar, silver metallic ink for flexographic, gravure and rotary screen-printing and packaging, labels and cartoons from Eckart America; 3281A double-coated adhesive tape from Tyco Adhesives.

Focuses on developments concerning inks and other materials used for printing. Examination of inks used for small presses; Inks for duplicators; Discussion about inks for wide-format ink-jet printers.

Features printing industry equipment and supplies available in the United States as of January 2001. IQ computing densitometers from Tobias Associates; AnyBind multiple punch/bind machine from Spiral Binding Co.; Millennium Order Entry/Estimate for Windows computer software; Release of the Nova-Q print head for water-based inks.

Tackles the factors behind the decline in the prices of printing ink in the United States. Profits of ink manufacturers for 1999; Increase in the price of raw materials for producing ink; Pressure from clients to keep ink prices low. INSET: Consolidation Shakes Up Top 10..

The article evaluates several packaging products including OptiPrime Digital label paper from Newpage Corp., UV-curable ink system from Uvitec Printing Ink Inc. and Michem Flex P1852 primer Michelman Inc.

The article evaluates several new technologies including the T81 dye and T81 UV pigmented digital-printing ink from INX Digital International Co., Model AFRSeries fully automatic rewinders from Elsner Engineering Works Inc., and Macrowave radio-frequency drying system from Radio Frequency Co. Inc.

The article presents a comparison of the qualities of supercalendered (SC) and lightweight coated (LWC) papers that are used in prints. It states that SC papers consume more ink to achieve density than LWC papers. It also mentions that the most substantial difference between the two types of paper is the feel, wherein SC papers are softer and in many cases they cling together, while LWC papers have more heft. INSETS: MAKING THE Two Papers;Paper Qualities.

The article highlights the importance of ink on printing in the U.S. According to the author, environmental concerns, increased use of energy-cured inks and coatings and the growth of digital printing are the major trends that drive most of the developments in the ink industry. He added that environmental concerns is one of the most influential drivers for ink innovation. Moreover, as printers strive to implement more sustainable practices, ink has been increasingly facing attention. Furthermore, formulations have been reviewed by the ink makers to take out volatile organic compounds (VOCs) thought to be damaging the environment. INSET: Forecasting Ink Results.

The article evaluates several products related to the printing and converting industry including the Gold Series knifeholder, ML Princess 3 high-pressure humidification units and a UV ink system designed for shrink-sleeve label applications.

The article focuses on the development of high-fidelity color in the printing industry. The research of Hallmark Cards into six-color ink set caused increase in gamut compared to four-color process. Meanwhile, the Spotless Printing Solution from Kodak employs the high-resolution laser of Trendsetter CTP device. Stochastic screening is also the key to expanded gamut process FMsix. There is also the Opaltone Digital Color which is a fully integrated reproduction system that features multicolor separation software.

Features a roundup of paper and ink for quick printing companies. Zanders USA's third educational brochure on Zanders Mega, a number two enamel coated sheet with a 92 brightness; Hunt Digital Imaging's UV Ink for Epson Stylus Pro printers; Labelblank Corp.'s offering of offset printing tip sheet to users.

Features the energy-curable printing inks and coatings developed by Sun Chemical Corporation. Effect on productivity and aesthetic appeal; Use of ultraviolet light to dry inks; Absence of emission of fumes.

The article evaluates several new technologies for paper converting machineries including the R58A Series Registration Mark Sensors from Banner Engineering Corp., Flexocure FORCE UV-flexographic printing ink from Flint Group, and the automated shuttle car from Westfalia Technologies Inc.

The article reports on the impact of heat generated ink supply systems on ink delivery and control. It states that as more energy is introduced into the delivery system, the heat from the motors and the mechanical force placed on the ink will increase the ink's temperature and affects its density. It also mentions the development of a known meter that shows and documents the void in the process flow.

The article evaluates the 45A inkjet cartridges from Hewlett-Packard Co. and XPS ProMail inkjet console printer from RENA.

The article evaluates the Versatile Black Ink from Hewlett-Packard Co. and Secap Ink Management Systems (SIMS) from Secap.

The article evaluates the HP 2.5 printing equipment from Videojet and Versatile ink cartridges from Hewlett-Packard Co.

The article evaluates several products including the BK700 Inkjet System and Compose IQ Software from Buskro Ltd. and inks from Hewlett-Packard Co.

The article evaluates the NetJet system printers from Kirk Rudy and inks and print heads from Hewlett-Packard Co.

The article evaluates several products related to printing machinery and supplies including Ink Optimizing Service from Kodak Co., Mx6 Ink Formulation Dispenser from GFI Inc., and Little Joe tabletop press from Little Joe Industries.

The article focuses on the role of print firm Schawk Inc. in promoting ecology-friendly billboard prints in Los Angeles, California. It says that the firm's environmental initiative began when a customer requested a green campaign. The firm revised a VUTEk 5300 to run EFI's ecology-friendly BioVu inks which contains 80% of non-petroleum sources such as vegetables. It also says that the firm became a beta site two years ago for EFI/Inkware's BioVu ink products, which now focuses on the use of biodegradable inks with outdoor campaigns running on Ultraflex Systems' nontoxic BIOflex vinyl.

The article presents a buyers guide which features inks, adhesives and coatings for the converting, printing and packaging industry. All the products featured in the guide are listed by type and arranged in alphabetical order. Among the products included in the guide are additives and concentrates, coatings, and adhesives.

The article states that the prices of office equipment would decrease due to the increase in competition in the year 2007. The article states that the decrease in the prices of multifunction products is expected to boost the sale of ink and toners used for color laser printing. Information on the decrease in prices of security software is also expected. The views of Jon Bees, Infotrends on the importance of mergers and acquisitions to prevent fuel price hikes is presented.

The author features the innovative services provided by Curtis Packaging company. The company announced a proprietary flexo/offset printing process called CurtCHROME and CurtCHROMEplus to make silver metallic effects more affordable and accessible. The configuration allows for printing over the flexo inline for special effects. The technology employed for this process and the results obtained are discussed. The company also renovated its production facility by adding new finishing systems.

The article discusses how Merrill Corp. discovered that hybrid ultraviolet perfecting can trim cycle time and improve quality. Outsourcing is a necessary evil, but price mark-ups on jobbed-out work can make it tough to stay competitive. The company wanted a press that perfected after the second unit and had hybrid ultraviolet technology. Merrill chose the KBA Rapida 105 six-color hybrid ultraviolet perfector. Hybrid ultraviolet systems allow wet-trapping of ultraviolet coating over freshly printed lithograph inks to achieve high gloss, without special blankets, roller compounds or fountain solution. Hybrid inks, however, can run with only one point of cure before coating, followed by a bank of ultraviolet lamps after the coater, yielding sheets that cure instantaneously. The hybrid ink's chemistry does not erode the specially designed roller surface, which also withstands intense exposure to ultraviolet light. The ultraviolet configuration includes three interstation modules and three end-of-press modules that can be interchanged across either all six color units or delivery positions. The press' hybrid ultraviolet capability provides faster turnaround for postcards and newsletters, for which Merrill prints offset shells, then imprints on digital presses.

The article presents several new products in the printing industry as of June 2004. Flint Ink announced a number of new products, including Rub'nSmell scented inks, colorless inks that can be formulated with stock scents or custom fragrances. Flint also announced the availability of X-Treme Dispersions, a highly concentrated color technology for water flexo and gravure inks, designed to increase the color strength of ink systems by 20 percent. Global Graphics Software launched its Jaws PDF Partner, which unites for the first time its Jaws PDF Creator Version 3.4 and Jaws PDF Editor Version 2.1 software packages into one downloadable or off-the-shelf boxed product. Kurz introduced its Laser Select line of holographic foils with rainbow color effects. This allows designers to use the foil over wider areas. Dalim Software introduced Dalim Twist Version 5.0, the latest version of its intelligent automated workflow software. Eckart debuted its Ultrastar metallic printing inks, designed for gravure, flexographic and screen printing applications. The Ultrastar line includes solvent-based, aqueous and ultraviolet-curable silver inks. Mantagraphics showed its Ultresetter 460 series of computer-to-film and polyester plate devices.

Introduces various package printing products. Automatic viscosity controllers; Adhesive polymers; Printing inks.

Addresses issues in using water and alcohol-based flexo ink on the same printing-press when package printing. Mechanical and procedural alterations; Avoidance of contamination between the alcohol and water flexo inks.

Focuses on the supply and demand for packaging materials, inks and coatings in the U.S. Interests on high-performance laminates; Delivery of innovations in the industry; Improvements in market share and customer relationship.

Presents the products displayed at Print 01 Exposition for printing supplies in the United States. Plans of BASF Corp. to show the Ultraking UV-curable inks and Novabryte hybrid UV inks; Products offered by Gammerler Corp.; Descriptions of the Valore saddle stitcher by Muller Martini.

Speculates on the impact of Sun Chemical's development of waterless offset ink on waterless printing. Environmental impact of the ink; Potential elimination of volatile organic compounds in the pressroom; Combining of water with a surfactant similar to soap; Washability of the ink on press; Prospects of the single fluid ink developed by Flink Ink for quasi-waterless printing presses. INSET: A Wide or Narrow Definition?.

Discusses viscosity measurement as a critical element in controlling the ink film during the transfer process in flexographic printing. Achievement of ink balance; Types of measuring instruments; Automatic viscosity controllers; Water-based inks' pH monitoring requirements.

Presents historical facts relevant to printing between 1970 and 1979. Includes the launching of innovative printing inks by Sun Chemical in 1970; Development of the microprocessor by Intel in 1970; Electronic printing machine introduced by Xerox in 1977.

Reports on ink companies' efforts to develop new ink products and enhance existing products. Remediation of ink-related problems encountered by clients; National Printing Ink Research Institute's research efforts.

Discusses the printing test for measuring the tack of an ink on a paper surface. Expansion of the test; Testing on coated board products; Quick setting characteristics.

Discusses the environmental aspects of ultraviolet (UV) and electron beam (EB) printing inks and coatings. Absence of solvents; Effect on productivity; Elimination of alcohol use in the printing press.

Discusses the energy curing process used in new printing inks. Use of a light source; Implementation choices; Selection of process components.

Features a new solvent-free offset ink system for printing. Product results; Basis of technology; Test on various materials; Benefits for press operators.

Discusses the application of the market research equation to the printing ink industry. Combination of the realities of the marketplace with research and development to multiply the chances for successful product introductions; Sales force as a primary source of market intelligence; Development of ink formulations; Changes in the packages of softdrinks; Printing of beverage cans; Popularity of ultraviolet (UV) inks; Soy oil inks.

The article discusses the reasons why companies failed to utilize Pantone Inc.'s GOE color specification system. It states that a leading factor of the problem is GOE's failure to be seen in the industry's standard layout applications. According to Andy Hatkoff, vice president at Pantone Inc., the company is committed to make the GOE work and it will focus on helping people understand the advantages of GOE.

A chart that lists the values for solid inks on the standard paper types of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) that relate to articles that appeared in the June 2009 issue of "Graphic Arts Monthly" are presented.

The article discusses the issue concerning toxic metals constituted in imported products such as printed materials. It cites that no specific definition of heavy metal is included in the U.S. health, safety, and environmental rules. It also indicates that the National Association of Printing Ink Manufacturers provides an accurate information regarding the use of metals in printing inks manufactured in the U.S.

The article offers tips which can be helpful for working with flexography inks. One of these tips is to monitor the potential of hydrogen (pH) and the viscosity of inks on press. Other tips include installing automatic viscosity measurement and adjustment equipment, filtering the inks to prevent scoring of the aniloxroll surface, and using strong magnets in the ink pan.

The article focuses on the ink-on-paper technology utilized in printing the lamp designed by Ingo Maurer for the front covers of a periodical and a book. It mentions that the new ultraviolet set of Toyo four-color process inks, along with Sappi FSC-certified Opus gloss stock used in producing the covers, makes it more vibrant and alive. It adds that the technique used and effort exerted to produce the design become successful because of the positive outcome which receives citations and awards.

The article announces that Sun Chemical's Platinum White Flexo Ultraviolet Ink has received the 2008 Printing Industries of America/Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (PIA/GATF) InterTech Technology Awards.