Fujifilm’s proprietary Aqaufuze technology will feature at drupa 2024. The company has unveiled a new inkjet ink featuring the Aquafuze technology.
Combining water-based and UV-curable ink technology, the new technology targets wide format inkjet printing. The company will launch the new UV-curable aqueous ink later this year after its drupa debut.
Fujfilfilm calls Aquafuze ink technology its proprietary technology for stable water dispersion of photopolymers. The says it has applied its original synthesis technology for highly functional materials and particle dispersion technology. Based on this dispersion, Fujifilm has developed a new UV-curable aqueous ink by combining the formulation technologies of both water-based and UV-curable inks.
The UV-curable aqueous ink has application for a range of wide format printing including indoor signage and wallpaper applications. Fujifilm says it provides safe and odourless ink during printing, as well as offering a high level of rub resistance and compatibility with a variety of print substrates. The company expects the UV-curable aqueous ink featuring Aquafuze inkjet ink technology to become the new standard in the wide format market, expanding the scope of customers’ business in the future.
High durability and stretchability
Classifying industrial inkjet inks into three types – water-based, solvent, and UV-curable – Fujifilm says users select the inks based on their characteristics and printing applications. In wide format inkjet printing, printers mainly use water-based inks that cure with heat, and UV-curable inks that cure with light radiation.
As the wide format field continues to grow, printing applications and substrates have become more diverse. As a result, users now require inks that offer high durability for printed materials and stretchability for ink films. These features are necessary for bending and processing of products. In addition, users also prioritise the safety of the ink, including preventing solvent volatilisation and minimising odours generated during printing. Fujifilm says this is an important factor when choosing an ink.
Fujifilm lists the main features of UV-curable aqueous ink developed by Aquafuze inkjet ink technology:
- The use of photopolymer dispersion reduces clogging of the inkjet printhead due to ink drying and achieves stable ink ejection.
- The ink adheres to a wide variety of substrates without pre-coat primers and optimisers.
- Printed image thickness is reduced, and the ink surface becomes more even, resulting in light reflection and creating a glossy appearance.
- UV curing eliminates the need for a topcoat on the printed substrate.
- Ink odour is reduced, enhancing user safety.
