EFI has acquired what it calls key intellectual property assets for digital inkjet printing of thermoformed products from Polymeric Imaging, a specialist provider of UV and LED inks for industrial and graphic arts applications.
The companies have not disclosed financial terms of the acquisition. Stephen Emery, vice president of EFI’s ink business, says, “This acquisition continues EFI’s momentum in inkjet graphics printing following a highly successful SGIA Expo highlighting our leading portfolio of UV and LED inkjet technologies. The technology we are acquiring will allow EFI to continue expanding our efficient, high-quality inkjet platforms into new markets.”
Polymeric Imaging has research and development experience in the development of inkjet inks that address curing, adhesion, density, and durability issues that industrial and graphic arts print professionals encounter when printing on challenging substrates. EFI will use the acquired technology to enhance its customers’ inkjet production capabilities for thermoforming and other high-elongation applications requiring exceptional ink durability and flexibility.
Don Sloan, Polymeric Imaging founder and owner, says, “As a world leader in UV inkjet manufacturing, EFI has long set a standard for excellence and innovation in digital printing. This deal provides significantly greater scale and reach for the development and commercialization of some of the key research and development breakthroughs we have made with inkjet ink.”
In addition to buying technology from Polymeric Imaging, EFI has hired key Polymeric Imaging employees responsible for technical and market development of digital ink and coating products. Those employees are currently assisting EFI’s ink operations in the development and testing of new formulations for use in EFI inkjet products.
