UV curing technology and the development of related products reached a level of excellence never before achieved in the printing and packaging industry. UV decorations on metal and plastic food or cosmetics containers, polyurethane containers, glass bottles, tins and polystyrene containers are now renowned for their high definition and high level of chemical/mechanical resistance.
UV technology is especially beneficial when used for the decoration of plastic containers made from thermo-sensitive polymers such as PVC, PET and PC, in which the absence of excess heat due to the speed of the UV cross-linking process prevents damage to the polymers.
One of the most impressive aspects in the field of UV decoration and printing is the rapid drying time combined with the excellent mechanical and chemical durability of the UV curable inks. These inks have significantly contributed to the development of multicolour, in-line printing presses which apply multiple colours directly onto the product, thereby reducing process times and costs while providing a flawless result. Last but not least, overprint varnishes (OPV) are UV coatings applied on printed paper or film to improve the gloss of the printed substrate and protect it against scratching or discolouring.