Toray will demonstrate its value added technologies for offset print on demand at drupa 2012, from 3 to 16May, in Düsseldorf. Increased flexibility and efficiency, with fast processing on different materials, have been the focus of the Japanese manufacturer’s most recent developments to meet the increasing challenges presented by a changing print market. In the difficult business environment caused by decreasing demand for commercial printing on paper, it is Toray’s aim to show solutions that will help printers expand their product range.

“Waterless’ ability to produce superior quality on a wide variety of substrates beyond paper and board, with the same ink, will make it easier for printers to diversify,” explains Junichi Ishii, Sales Manager for graphics and chemical products at Toray International Europe. “ The quick make ready and in-line finishing that are possible with waterless UV printing, make production highly efficient and shortens delivery times to customers.”

Toray will show visitors the benefits of waterless UV printing in B1 and B3 formats, including highly automated in-line finishing, in live demonstrations on stand D32 in hall 16.

Added value by waterless offset printing

Waterless technology delivers stable reproduction of high-resolution images ensuring exceptional print quality on a wide range of substrates from paper, cardboard, plastic, film or metal foil. It also offers environmental benefits as it eliminates water use on press and reduces chemical effluent and VOC emissions.  Since there is no ink/water balance to control, make ready times and waste are minimized making it possible to print more jobs per day. The benefits are particularly effective when using UV curing printing inks, which in conventional offset printing may become unstable in combination with water.As print jobs get smaller and product diversification requires more expensive substrates, the reduced waste made possible by the waterless process presents a significant economic and environmental argument.  Owing to the uniqueness of waterless printing, i.e. the combination of higher quality and the proof of sustainability, printing firms can provide added value.

New markets opened up

Waterless offset printing is particularly successful in applications where conventional offset printing is pushed to its limits with regard to spoilage rate, printability and quality such as premium packaging, plastic cards, advertising posters, self adhesive labels, 3D and lenticular applications, CD/DVD, wood laminates, metal decor as well as commercial print runs including brochures, magazine titles and flyers.

Conversion to waterless printing is possible on all standard offset presses and simpler than many people think. There are only a few key requirements: the printer must have temperature control for the inking units on press, a special developing machine for waterless plates and use waterless printing inks, which are available from several suppliers.

Ishii concludes: “If these requirements are met, all options are open to the waterless offset printer wanting to add value to their services.“