Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/707472
S I G N & D I G I T A L G R A P H I C S • August 2016 • 39 nage and fabric printer that also employs the "Functional Aqueous Inks," as Durst terms them. Also at this year's drupa event, EFI unveiled a new technology it calls AquaEndure technology. Like the Durst solution, EFI's AquaEndure technology is a water-based ink set that offers the benefits and durability of UV-cure tech- nology. The company says AquaEndure technology has a further advantage because the ink can be cured using a low-temperature UV-LED curing system. EFI says AquaEndure will be used across many of its platforms and segments in the future. S u n J e t 's A q u a c u r e t e c h n o l o g y evolved from an established product line of water-based UV-curable flexo- In a flatbed system the curing process for functional water-based inks is done in-line, using a two-step process. (Image courtesy of Sun Chemical) Last year Durst introduced its "Durst Water Technology" with the Rho WT 250-HS flatbed system. This year it is rolling out the 5-meter Rhotex 500, a five-meter wide roll-fed soft signage and fabric printer employing the same technology. (Image courtesy of Durst) • Low build - it looks and feels like an analogue flexo or gravure print • Lower film weight on final print (10-30% of the thickness of a standard 100% solids UV-curing ink). Prints can thus be around 1-2 microns. • Very low odour • Improve the health and safety profile and product labelling, since materials of higher molecular weight can be used due to the diluting power of the water component • Extended colour gamut due to thinner films • Low migration capability • Beer environmental profile than solvent or 100% solids UV due to low VOC and less consumption of material per square meter of print. So why Aquacure—How Does it Compare to UV?