In brief
FUJIFILM Corporation says it has developed AQUAFUZE, a proprietary technology that combines water-based ink formulation with UV curing for wide-format inkjet printing. The company plans to launch an aqueous UV-curable ink using the technology in autumn 2024. It is intended for applications such as indoor signage and wallpaper. Fujifilm says the ink offers reduced odor, resistance to rubbing and compatibility with varied print substrates, while its formulation is designed to support stable ink delivery. The company also says the ink can adhere without primer or optimizer coatings and does not require a topcoat after printing. Fujifilm plans to exhibit the technology at drupa 2024, a printing and media industry exhibition scheduled for May in Germany.
Key takeaways
- FUJIFILM developed AQUAFUZE, a technology combining water-based ink formulation and UV curing.
- An aqueous UV-curable ink using the technology is planned for launch in autumn 2024.
- Target uses include indoor signage and wallpaper in wide-format printing.
- Fujifilm says the ink offers reduced odor, rub resistance and substrate compatibility.
The ink technology opens up new possibilities for wide-format inkjet printing applications
TOKYO, March 25, 2024 -- FUJIFILM Corporation (President and CEO, Representative Director: Teiichi Goto) announces the development of a new technology, AQUAFUZE inkjet ink technology, which combines water-based and UV curable ink for wide format inkjet printing applications. The new UV-curable aqueous ink based on the new technology will be launched in autumn 2024.
The AQUAFUZE inkjet ink technology is a Fujifilm’s proprietary technology for stable water dispersion of photopolymers*1. Fujifilm 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.
“AQUAFUZE” logo
The UV-curable aqueous ink is available for indoor signage and wallpaper applications, meeting the growing needs of the wide-format market. It provides safe and odorless ink during printing, as well as offering a high level of rub resistance and compatibility with a variety of print substrates. The UV-curable aqueous ink featuring AQUAFUZE inkjet ink technology is expected to become the new standard in the wide-format market, expanding the scope of customers’ business in the future.
Ingredients of AQUAFUZE ink
Ink fixing process
Industrial inkjet inks are classified into three types: water-based, solvent, and UV-curable. These inks are selected by users based on their characteristics and printing applications. In wide format inkjet printing, water-based inks that cure with heat, and UV-curable inks that cure with light irradiation are mainly used. As the wide format field continues to grow, printing applications and substrates are becoming 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 prioritize the safety of the ink, including preventing solvent volatilization and minimizing odors generated during printing. This is an important factor when choosing an ink.
The AQUAFUZE inkjet ink technology will be exhibited at the Fujifilm booth at drupa 2024, the International Printing and Media Industry Exhibition to be held in Germany in May.
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 optimizers.
- Printed image thickness is reduced, and the ink surface becomes more even, resulting in light reflection, and a glossy appearance.
- UV curing eliminates the need for a topcoat on the printed substrate.
- Ink odour is reduced and enhancing user safety.
- *1 Water-dispersed resin that undergoes a curing reaction upon UV light irradiation
Contact
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FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation
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Customer Contact
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https://global.fujifilm.com/en/
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Questions around this news
What is AQUAFUZE inkjet ink technology?
The release describes AQUAFUZE as a proprietary technology that disperses photopolymers in water and combines formulation approaches used for water-based and UV-curable inks. It is the basis for a UV-curable aqueous ink intended for wide-format printing, including indoor signage and wallpaper.
What benefits does the new UV-curable aqueous ink offer?
According to the release, the ink is designed to reduce odor during printing, resist rubbing, and work with a variety of substrates. It can adhere without pre-coat primers or optimizers, produces a thinner, more even ink layer, and uses UV curing to remove the need for a topcoat.
How does UV curing work in inkjet printing?
UV-curable inks contain materials that harden when exposed to ultraviolet light. In an inkjet workflow, the ink is deposited onto a surface and then irradiated, triggering a curing reaction. This differs from water-based inks that typically rely on heat to dry or cure.
What are photopolymers in printing ink?
Photopolymers are materials that change or harden in response to light, often through a chemical reaction. In printing inks, they can help form a durable cured layer after exposure to a suitable light source. The release describes the ink technology as using photopolymers dispersed in water.
