Opening up new dimensions
Innovation Hediger AG produces with opaque white on a flatbed inkjet system for the first time and thus conquers the last bastion of screen printing.
Innovation Hediger AG produces with opaque white on a flatbed inkjet system for the first time and thus conquers the last bastion of screen printing Where other printing processes reach their limits, inkjet technology opens up a wide range of applications. In the past, there were hardly any restrictions in terms of formats and substrates; only the direct printing of very thick and rigid materials was previously not possible with inkjet and remained largely the domain of screen printing. This is now possible with the JetPrint 3530 UV used at Hediger AG and supplied by Lüscher AG. The two companies based in Aargau have been working closely together on the development of the large-format inkjet printer since it was installed in June 2004.
For example, it is now possible to use opaque white - similar to screen printing. This results in greater freedom in design and in the choice of colored and transparent substrates. In addition to the largely free choice of material, production is thus considerably accelerated, simplified and manageable; processes that were previously carried out separately can now be reduced to just one printing process.
Alternative to screen printingThe large format printer developed and marketed by Lüscher is designed for printing on 350 x 305 cm surfaces. The flatbed principle allows material thicknesses of up to 80 mm to be processed. The system produces with either four (CMYK), six (CMYKLcLm) or eight colors (CMYKLcLmLyLk, CMYKLcLm plus 2 x white, CMYKLcLmLk plus 1 x white, 2 x CMYK). This makes the process a real alternative to screen printing.
Lüscher has found an innovative partner in Peter Hediger for the further development of the JetPrint 3530 UV to market maturity. After a pilot phase of almost a year with the machine exhibited at the drupa trade fair, the new model, which was essentially modified for the use of opaque white, was put into operation in April.
Inkjet attacks screen printingWith flatbed printers such as the JetPrint, the inkjet process is conquering the last bastion of screen printing, as it can be used to print materials for backdrops (on plywood), banners (on fabric), posters, cardboard, polystyrene, glass, stone or other materials. In addition to the ability to process thick and rigid materials, Lüscher's large-format printer, in conjunction with piezo technology, also offers the prerequisites for the use of inks that cure completely within a short time when exposed to ultraviolet radiation.
The inkjet inks normally used are based on glazing binders. This leads to considerable additional work, particularly with crystal-clear materials, because opaque films or opaque Plexiglas have to be glued behind them or an opaque layer has to be applied by spraying after the printing process. This process can be completely omitted when using UV-curing inks.
All in all, Hediger AG has done a great deal of pioneering work. It resulted in a technology that will open up new creative fields for visual communication.
UV inkjet still in its infancy UV-curing inks have been used in offset, flexographic and screen printing for over 20 years. The reduction of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) through the elimination of solvents is one of the driving forces behind this rapidly advancing development. In contrast, UV applications in inkjet are still in their infancy. Solvent-based inks are currently predominant.
In order to meet criteria such as weather and light resistance as well as the high quality requirements, either aggressive solvents that penetrate the substrate or substrates with an ink-receiving layer and subsequent lamination are required. In addition, materials with a completely closed surface such as Plexiglas, glass, acrylic etc. do not allow direct printing. In this case, films must be printed upside down and applied to the desired material in a further work step. (jm)
Hediger AGLocated in the canton of Aargau, Hediger AG can look back on over 60 years of experience in dealing with technologies for visual outdoor and indoor communication. The company also counts the production of three-dimensional objects among its areas of expertise. The cutting system used for this with water jet technology was essentially designed by Peter Hediger himself to meet his needs.
In addition to the JetPrint 3530 UV, two Vutek machines with widths of 3.2 and 5 meters are used for printing truck tarpaulins and films, frontlit and backlit prints as well as megaposters for a wide range of applications. A recently built hall provides space to equip two articulated lorries with films at the same time. (jm)
The use of opaque white offers far greater freedom in design and a wider choice of both colored and transparent materials.
The JetPrint at Hediger uses UV inks.
Jürg Marti
For example, it is now possible to use opaque white - similar to screen printing. This results in greater freedom in design and in the choice of colored and transparent substrates. In addition to the largely free choice of material, production is thus considerably accelerated, simplified and manageable; processes that were previously carried out separately can now be reduced to just one printing process.
Alternative to screen printingThe large format printer developed and marketed by Lüscher is designed for printing on 350 x 305 cm surfaces. The flatbed principle allows material thicknesses of up to 80 mm to be processed. The system produces with either four (CMYK), six (CMYKLcLm) or eight colors (CMYKLcLmLyLk, CMYKLcLm plus 2 x white, CMYKLcLmLk plus 1 x white, 2 x CMYK). This makes the process a real alternative to screen printing.
Lüscher has found an innovative partner in Peter Hediger for the further development of the JetPrint 3530 UV to market maturity. After a pilot phase of almost a year with the machine exhibited at the drupa trade fair, the new model, which was essentially modified for the use of opaque white, was put into operation in April.
Inkjet attacks screen printingWith flatbed printers such as the JetPrint, the inkjet process is conquering the last bastion of screen printing, as it can be used to print materials for backdrops (on plywood), banners (on fabric), posters, cardboard, polystyrene, glass, stone or other materials. In addition to the ability to process thick and rigid materials, Lüscher's large-format printer, in conjunction with piezo technology, also offers the prerequisites for the use of inks that cure completely within a short time when exposed to ultraviolet radiation.
The inkjet inks normally used are based on glazing binders. This leads to considerable additional work, particularly with crystal-clear materials, because opaque films or opaque Plexiglas have to be glued behind them or an opaque layer has to be applied by spraying after the printing process. This process can be completely omitted when using UV-curing inks.
All in all, Hediger AG has done a great deal of pioneering work. It resulted in a technology that will open up new creative fields for visual communication.
UV inkjet still in its infancy UV-curing inks have been used in offset, flexographic and screen printing for over 20 years. The reduction of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) through the elimination of solvents is one of the driving forces behind this rapidly advancing development. In contrast, UV applications in inkjet are still in their infancy. Solvent-based inks are currently predominant.
In order to meet criteria such as weather and light resistance as well as the high quality requirements, either aggressive solvents that penetrate the substrate or substrates with an ink-receiving layer and subsequent lamination are required. In addition, materials with a completely closed surface such as Plexiglas, glass, acrylic etc. do not allow direct printing. In this case, films must be printed upside down and applied to the desired material in a further work step. (jm)
Hediger AGLocated in the canton of Aargau, Hediger AG can look back on over 60 years of experience in dealing with technologies for visual outdoor and indoor communication. The company also counts the production of three-dimensional objects among its areas of expertise. The cutting system used for this with water jet technology was essentially designed by Peter Hediger himself to meet his needs.
In addition to the JetPrint 3530 UV, two Vutek machines with widths of 3.2 and 5 meters are used for printing truck tarpaulins and films, frontlit and backlit prints as well as megaposters for a wide range of applications. A recently built hall provides space to equip two articulated lorries with films at the same time. (jm)
The use of opaque white offers far greater freedom in design and a wider choice of both colored and transparent materials.
The JetPrint at Hediger uses UV inks.
Jürg Marti
