A focus on inks and printing technologies
In the world of advertising graphics, where visual impact and durability are essential, understanding how inks react to different light spectra is crucial. This knowledge not only helps optimize design but also ensures the longevity and adaptability of graphics under various conditions.
This article explores how advanced inks and printing technologies interact with light and how leveraging this knowledge can maximize the effectiveness of advertising applications.
Spectra and UV ink behavior
Uv inks, used in printers like those from Durst, SwissQprint, and other industry leaders, are renowned for their instant curing capability under ultraviolet light.
This curing process, occurring at wavelengths between 365-405 nm, enables the inks to permanently adhere to a wide variety of substrates, including vinyl, rigid materials like stone, glass, wood, acrylic, textiles, metal, and translucent materials such as onyx, alabaster, natural stones, and cosentino products.
Technical advantages
- Fast curing: Inks solidify instantly, reducing production time.
- Versatile adhesion: Suitable for porous and non-porous materials without pre-treatment.
- Durability: Resistant to fading, scratches, and extreme weather conditions.
Practical example
An urban backlit sign uses UV LED inks to achieve bright whites and vibrant colors that remain sharp even after months of sun and rain exposure. The ability to apply multiple layers enables the creation of 3d effects that highlight the main message.
Innovation
UV neon inks
A notable development in this field is uv neon inks, which respond to ultraviolet and hyper red light. These inks are widely used in events, trade shows, and art installations, where bright graphics under low-light conditions create spectacular 3d visual impacts.
Sublimation technology
Colors that penetrate
Sublimation is a technique that uses special inks capable of transitioning from solid to gas at high temperatures (190-210°c), allowing pigments to penetrate the fibers of materials, particularly cotton and polyester textiles.
Technical advantages
- Vivid and durable colors: Integrated into the material, colors won’t fade or peel.
- Wear resistance: Ideal for applications requiring washing or outdoor exposure.
- Textile compatibility: Perfect for sportswear, flags, and backlit fabrics like berger.
Practical example
In producing custom sports uniforms, sublimation ensures that team colors are vibrant and resistant to sweat, frequent washing, and sun exposure. A sportswear manufacturer can print logos and complex details with precision, providing superior visual quality that lasts the entire season.
Latex printing
Versatility and sustainability
The latex technology from HP has revolutionized the sector by combining sustainability with exceptional color quality. These inks, composed of water and latex polymers, offer an eco-friendly alternative without compromising durability or color vibrancy.
Technical advantages
- Sustainability: Free of volatile organic compounds (vocs), ideal for indoor environments like schools or hospitals.
- Wide range of applications: Suitable for everything from banners and vinyl to wallpaper and large-format graphics.
- Fade resistance: Colors remain vibrant even in outdoor settings exposed to direct sunlight.
Practical example
A hotel chain uses murals printed with latex inks to decorate its rooms. The vibrant colors and absence of vocs create a welcoming and safe environment for guests, while durability ensures the graphics maintain their impeccable appearance for years.
Comparison of technologies and spectra
| Technology | Main applications | Key advantages | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
|
UV |
Rigid signage, backlit displays |
Fast curing, 3d effects, versatility |
Requires specialized equipment |
|
Sublimation |
Backlit textiles, sportswear, flags |
Integrated colors, extreme durability |
Limited to cotton, polyester, and synthetics |
|
Latex |
Rigid signage, murals, backlit posters, outdoor graphics |
Eco-friendly, versatile, vibrant colors |
Requires coating for certain materials |
The choice of spectra and its impact on design
Understanding how each technology responds to different light spectra enables printing professionals to make informed decisions to optimize each project.
UV is ideal for rigid pieces and applications with controlled or backlighting.
Sublimation is excellent for textiles and applications requiring wear resistance.
Latex is perfect for eco-friendly applications and large-format graphics for both indoor and outdoor use.
Combining technology, substrate, and usage environment ensures advertising graphics are not only impactful but also functional and durable.
Actilum, with over a decade of experience in led lighting solutions, plays a significant role in the interaction between light and advertising graphics.
Our focus on creating tailored light spectra enhances colors and textures across various materials, optimizing the visual perception of prints.
Through its Actilum Spectrum division, we develop custom light spectra that adapt to the specific needs of each application across all three technologies.
This capability is essential for:
- Highlighting textures and colors: Proper lighting can enhance the visual characteristics of printed materials, making colors more vibrant and textures more defined.
- Lighting for lightboxes and backlit applications: Actilum offers solutions like luxpanel, an optical methacrylate technology that provides uniform and efficient lighting in light panels and ultrathin displays, improving the presentation of advertising graphics.
- Retail and exhibition applications: The company has collaborated on projects where customized led lighting has been key to showcasing products and creating attractive environments in stores and exhibits, directly influencing the perception of graphics and customer experience.
Additionally, actilum develops lighting solutions that improve color reproduction and shape definition in products and clothing, which is crucial for the effective presentation of advertising graphics in commercial environments.
In summary, actilum contributes to this field by providing led lighting technologies that, when interacting with inks and printed materials, optimize visual perception and the effectiveness of advertising graphics.
If you are looking to elevate your advertising projects, leverage advanced printing technologies, or implement lighting solutions that maximize the impact of your graphics, now is the time to act.
Discover how combining printing technology and customized light spectra can transform your designs into unparalleled visual experiences.
Contact us today to explore how we can help you create advertising graphics that not only captivate but also endure.
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