company news about Corrugated packaging: Innovations in UV/UV LED inks and digital printing

Corrugated packaging: Innovations in UV/UV LED inks and digital printing

  Corrugated cardboard is a multi-layer adhesive body, which consists of at least one layer of corrugated core paper and one layer of cardboard. Corrugated cardboard is formed by corrugating the corrugated core paper and then laminating it with the surface paper and the lining paper.

  Common ones include single corrugated cardboard (three layers), which is one layer of corrugated core paper and two layers of surface paper; double corrugated cardboard (five layers), which contains two layers of corrugated core paper and three layers of surface paper; and triple corrugated cardboard (seven layers), etc.The shapes of corrugated cardboard mainly include U-type, V-type and UV-type. U-type corrugated cardboard has good elasticity and good cushioning performance, but weak pressure resistance; V-type corrugated cardboard has good strength and strong pressure resistance, but slightly poor elasticity; UV-type combines the advantages of U-type and V-type, and is currently the most widely used corrugated shape.

  Corrugated board was once only printable via analog processes. Due to the unpredictable nature of the material, digital printing technology is still improving, especially in vacuum transfer, board extrusion, machinery, and avoiding printhead strikes. Today, ink composition and curing systems make inkjet a viable alternative to analog printing. UV/UV LED inks offer advantages in this area, including durability, flexibility, and reliability. UV/UV LED printing is well suited for today’s customized, short-run corrugated packaging.

  UV/UV LED inks are used in both single-pass and multi-pass presses. In single-pass printing, users seek high-speed printing and LED curing capabilities to provide reliability and productivity. UV LED inks do not require drying, reducing the energy required to cure printed inks, providing environmental advantages and production efficiency. UV inks are widely used in single-pass presses for corrugated packaging, providing saturated printing effects that are difficult to replicate with water-based inks.

  Reasons for using UV or UV LED inks in single-pass digital printing presses include the need for a high-end finished look, lower print runs, and when the substrate is plastic corrugated packaging. UV inks are also commonly used in multi-pass corrugated packaging printing because they are suitable for the short-run corrugated display market. UV printing for corrugated packaging applications offers a range of features to help users succeed. Manufacturers and converters require these presses to be reliable, versatile, and low-maintenance. The main requirements revolve around achieving a consistent and repeatable process, with UV systems being durable and consistent during production without being affected by humidity or weather conditions.

  Versatility is particularly important for print service providers. Print providers want to use as few devices as possible to complete as many applications as possible, such as printing on plastic and paper. Compact devices are also beneficial for saving space and electricity. Fast printing, complex and detailed information and bright colors are the current trends in the packaging market.

  The low heat of LED curing lamps offers advantages in the corrugated packaging market, and cold curing enables it to print on a wider range of substrates. UV inks are flexible enough for folding, strong enough for creasing, and fully repulpable and recyclable, contributing to the circular economy of corrugated packaging. The falling cost of UV inks makes them more attractive in the competitive corrugated packaging industry.