Water-Based Inkjet Printer for Flexible Packaging and Automated Laser Gravure Cylinder Production

Abstract

Gravure printing has the advantages of high productivity, compatibility with a wide variety of materials, and high print quality; it is used mainly for flexible packaging markets domestically and internationally. However, the flexible packaging industry must make changes for greater product convenience, a declining workforce, and the necessary reduction of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for environmental sustainability. Digital printing for flexible film has improved rapidly. Combining digital printing (inkjet printing) and the existing analog printing (gravure printing) has the advantage of improving the efficiency of production. In this paper, to realize a sustainable society, we describe the water-based inkjet printer "FXIJ," automated laser gravure cylinder production with the "NewFX3," and newly water-based pigment inkjet ink with non-reactive, non-hazardous, and odorless materials. These innovations support the proposal for a new production method (seamless printing) for the flexible packaging market.