EB's Bright Future

Reaping the advantages

EB equipment first hit the scene in the 1960s, and while the machinery and inks have had many facelifts, the basic foundation has remained essentially untouched. "Today's equipment offers many advantages," says Ed Maguire, VP, global marketing and sales at Energy Sciences Inc. (ESI). "Some of the more impactful benefits include the removal of all inter-station dryers (the actual hardware), the related heat (which can cause waste on heat-sensitive materials), and the excessive chilling costs associated with inter-station drying." Maguire adds that since EB inks are solventless, these systems also eliminate the need for explosion-proofing, incinerators, and licensing fees, along with all additional solvent-related issues (VOCs, retained solvents, etc.).