Getting Better All the Time

These advancements in raw materials, as well as developments in curing equipment, have improved ink capabilities, and have helped drop the price of energy-curable inks for the past few years. However, prices are on the rebound due to a worldwide shortage of acrylic acid, the backbone of most ink and coating raw materials, said Kurt Hudson, Water Ink Technologies general manger of UV Products. Since mid-May, ink vendors have been receiving notice from their raw material suppliers that prices of resins, monomers, oligomers, and other raw materials will be increasing dramatically, Hudson said.