To UV or Not to UV. . .

Hudson also points out some of the qualities that UV offset brings to the table. “If you need precise dot structure, or beautiful vignette, then UV offset is the answer. However, run-to-run color consistency can be difficult—you need to dial in every color, every time.”

Recent quality improvements in UV offset inks noted by Buystedt could address some of these concerns. “As it relates to UV offset inks, the newer ink technologies have a wider operating window, which allows UV offset printers to print using very high screens without having issues relative to water-balance,” he states. “New UV offset inks are also being used for UV letterpress applications, which allows printers to satisfy both print-technology needs only having the inventory of one ink technology.”