The Rise and Rise of Print Finishing

Because of the need to take into account the rapid hardening of hybrid inks and UV coatings, hybrid technology is set to expand the options for using inline die-cutting, which, unlike conventional systems, prevents ink and/or varnish from building up on the cutting die.

Since hybrid machines offer various modes of operation, they are equipped with IR, hot-air and UV drying units that make the process cost-intensive. Dryer system manufacturers are therefore working on modular and energy-efficient solutions. Development work on UV coating processes aims to minimize the energy consumed by the UV dryer in the press without making the UV coatings significantly more expensive.