Cures for Wider Webs?

UV top-coat and varnish units are still most common at wider widths, says Joe Ooten, vice president sales and marketing, IST America Corp. He sees overcapacity of solvent- and water-based ink technologies in the traditional flexible packaging segment (beverage labels, food packaging, etc.)—and thus, little incentive to convert. He believes UV conversion opportunities will arise for these printers when the time comes to add capacity. Alternatively, UV printing in wider folding carton applications, “is growing like gangbusters,” he says, citing a number of IST installations this year on 40˝ to 50˝ presses for this purpose. Drivers include capacity additions and interest in new designs, he explains, adding that UV inks “are structured to the box, and help protect the ingredients inside.”