A new exclusive inkjet printing process from Durst will allow label printers to digitally produce optical expressions with patterns, security lettering and textures with no restrictions to the material. Durst Phototechnik AG has partnered with Serom to create Digital Patternware. Digital Patternware can be used in a wide range of products due to its excellent productivity and cost effectiveness – since the patterns printing is done simultaneously with the main printing on the Durst Tau 330 UV Inkjet Label Press. “These labels provide particular enhancement that will allow products to rise above the rest,” said the OEM. “Consumers don’t just visualize, they use their sense of touch to also handle the product. The printed patterns can now be felt in a 3-dimentional effect. The Digital Patternware controls the height of the printed surface of the Tau UV inks to provide variety of textured effects, adding a unique appeal to the digital label and ultimately impressing the consumer. Conventional technologies used to create textured effects include the lenticular method, engraving or embossing the printing roll, or using a specially textured print medium. These methods have limitations such as undesirable preciseness, low productivity and high development costs. The Digital Patternware has solved these problems, said Durst.
As mentioned previously, Digital Patternware forms a print pattern using different heights of digital printing with the Tau ink on the surface, to form patterns and shapes, resulting in “extraordinary 3-dimentional effects.” The various decorativeness and aesthetic texture effects and patterns change depending on the angle of light. Watermark patterns and characters for security reasons can also be done digitally on the Durst Tau 330 Series platform.
Patternware also allows for differentiation in design that emphasizes the brand identity (watermark, variable code, security printing where the image, pattern, logo can be hidden, etc.). Brands and their logos can now be expressed in much more creative ways. The technology also facilitates development of growth opportunities with an existing client base, as Digital Patternware can be applied to a variety of fields, all with significant digital processing that, in turn, results higher productivity.
Benefits include
• Low cost and high productivity
• Environmentally friendly production that creates less waste
• Simplified processing for reduced labour costs
• Small or large quantity production results in cost savings due to smaller/shorter production runs
• Light fastness, scratch resistance and chemical resistance
• Applications in various fields – meets the needs of customers as it can be applied to a wide range of materials
• Genuine product certification and security labeling.
