A new printing method and technology has surfaced recently to add to the repertoire of digital printing. This process uses water-based ink with nano-pigments. Ejection of billions of ink droplets are transferred onto a heated conveyor blanket. When water evaporates, the droplets flatten to produce a thin dry polymeric film nearly 500 nm thick, which is currently the thinnest of all printing technologies. This film is then transferred onto the substrate.
The advantages of this process is the vibrant-sharp colors and images that are subsequently left on the substrate without a lengthy wait for drying, actually, the water-based ink dries instantly. This process might seem complicating, however, it is efficient and less time consuming then other printing methods. Surprisingly, there is no pre-treatment or post-drying and can be transferred right over for finishing. This process can be used for substrates such as paper, plastic, packaging materials, and any off-the-shelf substrates. Besides producing great quality, the cost-per-page is cheaper than other digital printing methods.
This technology is not available in the printing market, however, it is in testing and pre-manufacturing stage partnered with Komori. Beta presses are in labs at different stages of assembly, integration, modeling, and testing. My prediction is that it won’t be in any printing facility any time soon, however, as an optimist I believe this new technology should be ready for sale in few years.
Nanography will not replace other digital printing techniques and methods, however, will compliment traditional digital printing methods and further advance quality and efficiency. Which practice will win the market? That is dependent on consumer demands an needs. As technology advances, new printing methods and capabilities will emerge.
Written by,
Philip Won
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