Paper Plays Key Role in Production Inkjet Press Decision

By Bob Neubauer

Because paper is such a crucial part of any inkjet press decision, Mary Schilling, director of print quality analysis at InkjetInsight.com, gave a presentation analyzing trends in inkjet paper during the 2018 Inkjet Summit. After hearing from customers, she said, paper mills are introducing new inkjet papers, such as highly calendared stock, which provides higher print quality than inkjet-treated paper and better drying performance than inkjet coated. It has a smooth, slick surface, reminiscent of coated stock.

She discussed the benefits of applying pre-coatings on paper (e.g., it expands paper choices, slows ink absorption and increases print quality) as well as the challenges (e.g., higher costs, additional maintenance and the need for more drying capacity).

Schilling also talked about new high-viscosity UV ink chemistry, which can expand media choices and boasts minimum ink migration, no water/paper saturation and an expanded color gamut. However, those UV inks cost 10-15% more than aqueous inks and result in slower jet speeds and a longer cure time. They also yield a raised surface that can crack on the fold, she said.

Schilling encouraged the printers in the room to continue talking with the mills to let them know what they need in an inkjet paper.

"You guys are pushing the industry," she said. "Push harder."

0 Comments

View Comments

Bob Neubauer Author's page

Bob has served as editor of In-plant Impressions since October of 1994. Prior to that he served for three years as managing editor of Printing Impressions, a commercial printing publication. Mr. Neubauer is very active in the U.S. in-plant industry. He attends all the major in-plant conferences and has visited more than 170 in-plant operations around the world. He has given presentations to numerous in-plant groups in the U.S., Canada and Australia, including the Association of College and University Printers and the In-plant Printing and Mailing Association. He also coordinates the annual In-Print contest, co-sponsored by IPMA and In-plant Impressions.