hubergroup launches NewV cure

International printing ink specialist hubergroup has developed NewV cure, a system for determining the curing degree of UV inks.

hubergroup launches NewV cure

While UV inks are gaining popularity and offer a high-speed curing process, hubergroup explained it has been difficult to quickly and definitively determine whether the print is properly cured. Due to the lack of reliable methods, most operators check curing quality subjectively using physical tests such as wiping, scratching or a thumb, as well as chemical characterization. However, the curing degree affects hardness, robustness, migration behaviour, and the ability for further processing of an ink film. In effect, improper curing negatively affects the usability and quality of the printed product, hubergroup stated.

Dr Carina Sötebier, head of the central analytical lab at hubergroup, explained: ‘Our new science-based approach provides an easy and objective evaluation of UV curing within a few minutes. To determine curing level of UV inks, we use a test liquid and an electronic test device. By testing a predefined extract, NewV cure can identify the quality level of a printed product.’

Roland Schröder, product manager, UV at hubergroup, added: ‘With NewV cure, we end all subjective methods of curing determination and create a new standard for quality management in UV curing. It will help to reduce waste and rejects due to incomplete curing and increases security in packaging production.’

hubergroup will present the first measuring results using NewV cure, alongside its NewV EuPIA compliant UV ink portfolio, at the forthcoming IST UV Days event in Nürtingen, Germany.

Find out about UV Days and other industry events in the L&L Events diary