the mid-80s. In the last few years, UV inks have been developed for glass applications and is becoming more accepted and recognized for the progressive answer of the rapidly changing environment. Another trend is the development of roll-to-roll web printing with UV LED curing process. This has recently been introduced and appears to have a strong future for ecological benefits. 

 

 

How do you view the global impact on this industry's growth?

 

There will be a time when new and increased production requirements, improved print quality, and speed will drive current decorators to new equipment. This applies specifically to the glass and plastic industries. Both markets are driven by environmental pressures forcing printing companies to find suitable methods to decorate their products while offering ecological approaches to recycling the finished goods. For the glass industry, the growth potential is just beginning in the US. While most glass decorating is well established in Europe using thermal and UV inks, the US is just introducing UV curable inks for production and decoration of glass ranging from beer bottles, glassware, cosmetics and medical devices.

 

 

What do you foresee as the future for this industry?

 

As stated earlier, the market demands are changing for cost reasons but are mostly driven by environmental demands. We at Kammann recognize the shift in product demands and have developed printing systems to satisfy the highest level of print quality, repeat registration, and most importantly, speed while maintaining quick-change tooling. The future demands of both the glass and plastic industries will require all of these features in order to grow. Both markets have seen resurgence in new product development that cannot be supported with existing, antiquated equipment. New demands will require new technology.