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Summary:
UV and EB curing have been expanding at an unprecedented rate over the last several years. This technology is already well established in publishing (coatings for magazine covers) and, especially, packaging areas of the Graphic Art industry. Traditional acrylate based products have been dominated most of these applications since this technology was first introduced in the late 60's. The latest trends in free radical polymerization of acrylates in respect to Graphic Art are low odor products; improved lithographic properties of UV/EB offset inks and coatings with stable gloss. Cationically curable cycloaliphatic epoxy based products are finding application in the areas where advanced physical properties and adhesion to plastics are required. Water based UV/EB curable products have recently been introduced to the market place. These monomer free systems offer very low odor and performance characteristics of typical 100% solid energy curable products at a lower film thickness. One of the benefits of monomer free products is almost negligible skin irritation, some times associated with acrylate monomers. Novel chemistry and enhanced properties of traditional acrylates have led to development of liquid energy curable inks for packaging. Recently introduced UV flexographic printing has already demonstrated superior printability (reproduction of gray scale), faster press speeds and outstanding physical properties required for various packaging applications.