Development Status and Trend Forecast of Market Segments in the Ink Industry

Ink is a crucial component in the printing industry, directly influencing the quality and efficiency of printed products. Below is an analysis of the current status and future trends in key market segments of the ink industry, with a focus on UV ink and emerging technologies.

1. UV Ink Market Analysis

Current Application Landscape:

• High-End Packaging: The primary application of domestic UV ink is in high-end packaging for cigarettes, wine, health care products, and cosmetics, accounting for over 50% of the market.

• Trademarks and Bills: UV inks are also widely used for printing various trademarks, bills, and official documents.

• Special Materials: There is a growing trend in printing on special materials, including magnetic cards and plastic sheets, with UV printing technology gaining traction for these applications.

Technological Advancements:

• LED UV Curing Technology: LED UV curing has emerged as a significant advancement in the field. This technology uses LED lamps with a narrow wavelength range (primarily 365~395nm) for curing:

• Longer Lamp Life: LED lamps have a longer operational life compared to traditional mercury lamps.

• Higher Energy Efficiency: They are more energy-efficient and consume less power.

• Instant On/Off: LED lamps can be turned on and off instantly without preheating.

• Low Thermal Radiation: They produce minimal heat and no ozone, making them safer and more environmentally friendly.

Market Growth:

• Increasing Share: According to Yole, the global market share of LED UV curing in UV light sources is projected to rise from 21% in 2015 to 52% by 2021. This significant increase reflects the growing adoption of LED UV technology.

• UV-LED Ink Prospects: With the advantages of energy saving and environmental friendliness, UV-LED inks are anticipated to have strong growth prospects in the future.

Domestic Market Trends:

• Rising Production: In China, the production of UV inks (including printing UV inks and solder mask UV inks) has shown a steady increase. The market share of UV inks in the total domestic ink production rose from 5.24% in 2012 to 9.17% in 2018, indicating rapid growth.

• Future Potential: Given the favorable attributes of UV inks, there is expected to be substantial room for further growth in the domestic market.

2. Key Considerations for Ink Performance

Printing Conditions: Understanding the specific ink requirements for different printing conditions is essential for optimizing ink properties. Adjustments based on printing conditions can significantly enhance production efficiency and product quality.

Enhancing Production Efficiency: By addressing ink-related issues and making necessary improvements, manufacturers can achieve better results in terms of both productivity and print quality.

Conclusion

The ink industry is evolving with advancements in UV curing technologies and increasing adoption of UV-LED inks. The market for UV inks is expanding rapidly, driven by their advantages in energy efficiency and environmental impact. As technology continues to advance, the ink industry is poised for significant growth and innovation, with a strong focus on sustainability and performance enhancement.

By staying informed about these trends and adjusting printing processes accordingly, businesses can improve their production efficiency and maintain high standards of print quality.

   2021.11.6