The Flexographic Technical Association (FTA), a cornerstone of the global package printing industry since 1958, has expanded its international reach with the addition of IUV as its newest international member. This partnership underscores IUV’s commitment to advancing flexographic printing technologies and aligns with FTA’s mission to bridge innovation across borders. Here’s how this collaboration will shape the future of flexo printing and sustainable label packaging solutions.
FTA: A Global Hub for Flexographic Excellence
The FTA is a leading global authority in flexographic printing, renowned for:
- Setting industry standards (e.g., FIRST Certification for print quality and consistency) .
- Promoting education through initiatives like Forum and INFOFLEX.
- Spearheading R&D in sustainable practices, color management, and substrate compatibility .
By joining the FTA, IUV aligns with industry giants like Esko, DuPont, and Bobst, reinforcing its role as a key player in advancing next-gen printing solutions.
Why IUV’s FTA Membership Matters for Flexo Printers
1. Bridging Technology Gaps in UV Curing
Flexo printers face persistent challenges with traditional curing systems, including:
- Energy waste: Mercury lamps consume up to 60% excess energy .
- Heat-sensitive substrates: Warping of films and labels during high-speed runs .
- Inconsistent curing: Leading to defects like pinholing or poor ink adhesion .
IUV’s LED UV curing systems, already trusted by global flexo manufacturers, address these issues with:
- Instant ON/OFF functionality: Reducing energy use by 70% vs. mercury lamps .
- Precision 365–405 nm wavelength control: Ensuring uniform curing for water-based inks, coatings, and adhesives .
- Modular power supplies: Scalable from 1 kW to 10 kW for flexible press integration .
2. Driving Sustainability in Flexo Printing
The FTA’s Sustainability Project aims to reduce waste and emissions across the supply chain. IUV supports this mission through:
- Mercury-free technology: Aligning with RoHS and REACH regulations .
- 50% lower CO₂ emissions: Achieved via energy-efficient LED systems .
- Recyclable components: Minimizing e-waste from power supplies .
3. Collaborative R&D for Future-Ready Solutions
As an FTA member, IUV will collaborate on:
- Hybrid printing technology: Merging flexo ,offset, digital UV curing technology.
- AI-driven predictive maintenance: Reducing downtime in high-speed presses.
- Smart packaging: Integrating IoT-enabled curing for track-and-trace labels.
Looking Ahead: IUV’s Vision with the FTA
IUV plans to leverage its FTA membership to:
- Launch training programs on LED UV curing best practices.
- Co-develop sustainable ink formulations with FTA partners.
- Introduce modular retrofit kits for legacy flexo presses.
IUV’s entry into the FTA marks a pivotal step toward smarter, greener, and more efficient flexographic printing. By combining FTA’s industry leadership with IUV’s expertise in LED UV curing, this partnership promises to redefine standards for quality, speed, and sustainability.
Ready to elevate your flexo printing capabilities?
Check IUV upgrade to LED UV service and join the innovation wave, we will provide special discount for FTA memebers.
