AQUAFUZE water-based UV ink combines the safety of water-based chemistry with the performance expected in high-demand wrap jobs, making it suitable for print professionals seeking safer, low-VOC working conditions.
Mutoh Europe and self-adhesive media supplier Grafityp, part of UPM, announced the validation of AQUAFUZE in combination with professional-grade AE38C cast media for vehicle and object wrapping applications. This joint technical initiative confirms that AQUAFUZE, Mutoh’s low-odour hybrid ink technology, is fully suited for demanding 3D wrapping scenarios, including conforming to deep recesses and curves.
Comprehensive testing, conducted jointly by both companies, demonstrated excellent media compatibility and mechanical performance. The tests included stretch performance up to 185%, tensile strength evaluation, and peel force measurements under different lamination timings.
‘This collaboration shows that water-based ink technology can now reliably handle the more challenging wrap applications that were traditionally the domain of solvent-based printing systems,’ said Markku Pietarinen, Global Product Manager, Graphics, UPM Adhesive Materials.
Key Test Observations:
– No delamination or ink cracking, even in 3D deformation.
– Strong ink cohesion with simultaneous break of the film/ink/laminate sandwich under tensile stress.
– Lamination possible immediately after printing: no need for dwell time.
– Excellent resilience under post-heating and film memory recovery processes.
Mutoh and Grafityp both see this as a milestone for more sustainable ink technology.
‘With AQUAFUZE, print professionals no longer need to choose between environmental responsibility and application versatility,’ said Stephan Heintjens, General Manager Applications, Service and QA, Mutoh Europe.
This technical validation provides a solid foundation for both companies to jointly communicate proven wrapping solutions based on thoroughly tested ink and media combinations.
The test with AQUAFUZE was printed on Grafityp’s AE38C, a cast film that has proven itself in the market as a well-known and highly rated solution for demanding applications. Combining a thin 50µm profile with Air Escape technology for bubble-free application and a low-tack adhesive for easy repositioning, AE38C offers exceptional conformability to complex shapes and up to 10 years of outdoor durability, making it a trusted partner for high-end projects with more sustainable inks.
ALTRON DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS
+27 11 928 9111
hotline.marketing@bdsol.co.za
www.altron.com
https://www.bdsol.co.za
HITECH GRAPHICS
+27 31 303 5090
www.hitechgraphics.co.za
MIPS TECHNOLOGIES
+27 11 451 8600
andrew@mipstech.co.za
http://www.mipstech.co.za
