Flint Ink has developed a new prototype high-gloss version of its Single Fluid Ink (SFI), which could be in mass production by June 2001.


SFI, which was initially unveiled at Drupa, runs on conventional presses with conventional plates but without the need for water or alcohol. Flint Inks director of new technologies, Les Watkins, said: SFI goes from duct to roller to conventional plate without water.


Watkins said Flint was evaluating the inks performance on presses and plates from the leading manufacturers. On certain plates, SFI needs a slight modification. But, so far, the system is extremely forgiving. Its not as sensitive as it might have been.


Watkins added that SFI would be beta tested in the US before the end of the year and that Flint Ink had been approached by numerous companies wanting to participate in the trials.


The SFI shown at Drupa was of a higher quality in terms of dot gain than conventional offset, but it lacked the brightness unless UV coated. However, Watkins suggested that this particular problem had been overcome: Weve been working on the gloss all summer and it seems that weve now got it licked.


The new developmental high-gloss SFI is expected to be on show at Graph Expo 2000 in Chicago later this month.


Story by John Davies