According to Stafix, Grip UV-Inkjet makes the cost benefits of its Grip materials available to users of UV inkjet printers, which it has identified as a growing market, following the launch of Grip for eco-solvent printers.
UK and Ireland account manager Adrian Darwin said: “We launched the eco-solvent film last year, however, UV inkjet machines don't need the thick coating that the eco-solvent printers do.
“This means, we can manufacture a product at a lower cost because the material doesn't need the primary absorbent coating.
“The product is targeted at large-format UV-inkjet printers, which make up a significant portion of the market and we think is growing, with larger printers doing bigger volumes."
There is also a toner-compatible version of Grip launched in May.
Grip UV-Inkjet is supplied in rolls 1,370mm wide, and in lengths of 30m and 100m and follows the launch last year of the Grip for eco-solvent printing.
The new product is available in white and clear and is described as more competitive for larger-volume large-format print campaigns. The 100m roll length is particularly cost-efficient for long runs, Stafix said.
A supplier has yet to be confirmed. Darwin said: “At this stage we would wish not to name the distributor as we are still finalising commercial details.”
Stafix makes printable substrates that adhere without glue and can be used for POS, window graphics and campaigns and product launches on a range of surfaces.
Managing director José Ayala said the main advantage of the UV-Inkjet product was production and “cost efficiency”.
“In order to reduce manufacturing costs we have slightly reduced the thickness of the film. The film does not have a thick coating, since UV inkjet presses do not need a heavy absorbent coating.
“Additionally, we have increased the thickness of the release liner, which makes removal of the liner easier and improves post-press functions like kiss-cutting and die-cutting.”
The adhesion mechanism meanwhile, based on the company's silicone layer, is the same in both products, Ayala added.
Stafix is offering 610mm-wide sample rolls for test printing and users can also obtain blank A4 and printed samples of the new material.
