Waterless printing is a method of offset lithographic printing process which causes less harm to the environment than the conventional lithographic printing practice by eliminating the water or dampening system. Waterless printing makes use of modern technology to reduce environmental impacts. It makes use of simple, chemical free mechanical process;
silicon plates and computer to plate technology to eliminate the chemicals as well as water.
The waterless press has a unique silicone rubber coated plate and a typical temperature control system which transfers the ink into substrate. Waterless printing offers several advantages as compared to the conventional printing. Waterless printing offers great print quality in terms of print contrast, true and rich colors, better resolution, color saturation and overall sharpness.
Waterless print delivers great print quality which makes the darker shades look dark and the highlights look much bright and clean. Moreover, with waterless printing more colors can be produced. The colors produced by this technique are much richer as compared to conventional printing, even when the same screen rulings are considered. There are many waterless printers available which make use of direct ink technology as well as vegetable based inks. This helps in further reduction of VOC (volatile organic compounds) emission and pollution. This technique helps to achieve high color saturation with more details. Waterless printing expands the color gamut and produces true colors with good saturation and sharpness.
According to a research, as much as 60% of VOCs in offset printing comes from washing solvent and the remaining 40% is contributed by ink and fountain solution. To make a meaningful reduction in VOCs, a reduction in washing solvent is required. The waterless pressroom is almost VOC free. The press wash solution comprises of 93% water and 7% mild surfactant. Waterless printing helps in water conservation as well, by reducing water consumption. This technique is much more paper efficient and savings of upto 40% paper have been reported.
Hence, waterless printing ensures cleaner environment by eliminating the toxic substances from the entire process and thus it eases out the burden of the environment.
