At this year’s NIP22, WACKER will be featuring specially developed key ingredients for non-impact printing applications to greatly improve the cost-efficiency and quality of print processes. In addition, they meet the most stringent requirements regarding print on demand, printing precision and efficiency – even for smaller print-runs and especially in the field of full color and digital printing.
Dr. Mario Heinemann, Global Manager Imaging Systems at WACKER SILICONES’ division for pyrogenic silica, will serve as one of the conference’s key note speakers. In a key scientific presentation on “Fumed Metal Oxides for Non-Impact Printing Applications (NIP),” he will provide an overview of the current status after over 20 years of toner R&D.
Pyrogenic Silica Enables Optimized Printing Quality
Sold under the HDK® trademark, WACKER’s pyrogenic silicas are an essential component of both conventionally-ground and chemically-produced toners. Specially customized formulations for use in electrophotography optimize charge distribution on toner particles – a mix of resin particles and pigments. Plus, HDK® maintains the storage stability and flowability of the toner mixture. The precisely defined particles protect the resin particles against caking, regulate the triboelectrical charge and stabilize the formulation. As a result, the toner particles remain mobile, toner is transferred more easily, the image carrier is cleaned more effectively and the printed image is extremely sharp.
At NIP22, WACKER will showcase diverse silicone solutions for toners and photocopiers, too. Due to their low-volatility, WACKER’s silicone fluids are used in the fuser process as release agents to avoid toner transfer to the rolls. In order to ensure a uniformly high copying quality over several hundred thousand copying cycles, it is essential that the rolls’ material properties remain constant. Therefore, WACKER offers silicone elastomers of different hardness degrees. Depending on their application, they feature high thermal and electrical conductivity, low compression set and good reversion stability. As silicone fuser-fluids as well as fuser and press rolls are one-stop solutions, their properties can be aligned perfectly.
Combined Expertise: WACKER SILICONES and WACKER POLYMERS
WACKER’s pyrogenic silica is a vital component in inkjet printing, too. HDK® particles modified with specialty polymers, together with a suitable binder, serve as an active surface for specialty papers. These ensure that the ink dries immediately without running, thereby guaranteeing high-resolution images. As a leading producer of state-of-the-art binders and polymer additives, the division WACKER POLYMERS provides the suitable binders. Sold under the POLYVIOL® trademark, these modified polyvinyl alcohol solutions are used by the paper industry to coat specialty papers. They stand out due to their excellent printability, optimum flow properties and a long shelf life.
WACKER SILICONES and WACKER POLYMERS are veritable experts in non-impact printing technologies such as electrophotography or inkjet printing. Specialists from both divisions will be informing NIP22 visitors about new products and customized formulations.