Fluorescence is playing an increasingly important role in the printing industry, especially when it comes to special effects and security applications. By using fluorescent colours and materials, printed products can not only stand out visually, but also offer additional functions such as counterfeit protection. But what exactly is fluorescence and how is it used in the printing industry?
What is fluorescence?
Fluorescence is the property of certain substances to glow when exposed to UV light or other high-energy light sources. These substances absorb the light and emit it again in a different, usually visible wavelength. In the printing industry, special fluorescent pigments or colours are used to achieve this effect.
Areas of application in the printing industry
- Advertising technology and design: Fluorescent colours are often used in advertising technology to make posters, flyers and other printed matter particularly eye-catching. These colours glow under UV light and therefore attract more attention.
- Posters and banners: Fluorescent colours ensure better visibility, especially at night or in dark surroundings.
- Packaging: Brand manufacturers use fluorescent elements to emphasise their products on the shelf.
- Security printing: One of the most important applications of fluorescence is security printing. Here, fluorescent colours are used to make documents, banknotes or ID cards forgery-proof.
- Banknotes and ID documents: Under UV light, special fluorescent markings become visible that are difficult to reproduce.
- Tickets and certificates: Fluorescence is used to check the authenticity of tickets and certificates.
- Industry and technology: Fluorescent colours are also used in industrial applications, for example for marking or identifying products.
- Product labelling: In manufacturing, fluorescent markings can help to identify products at various stages of production.
Technical aspects
- Printing process: Fluorescent inks can be used in a variety of printing methods, including offset printing, screen printing and digital printing. Each method has its own advantages and challenges when it comes to handling the special inks.
- Offset printing: Fluorescent inks are used here in a similar way to conventional printing inks, but special care must be taken when cleaning and maintaining the printing machines.
- Screen printing: This method is particularly suitable for thicker layers of paint and brighter colours.
- Colour management: Colour management for fluorescent colours is challenging, as these colours can appear differently under normal lighting conditions than under UV light. An accurate colour profile and a good understanding of the lighting conditions are crucial here.
Fluorescence offers a wide range of possibilities in the printing industry, from eye-catching advertising materials to security-related applications. Through the targeted use of fluorescent colours, printed products can not only stand out visually, but also offer additional security features. Those who master the technical challenges and use fluorescence skilfully can take their print products to a new level – and that is exactly what the modern printing industry is all about.
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