Optimizing Inkjet Printing Adhesion for Wire & Cable Marking

Digital inkjet printing on wire and cable offers manufacturers productivity advantages, including variable data, fast changeovers, and indelible printing at top line speeds. However, achieving consistent, high-quality results presents challenges, such as material properties, contamination, and ink adhesion.

For marking fiber optic cables, UV-curable inks present an alternative approach. With this technology, ink is jetted onto the cable assembly using an appropriately sized and compatible inkjet engine, then it is cured with intense UV light. To improve ink adherence to the jacket material, corona or plasma treatment is applied to the cable jacket immediately upstream of the inkjet head. Additionally, when using UV-curable inks, there are lower concentrations of solvents and no need to discard ribbon backing material as with indent or hot press printing.

FUTUREPRINT Magazine features an article from Excelitas that explores how UV-curable inks and UV LED curing systems are advancing inkjet printing for fiber optic and electrical cable marking. The piece outlines the end-to-end process and highlights key considerations for optimizing ink adhesion. It also includes a link to a companion webinar, co-presented by Excelitas, Gem Gravure and Enercon, showcasing real-world solutions for consistent, high-quality marking across a range of cable substrates.

Read the full article, “Optimizing Inkjet Printing Adhesion for Wire & Cable Marking,” now in FUTUREPRINT Magazine.