Technology Focus: Aqueous, Durable Aqueous, Latex, and Resin Printers
Water makes up 66% of the composition of these inks, so there are no hazardous air pollutants (HAPs), which results in odorless prints. Also, because heat is used to evaporate the water from the ink during printing, and then cures the resin co-polymer (latex), the prints are ready for laminating and/or finishing immediately, as opposed to waiting for the other ink technologies to outgas — a process that can take a minimum of six to 24 hours (depending on the amount of ink on the substrate).
Ray assists association members with information on digital printing as well as digital equipment, materials, and vendor referrals. He oversees training and certification workshops at PRINTING United Alliance. Ray is project manager for both the PDAA Certification program and the PRINTING United Alliance Digital Color Professional Certification program and is an instructor for the Color Management Boot Camps as well as a G7 expert. Ray regularly contributes to the Association's Journal and won the 2016 Swormstedt Award for Best in Class writing in the Digital Printing category. Ray was inducted into the Academy of Screen and Digital Printing Technologies (ASDPT) in 2020. He also works with SkillsUSA to conduct the National Competition for Graphics Imaging Sublimation. Outside of work, Ray enjoys biking, international cuisine and spending time with his three fantastic grandkids.
