SGN #34

57 min.

Aford Inks: innovation and quality in inks recognized in more than 100 countries

How to choose inks, vinyls and printing machines without making costly mistakes. Everything they don't tell you about printing and materials.

Audio
Podcast

About the episode

In this episode of Signolia , we explore in depth the world of Inks, vinyls and printing technologies hand in hand with Pedro Leitao , a professional with decades of experience from Afford Inks. From the differences between UV, eco-solvent and latex inks, to the little-known secrets about the real durability of materials, we demystify the commercial promises of many brands.

We discuss how the sector faces challenges of profitability, sustainability and lack of technical training, especially with emerging technologies such as DTF . In addition, Pedro shares practical keys on the proper use of Rips , selection of heads, importance of lamination and why we should not blindly trust the technical sheets.

Episode Summary

0:00

Introduction and presentation by Pedro Leitao

Pedro is recognized as a technical benchmark in the sector thanks to his active participation in professional forums.

1:35

What is Afford Inks and its differential as a manufacturer?

Aford Inks manufactures inks for multiple technologies and distributes in more than 100 countries. In addition, it has its own laboratory to test and develop materials with precision.

4:07

Eco-solvent, UV and latex: advantages and limitations

They compare ink technologies based on their versatility, cost, drying time, and flexibility. They also debunk myths about their supposed durability and sustainability.

9:15

The hidden cost of printing: cleaning and real consumption

Frequent cleanings and maintenance increase the actual ink consumption in many printers. Peter explains why this should be considered before buying machinery.

13:24

Is ink enough? Not without exterior laminate

No ink guarantees exterior durability without good lamination. The choice of laminate influences the shelf life of the final product as much as the ink.

17:31

The technical data sheets do not always tell the truth

The datasheets lack clear standards and are often misleading. Many data do not reflect real conditions in southern Europe.

20:10

Solvent-based vs. water-based adhesives

Practical tips on how to identify quality vinyl using its adhesive. Common problems such as milky stains or poor adhesion are explained.

23:20

Sustainability and its impact on quality

Pedro explains how ecological restrictions are reducing the durability and performance of materials, generating a negative impact on overall quality.

36:00

Chinese printers: have they really changed?

Discussion about the evolution of Chinese machines, when they are a good option and when it is better to bet on Japanese or European brands.

43:30

RIPs and color profiles: the great untapped tool

Importance of customizing profiles according to real conditions. How a good RIP can reduce ink, improve color, and avoid lamination problems.

50:10

Materials in stock: how they age and affect printing

Pedro details how the passage of time affects the adhesion and print quality of vinyl stored for a long time.

54:20

Vocational training and final recommendations

Pedro highlights the importance of training before offering complex services and how this makes a difference in the quality of the final result.

Related Links

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Website
https://afford-inks.com/

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We

Pedro Leitão

Pedro Leitão is a professional specialized in commercial and technical management within the printing and inks sector. He is currently working on ...

Sergio Carbonell

More than 20 years in the business world, in the areas of point-of-sale branding and online marketing.

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How to choose inks, vinyls and printing machines without making costly mistakes. Everything they don't tell you about printing and materials.
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