ARMOR Inks: Creating the Future of Industrial Inks

ARMOR Group, with a rich history dating back to 1922, has established itself as a leader in the thermal transfer ribbon industry. However, it's their foray into industrial inks that's particularly interesting.

With a strong global presence supported by nearly 2,500 employees, ARMOR's influence extends across continents. The company's success is reflected in its own growth, which currently stands at an impressive 450 million euros, making ARMOR a significant player in the industrial printing and materials sector.

ARMOR Industrial Inks, established in 2016 and based in Dortmund, Germany, possesses an impressive R&D and sales department, with its production site in Poland. Their mission is simple yet ambitious: to design custom, water-based inkjet inks for a range of industrial printing applications.

Andreas Luschberger, a key figure at ARMOR since 2016, highlights the company's dual focus. On the one hand, there's a strong emphasis on textile printing, offering sublimation inks for various printheads and Direct-to-Fabric (DTF) inks. On the other hand, ARMOR excels in printing on porous pulp-based substrates – a segment that includes everything from napkins and toilet papers to cardboard and tissues. What stands out, is ARMOR’s deep understanding of substrate variability. Their Artis Inks, for example, are specifically crafted for napkins, ensuring sharp and precise prints without bleeding, despite the high porosity of the material. ARMOR's journey into water-based inkjet inks is not just about diversity but also about addressing complex printing challenges. While they have ventured into inks for non-porous substrates like plastic foils, their primary focus remains on porous materials due to the unique challenges they present.

Looking ahead, ARMOR is not resting on its laurels. They are actively preparing for future demands by extending their expertise in food contact inks. The paper and packaging industries also present vast opportunities for ARMOR. Their ongoing work in modifying Artis inks for broader applications, including printing on tissues, paper plates, and cups, signifies a strategic move towards dominating these sectors. ARMOR's vision extends to transforming traditional printing processes like flexo printing into more advanced, digital inkjet printing techniques.

ARMOR's dedication to innovation is further illustrated by their self-built lab printer, ALPS (Armor Lab Printing System). This unique system enables them to test inks under nearly real-life conditions, accommodating various printheads and substrates. This capability is not just a value-add for customers but is crucial in ARMOR's ink development process.

As we move into 2024, ARMOR is looking at a year of significant advancements and successes. The development and launch of their DTF inks, catering to the growing interest in the textile industry, is particularly important. These inks, developed and produced in Europe, are already attracting a considerable customer base, demonstrating ARMOR's ability to meet emerging market needs effectively.

ARMOR's commitment to innovation and sustainable solutions will be prominently displayed at upcoming industry events. At the FuturePrint Conference in Valencia, ARMOR plans to present their advancements in inks certified for direct and indirect food contact. This includes their work on cardboard printing inks, which are expected to set new standards in the packaging industry.

ARMOR is planning to use the DRUPA exhibition to demonstrate their alignment with industry trends. With their range of inks suitable for direct food contact and DTF printing, ARMOR is equipped to address the needs of the packaging and textile printing sectors. Besides, their focus on sustainability is perfectly in line with the industry's shift towards more environmentally friendly practices.

ARMOR Industrial Inks is a leader in innovation, sustainability, and excellence in the ink technology sector. Their journey from traditional printing methods to being ahead of the game in terms of ink innovation demonstrates a keen understanding of market needs and dynamics.

Watch out for the FuturePrint Podcast which will be released next week.