OKW shines a light on fluorescent and photoluminescent printing
High visibility photoluminescent inks have been announced by OKW for use with the company’s range of enclosures and tuning knobs.
They are designed where pieces will need to be used to attract attention in hazardous areas or in diffuse lighting conditions. The company has expanded its range of custom printing colours to meet these visibility requirements.
Customers can now specify OKW’s products with labels and graphics produced (by screen or tampo printing) using new fluorescent inks. They are suitable for warning messages or for attracting attention to equipment such as emergency electronics.
These special inks convert invisible UV light into visible light for colours to be perceived as brighter. A stronger contrast is achieved with the same light intensity. This effect is particularly strong against a dark background. The hi-visibility (hi-vis) or signal inks are fluorescent inks and available in yellow, orange, red, pink and green.
OKW counselled that it is also important to consider the visibility of safety and orientation signs, or the highlighting of specific device functions during hours of darkness or in low light levels.
Now, OKW now offers photoluminescent inks (phosphorescent inks) which are mixed with phosphor particles so they can absorb light, store it and give off light in the dark as an afterglow effect. These inks look particularly impressive when used in screen printing, said OKW although they are typically not intended for use against dark backgrounds.
