EFI today announced that it has acquired key intellectual property assets for digital inkjet printing of thermoformed products from Polymeric Imaging, a specialist provider of UV and LED inks for industrial and graphic arts applications.
Based in North Kansas City, Mo., Polymeric Imaging has extensive R&D experience in the development of inkjet inks that address important curing, adhesion, density and durability issues that industrial and graphic arts print professionals encounter when printing on challenging substrates. EFI will use the acquired technology to enhance its customers' inkjet production capabilities for thermoforming and other high-elongation applications requiring exceptional ink durability and flexibility.
Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed, but the deal is not expected to be material to EFI's Q4 or full-year 2014 financial results.
"This acquisition continues EFI's momentum in inkjet graphics printing following a highly successful SGIA Expo highlighting our leading portfolio of UV and LED inkjet technologies," said Stephen Emery, vice president of EFI's ink business. "The technology we are acquiring will allow EFI to continue expanding our efficient, high-quality inkjet platforms into new markets."
"As a world leader in UV inkjet manufacturing, EFI has long set a standard for excellence and innovation in digital printing," said Polymeric Imaging founder and owner Don Sloan. "This deal provides significantly greater scale and reach for the development and commercialization of some of the key R&D breakthroughs we have made with inkjet ink."
In addition to buying technology from Polymeric Imaging, EFI has hired key Polymeric Imaging employees responsible for technical and market development of digital ink and coating products. Those employees are currently assisting EFI's ink operations in the development and testing of new formulations for use in EFI inkjet products.