MUTOH Europe and self-adhesive media supplier Grafityp, part of UPM, have announced the successful validation of AQUAFUZE water-based UV ink in combination with professional-grade AE38C cast media for vehicle and object wrapping applications. This joint technical initiative confirms that AQUAFUZE, MUTOH’s low-odour hybrid ink technology, is fully suited for demanding 3D wrapping scenarios, including conforming to deep recesses and curves. Comprehensive testing — conducted jointly by both companies — demonstrated excellent media compatibility and mechanical performance. The tests included stretch performance up to 185 percent, tensile strength evaluation, and peel force measurements under different lamination timings.
Some characteristic features of the newly launched AQUAFUZE include ‘no delamination or ink cracking, even in 3D deformation’, strong ink cohesion with simultaneous break of the film/ink/laminate sandwich under tensile stress, and lamination possible immediately after printing — no need for dwell time. The printer has excellent resilience under post-heating and film memory recovery processes. MUTOH and Grafityp both see this as a milestone for more sustainable ink technology. AQUAFUZE combines the safety of water-based chemistry with the performance expected in high-demand wrap jobs—making it suitable for print professionals seeking safer, low-VOC working conditions.
