Fujifilm’s Structural Colour Inkjet Technology
Published 15 June 2023
Rather than relying on pigments, dyes or chemicals, an innovative printing technology from Japanese conglomerate Fujifilm uses the science of structural colour to achieve dynamic colour effects. The inkjet development holds promise for a new age of long-lasting and more sustainable colour applications.
Structural colour is a phenomenon found in nature – on the likes of birds’ and butterflies’ wings, insects, and nacre shells – where light-reflective nanostructures on a surface create bright iridescent colour. Fujifilm’s Structural Colour Inkjet Technology replicates these natural colour-shifting effects without the use of any pigment. Using its proprietary molecular control technology, the new ink forms a fine structural film when applied to a surface.
A range of vibrant hues can be achieved by adjusting the structure’s patterning (different structures reflect different wavelengths of light), and while each printed colour will vary depending on the viewing angle, the background colour it’s printed on also has an effect. As the ink can be applied freely by inkjet printing, it also means different patterns and gradation effects can be achieved.
Suitable for use on resin and glass, the decorative tech offers creative possibilities across fashion accessories, jewellery and watches, interior products and spatial design, including signage, displays and exterior storefronts. A limited-edition series of watch dials from Japanese brand Citizen is the first commercial example of it in practice. Fujifilm is working to expand the technology to a wider range of fields and uses.
While this is an encouraging sustainable development from a dyestuff and water usage standpoint, the prospect of sustainable lustres, iridescence and dynamic colour effects – for packaging through to fashion – is particularly exciting.
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