NORTH CALDWELL, N.J. - According to the consulting firm Kusumgar, Nerlfi & Growney, U.S. consumption of radiation-cured printing inks in 2005 was $353 MM. Sales dollars grew at a 4% annual rate since 2000, slightly less than volume growth. As with other types of printing inks, selling prices declined since the beginning of the decade.

Offset and screen inks are the leading types of radiation-cured ink. Together they represented 80% of the sales dollars in 2005. Growth of offset ink is being augmented by "hybrid" types, which can run on conventional offset presses and be coated online with UV-cured overprints. Growth of UV-cured screen ink has slowed as inkjet technology has captured share.

"Radiation-Cured Products, 2005-2010" is scheduled for completion in mid-2006. Interested parties are invited to contact the firm by calling 973/439.0030 or e-mailing nerlfikng@cs.com.