PLYMOUTH, MI – Rodney Balmer of Flint Group has received a Technical Achievement Award in recognition of major technical accomplishments in the science of printing ink. The industry recognized Balmer’s achievements at the 2009 Technical Conference hosted by NPIRI (National Printing Ink Research Institute, research arm of the National Association of Printing Ink Manufacturers). Balmer, Sheet-fed Ink Technical Director for Flint Group, has been involved in developing some of the most technologically advanced products serving energy-curable and conventional markets. Hybrid and UV inks, high-speed UV news inks and electron beam inks are just a few examples.
 
Balmer played an important role in ensuring these technologies were, and continue to be, applicable and beneficial for printers. He has traveled the world to help printers capitalize on new tools, as well as to remain aware of needs that may drive future developments. Balmer has written articles, whitepapers and market forecasts for numerous publications. He has contributed to multiple patents, including ones addressing laser-curing technologies, energy-curable inks for cold-set web presses and conductive inks.