If you've been reading recent trade magazines or attending industry events, there's no doubt that you've heard about UV LED curing. It's one of the most impactful new technologies in flexography. Cost savings, increased productivity, and less waste are all benefits that can be realized with UV LED curing, but is this innovation ready for "prime time?"
Who is a candidate for UV LED?
There is a UV LED solution for every printer. UV LED curing is an option on nearly all new narrow and mid web flexo presses on the market. If you are currently using UV inks with traditional mercury lamps, a retrofit is available to convert the existing curing lamps to UV LED, no matter the age of the press. APR's partner for UV LED technology, Air Motion Systems (AMS), offers retrofit solutions for any size press.
Benefits of AMS UV LED Curing:
Higher production speeds, especially with opaque whites and blacks.
Improved adhesion – AMS has the highest UV LED intensity available today.
No curing degradation – up to 20,000 hours of production.
No downtime – AMS shutterless design eliminates the complications associated with over-temp or shutter fault.
No lengthly 15-minute warm up required at the start of each run – AMS systems are designed with an instant on and off switch.
No ozone or mercury generated into the pressroom.
No air recovery needed in the pressroom.
Approximately 80% energy reduction across the entire press.
No heat to the substrate allows for a larger variety of substrates and thinner materials without shrinkage on press.
How will UV LED effect your bottom line?
UV LED technology boasts an extremely fast ROI– typically just a few months. Reduction in energy consumption is a huge factor for this quick payback. Imagine your press running on less than one-quarter of the energy it was once using - it's possible with UV LED. Also, since UV LED provides a deep, fast, and consistent curing of ink, press speeds of 650 ft/min are easily achieved, which yields more uptime and higher productivity.
What do I need to know about UV LED inks?
UV LED curing requires specifically formulated inks. These inks are available from many suppliers including Flint, Nazdar, SunChemical, and others. Their formulation is engineered to react quickly to the specific wavelength of light emitted by UV LED light sources. Although these inks are priced a bit higher than traditional UV inks, the cost savings of the process as a whole can easily recover the ink price difference. These ink prices are becoming more competitive as UV LED becomes increasingly mainstream.
As you can see, UV LED is definitely ready for "prime time!" Interested in seeing how UV LED can increase your efficiency? Contact me at [email protected] with questions or to obtain more information about AMS solutions for UV LED curing.
Click here to see AMS UV LED in action!
There is a UV LED solution for every printer. UV LED curing is an option on nearly all new narrow and mid web flexo presses on the market. If you are currently using UV inks with traditional mercury lamps, a retrofit is available to convert the existing curing lamps to UV LED, no matter the age of the press. APR's partner for UV LED technology, Air Motion Systems (AMS), offers retrofit solutions for any size press.
