Digital Printing Better light than never - The
accelerating role of LED curing Niklas Olsson, global director product & commercial excellence, narrow web at Flint Group, says that across the exciting and dynamic world of business, few industries are as visionary and forward-thinking as the package and label printing sector, even if we don’t always shout about it
A
fter all, label and packaging trends evolve quickly, powered by rapidly shifting consumer demands worldwide. As brands look to secure sales by meeting consumer needs head-on, it’s vital that the printing industry has the agility and foresight to evolve. One of the most significant considerations for printers is sustainability. With ‘eco-friendly’ technologies hot on the agenda for label and packaging printers, the rise of LED curing in flexo narrow web press rooms cannot be ignored. Until recently, the market transition from UV curing to LED has been slow and steady – but is gathering real pace. But what’s powering this acceleration? Why is there now a more marked shift towards investment in LED curing?
LED CURING IN THE SPOTLIGHT There are numerous reasons for the shift towards LED curing, but one of the most pronounced is that printers are now expected to boost quality, speed, and sustainability under the shadow of swelling energy costs.
While there is an upfront cost to installing LED curing units, the technology is a long-term investment set to futureproof print operations. In today’s high-cost climate, it’s an investment that few printers can afford to ignore. LED lamps cure using a fraction of the energy of their UV counterparts, which is itself an enormous advantage. Estimates put the combination of carbon footprint and cost reduction at a 50-80% saving over classic mercury UV lamps. With virtually no downtime, instant operation without the need for warmup, and no shutters or reflectors to be maintained, LED curing lamps unlock slicker and more effective print workflows. In combination with a working life that can extend far beyond 10,000 hours depending on heat dissipation, the advantages of LED become even clearer.
LED unit by unit or press by press, minimising inventory and costs in the switch. The diverse EkoCure range of UV LED inks and coatings is a prime example of where Flint Group’s expertise shines. In addition to the on-press performance that defines Flint Group as the go-to solution for today’s competitive printer, the EkoCure range is approved for multiple types of LED lamps, curing well under different types of wavelengths. The lower viscosity of the EkoCure range gives outstanding and dependable on-press stability. In addition, the range delivers identical and precise colour
In addition, new international legislation potentially banning the use of mercury within the next five years – a material that can be disastrous for the natural environment if not handled and managed with care - means that broad-spectrum UV curing lamps are steadily being phased out of print operations.
THE ROLE OF INKS
At Flint Group, we are seeing LED transition accelerate as narrow web printers look to control costs and deliver a next-generation service today. However, every job requires the right tools, meaning inks are taking centre stage. This need for agility has resulted in developing our Dual Cure solutions, which cure under both UV and LED lamps. As well as offering outstanding performance with each curing method, the portfolio acts as the perfect ‘bridge’ as printers transition their operations. They can continue to use one ink range as they transition from UV to
performance regardless of inks, ensuring every print run is a chance to impress. There are also key operational benefits for printers; consistent curing reduces the burden of maintenance, ensuring productivity and volume remain high. It’s becoming ever clearer that LED curing is the way forward for high-speed, high-quality narrow web packaging and label printing, and the industry shares this sentiment.
At Flint Group, we have over a decade of experience in developing LED inks for commercial use. UV curing has been a reliable technology for the industry, but we are reaching a major tipping point where LED curing isn’t just a competitive edge; it’s essential for meeting the needs of the market. With sustainability becoming ever more important, we look forward to seeing how label and packaging converters create a more sustainable, energy-efficient print sector with LED at its core and how that could add greater stability to the industry’s long-term growth.
32
April 2023
www.convertermag.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46
