Fujifilm North America’s graphic systems division engineered a patented full LED lamp system specifically to cure its Uvijet inks in the Acuity LED 1600 printer.
Printing specialty items
PVS In-store Graphics has used the Vutek GS3250LX to open new business opportunities by printing on uncommon substrates. The machine allowed the company to cure thinner materials without curling.
“Now we can roll up output for shipping instead of using flat boxes, saving the customer about 30 per cent on both the cost of materials and shipping,” explains Nick Olson, owner. “In addition, we’re very excited about the ability to print on new materials like aluminum, steel, wood and artists’ cotton canvas, which will certainly be a growth engine for our business.”
Meanwhile, Serigraphie Richford in Pointe-Claire, Que., has used applied ceramic labelling (ACL) technology with UV LED curing to screenprint graphics directly onto glass containers for health and beauty products, spirits, beer, wine, cider, soft drinks and water, along with promotional glassware. Not only ink, but also enamels, precious metals and other specialty materials can be applied.
The company has more than 30 years’ experience printing and decorating glass containers for clients like Estée Lauder, Avon, Revlon, L’Oréal, Diageo, Pernod-Ricard, Vincor and Sleeman, but reports UV LED curing technology has improved the quality of its work, even when processing materials at maximum production speeds.
These are just a few examples of how PSPs are using printers with UV LEDs to improve their existing product lines and expand into new applications. This trend will only continue as new wide-format printers are engineered with LEDs for reliable, high-performance curing.
Ed Kiyoi is technical marketing engineer for Phoseon Technology, which develops UV LED lamps for the curing of inks, coatings and adhesives. This article is based on a webinar he presented earlier this year on behalf of the Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA). For more information, visit www.phoseon.com and www.sgia.org.
