Flint Group launches new UV LED curing ink technology
Flint Group launches Ultraking XCURA LED, the next generation of UV LED curing ink technology for Sheetfed offset applications.
Following the December 2013 launch of Ultraking XCURA a brand new system of low energy UV curing highly reactive inks and coatings, Flint Group is now launching the newest member of the XCURA family - Ultraking XCURA LED
– There are many factors weighing on the efficiency and benefit of using traditional UV curing in the printing process, Explains Rodney Balmer Director of Global Research and Product Development, Flint Group.
– The fact the lamps contain mercury, require exhausts for the ozone they produce, need cooling and are actually relatively inefficient, typically utilising less than 15% of the energy produced, makes the search for alternative technologies all the more attractive. One of the first technologies to reduce the drawbacks of UV is LED curing.
Ultraking XCURA LED utilises specially selected materials to match the narrow and targeted wavelength (395nm) that is typical for high power UV LED lamp output. “UV LED lamp technology utilises high power light that emits diode technology, which requires significantly less energy to operate than traditional UV. This results in as much as 40% reduction in energy costs.” Said Balmer.
Because of the targeted wavelength at 395nm, both ozone and heat generation are eliminated, resulting in a safer working environment and ability to print heat sensitive substrates. UV LED offers additional advantages over traditional UV like instant on/off, significantly longer lamp life (20,000 hours vs 2,000) and low maintenance.
Flint Group is not new to UV LED either. In September 2013, after more than two years of development work, Flint Group Narrow Web won an Award for Innovation at The Label Industry Global Awards, for its EkoCure™ UV LED ink technologies. Winning the award proved that Flint Group UV LED product development has been recognised as a true innovation that will lead the industry into the future.
Ultraking XCURA LED products have high colour strength, display excellent ink/water stability and require lower levels of energy to operate. They also comply with ISO 2846-1 and are suitable for printing to ISO 12647-1 standards.