Nilpeter has become the first press manufacturer to install GEW’s new ArcLED hybrid UV curing system. It will be installed on three Nilpeter FA-4 UV-flexo presses designed for high productivity of pressure-sensitive labels and flexible packaging. Two of the FA-4 orders come from large, long-established American converters in Utah and California, while the other will be installed in the UK. The ArcLED curing system is also an option for Nilpeter’s new Panorama UV-InkJet digital press line. This major development from the Danish press manufacturer integrates many of the company’s inline converting options adapted for full-colour digital printing. The Panorama DP-3 prints CMYK and opaque white at up to 164 feet per minute to a maximum print width of 12.67 inches.
GEW’s hybrid ArcLED system uses uniform lamp-head casings with interchangeable cassettes. As a complementary process, it allows press operators to run with LED and mercury-arc curing units freely positioned on the press to suit specific printing and varnishing applications. Changeovers of individual cassettes take just a few minutes. GEW’s compact Rhino power supply automatically recognizes individual cassettes and switches seamlessly between DC power for the LEDs, or high-voltage AC for mercury-arc UV curing. This approach also offers converters an economical upgrade path for partial or full LED curing.
Lower energy costs helped by the efficient mercury-arc lamp units and power control systems is a major benefit of this technology. Further energy savings are possible with LEDs, which are either on or off – no energy is consumed while the press stands idle between jobs. ArcLED lamp-heads are available in widths up to 36.5 inches. Typical wavelengths are 405 nm, 395 nm, and 385 nm in power levels up to 22 w/sq.cm. The ready availability of dedicated ink and varnishes, including opaque white inks, has seen LED technology spread from industrial InkJet applications (such as Nilpeter’s Panorama DP-3) to a growing acceptance among UV-flexo converters. Different ink formulations also allow its usage for screen process and rotary offset printing.
