The ultimate demise of traditional mercury-based bulb technology in favour of more energy-efficient UV LED alternatives became a debating issue at the 2010 Digital Label Summit when CEO of UK-based Integration Technology Ltd ITL Adrian Lockwood, turned his presentation into a question-and-answer session.
Benefits of zero maintenance, low heat, increased energy efficiency and lower cost of ownership inherent in UV LED technologies were amongst key topics discussed amongst over 200 label printing industry executives attending the seminar on the nature and performance of digital inks, toners and drying/curing systems during the Summit June 29-30 2010, Barcelona
A specialist in UV LED curing in wide format digital printing, Lockwood sought to clear possible misconceptions about the technology within the label sector, where early applications of UV LED curing are underway.
Opening the subject to debate enabled him to highlight UV LEDs gains over conventional curing technologies within digital printing and outline future application for the label sector.
Rather than deliver a presentation, the organisers felt the audience would be better served by discussion, said Lockwood after the seminar.
The feedback was positive and very encouraging, he related, stressing: there's clearly enormous growth potential in the label market for UV LED curing, not only in respect to inkjet but to flexographic inks.
Advantages in greater energy efficiency, lower maintenance requirements equate to savings in cost in addition to environmental compliance that spells the end of less efficient mercury-based bulb technology, he added.
The previous week saw ITL secure record enquiries from visitors attending the international printing industry FESPA 2010 event in Munich with a demonstration of a ground-breaking new development in UV LED curing for digital ink jet and label web printing.
ITL's stand hosted digital inkjet applications printing at full speed using UV LED cure technology partnered with SunJet Crystal Ink.
Specifically designed for inkjet curing applications, ITL's latest version LEDZero SolidcureTM 's class leading compact footprint and ultra light weight combined with high intensity output enables a new generation of miniature UV inkjet systems and the first truly serviceable solution of its kind.
Also running on the stand was a JF label web machine showcasing brand new LEDZero Pincure product in addition to a further LEDZero SolidcureTM for final cure printing onto a thin film substrate.
Integrating solid state UV curing into high-resolution inkjet print engines, LEDZero Pincure initiates a photochemical reaction to 'pin' the ink droplets with a degree of precision not previously possible with bulb technology.
A commercial application utilising ITL technologies at full speed proved a winning combination for FESPA visitors and validated the company's decision to use the show as a showcase for a step-change in curing technology .
