MPS is the first narrow web press manufacturer to show the new GEW hybrid UV LED system, which will be integrated with the next-generation EF Neo flexo printing press at Labelexpo Europe 2015.
ArcLED is a future-proof hybrid UV curing system that allows an investment in arc technology now that can be upgraded later with LEDs using the same lamphead casing, and the same power supply and control.
GEW said the transition towards UV curing of inks and varnishes with LEDs has begun, although in many situations the move is technically and financially not fully understood to make an investment in a machine fully equipped with LEDs.
The launch of ArcLED, to take place at Labelexpo Europe 2015, is intended to address this situation and meet the needs of printers by allowing arc curing technology to be upgraded at a later stage to LEDs.
Labelexpo Europe visitors interested in LED curing can visit the MPS stand to see live demonstrations, where MPS will show both LED and arc UV curing in combination with low migration inks from Flint Group for label and film applications. With this combination, the MPS press will run at high speed using less energy, for the same running capacity. Due to the high intensity of UVA illumination with LED, heavy ink layers are cured more consistently with improved adhesion.
MPS technical director Bert van den Brink said: ‘The main difference and biggest advantage of this showcased GEW ArcLED curing system, compared to other LED systems, is the ability to combine and interchange conventional arc lamps with LED curing at every print station. This hybrid system also provides MPS customers the flexibility to upgrade to LED at a later stage, so they can fully utilize the advantages of both technologies without the need to re-invest or modify their press.’
Marcus Greenbrook, GEW international sales manager, added the following when discussing the MPS hybrid UV LED solution: ‘Our new UV LED curing system is compatible with the widest range of substrates, and it increases machine uptime because of less maintenance. It also reduces energy consumption, as with LED instant on-off switching means no energy is consumed when the printing machine is idle between jobs.’
Find out more about GEW’s ArcLED compatible UV LED systems here.
