UV-LED printing looks promising
By Chief Editor Mark Spaulding -- Converting Magazine, 2/20/2009 2:00:00 AM
LOS ANGELES -- Advancements in the application of UV-LEDs (ultraviolet light emitting diodes) for UV printing, particularly package and label printing, look promising for commercialization this year, according to Tom Molamphy of Phoseon Technology (Hillsboro, OR). His presentation Wednesday was part of the uv.eb WEST 2009 conference here.
Historical barriers to implementing UV-LED for digital printing are being overcome. For example, Molamphy says, UV-LED intensity and power capability vs. traditional UV-arc lamps is now comparable. Inks curing with high-wavelength UV-A are freely available for UV-inkjet, and many are becoming available in "analog” applications. Costs for UV-LEDs continues to decline, and confidence in the “new” technology is rising due to customers' positive experiences.
On the application front, UV-inkjet digital presses are still in their infancy, Molamphy says, but they are pushing into offset-printing's market by using arrays of fixed inkjet heads. UV-LED is attractive because of its low power consumption, and low heat generation.
UV-LED curing of printing on "analog" press such as screen, pad, offset, flexo and gravure is becoming a real possibility. An early example of the potential is the Ryobi/Toyo Ink offset press. It may be available in production 2009, Molamphy says.
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LED technology has several drawbacks to be competive in traditional printing markets: 1. Limited to one or two wavelengths, 365 nm and 395nm. Traditional inks require both UVA and UVC. 2. Low power output. 3. High cost compared to UV arc lamps. These obstacles may be overcome just like digital-print engines have overcome many obstacles. I believe the future of LED technology in traditional printing applications will depend on any major break throughs from the Ink manufacturer's. I see LED UV technology as niche market that may open up doors to new printing processes. No doubt the LED folks will continue to increase the power, but will the ink manufacturers step up to the plate?
Scott Hamilton - 2009-24-2 11:50:00 EST -
UV-LEDs have come such a long way in the past year in terms of power, speed, control and energy efficiency. The technology will likely take away significant business from traditional UV lamps in the next few years.
Joe Smith - 2009-22-2 20:24:00 EST
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