UV-LED Curing for Flexographic Printing

Industry leaders Phoseon Technology, Gallus and Siegwerk co-operate to provide a path to realistic implementation of UV-LED drying systems for flexographic printing.

Labelexpo Europe 2009 will see the unveiling of the first application of UV-LED curing technology for a flexographic label press. The system is designed and developed by Phoseon Technology and based on Phoseon’s RX FireFlex™ architecture. Phoseon’s UV-LED curing technology will be shown in association with press maker Gallus (Hall 5, B50) along with newly developed UV-LED inks provided by Siegwerk (Hall 12, V70) and will be seen in action on the new Gallus ECS 340 flexographic press.

The RX FireFlex is designed as a scalable “high power” UV LED curing solution with utility in a wide variety of web/conveyor based UV curing applications.

While process speeds are dependent on many parameters such as the ink chemistry and printing methodology, the RX FireFlex is today curing single pass digital inkjet inks at speeds of 60-100m/min. Curing speeds for flexographic printing of 120-150m/min have also been demonstrated and it is expected that high speeds will be possible in many production environments.

The product showcase at Labelexpo is a precursor to a range of future UV-LED curing systems from Phoseon Technology. Systems will be designed specifically with the UV printing press market in mind to include: flexography, sheetfed lithography and web offset lithography. These products will be available as a capable and cost effective alternative to existing traditional UV curing systems using mercury vapor lamp technology and will include Phoseon’s patented SLMTM technology that allows for maximum UV performance.

Phoseon’s patented Semiconductor Light Matrix (SLM™) technology combines a dense array of light emitting semiconductor devices (UV-LED), with high tech micro optics and micro cooling in a cost-effective MOEMS (micro opto electro-mechanical system) package. Phoseon’s solutions have significant advantages in energy usage, reduced heat load to the substrate, smaller equipment footprint and are a true earth friendly “cleantech” solution that does not require the use of mercury and produces no ozone. These advantages, and others, are all available with superior cost of ownership when compared to existing solutions.
Phoseon comes to the table with a wealth of experience based on a successful worldwide installed base of digital applications. Welcome to the new age of UV-LED curing and drying for UV printing presses!

If you are interested in learning more about how SLM technology can enhance your operation, contact Phoseon to arrange an on-site demonstration or have our applications team test your UV printing products in our lab. Send us your project requirements