• Login
    • Join
  • Subscribe Free
    • Magazine
    • eNewsletter
    Checkout
    • Magazine
    • News
    • Exclusives
    • Labels & Packaging
    • Markets
    • Technology
    • Equipment
    • Supplies
    • Buyers' Guide
    • Events
    • Jobs
    • More
  • Magazine
  • News
  • Exclusives
  • Labels & Packaging
  • Markets
  • Technology
  • Equipment
  • Supplies
  • Buyers' Guide
  • Events
  • Jobs
  • Current / Back Issues
    Features
    Editorial
    Columns
    Digital Edition
    eNewsletter Archive
    Our Team
    Subscribe Now
    Advertise Now
    Top Features
    Digital and Hybrid Printers and Presses

    Digital Printing Market Update

    Overlamination Films

    Narrow Web Profile: Quality Tape & Label

    Companies To Watch: Arrow Systems, Inc.
    Breaking News
    Converter News
    European Label News
    Industry News
    Industry People
    M&A News
    New Products
    Expert's Opinion
    Live From Shows
    Top News
    VPF launches deep-freeze adhesive

    Gallus planning virtual event for March

    Lemu Group engineers mask-making machine

    Niagara Label upgrades with Nilpeter flexo press

    Soma partners with Moore & Moore in US
    Blog
    Video Bites
    Beauty & Personal Care Labels
    Beer Labels
    Beverage Labels
    Flexible Packaging
    Folding Carton
    Food Labels
    Glue-Applied
    In-Mold
    Industrial Labels
    Medical Labels
    Pharmaceutical Labels
    Pressure Sensitive
    Prime Labels
    Promotional Labels
    Security Labels
    Shrink
    Smart Labels
    Specialty Labels
    Spirits Labels
    Wine Labels

    VPF launches deep-freeze adhesive

    New Polyonics label material helps metal processors avoid recalls

    Mactac enhances spirits bottle label

    Designing returnable and reusable takeout packaging

    Western Shield improves efficiency with new Nilpeter FA-17
    Africa
    Asia
    Australia
    China
    Europe
    India
    Latin America
    Middle East
    North America

    Soma partners with Moore & Moore in US

    Acucote expands FSC-certified portfolio

    FTA planning in-person Forum & INFOFLEX

    Fortis Solutions Group achieves SGP certification

    Accraply introduces Sirius MK6
    Flexography
    Digital Printing
    Prepress
    Finishing
    Sustainability

    Niagara Label upgrades with Nilpeter flexo press

    INX introduces new inks for flexible packaging

    Highcon and EFI announce global partnership

    Domino grows installation and service teams

    Acucote expands FSC-certified portfolio
    Digital Printers & Presses
    Flexo Presses
    Label Converting Equipment
    Label Finishing Equipment
    Prepress Equipment

    Domino grows installation and service teams

    ABG keeps pace with demand with recruitment drive

    Loftware and NiceLabel join forces

    Flint Group announces new XSYS division

    Bobst opens digital inkjet demo center in Barcelona
    Dies And Tooling
    Flexo Supplies
    Ink & Coatings
    Prepress Supplies
    Pressrooom Supplies
    Substrates

    INX introduces new inks for flexible packaging

    Acucote expands FSC-certified portfolio

    UPM Raflatac strengthens linerless business

    Techkon USA partners with Konica Minolta

    New Polyonics label material helps metal processors avoid recalls
    All Companies
    Categories
    Company Profiles
    Label Converters
    Trade Associations
    Add New Company
    International Buyers Guide Companies
    KTI

    Ashe Converting Equipment

    Martin Automatic Inc.

    Mechanical Specialties, Inc.

    Dantex Group
    Industry Events
    Webinars
    Live from Show Events
    • Magazine
      • Current & Past Issues
      • Features
      • Editorial
      • Columns
      • Digital Edition
      • eNewsletter Archive
      • Subscribe Now
      • Advertise Now
    • Breaking News
    • Buyers' Guide
      • All Companies
      • Categories
      • Company Profiles
      • Label Converters
      • Trade Associations
      • Add Your Company
    • Labels & Packaging
      • Beauty & Personal Care Labels
      • Beer Labels
      • Beverage Labels
      • Flexible Packaging
      • Folding Carton
      • Food Labels
      • Glue-Applied
      • In-Mold
      • Industrial Labels
      • Medical Labels
      • Pharmaceuticals Labels
      • Pressure Sensitive
      • Prime Labels
      • Promotional Labels
      • Security Labels
      • Shrink
      • Smart Labels
      • Speciality Labels
      • Spirits Labels
      • Wine Tables
    • Markets
      • Africa
      • Asia
      • Australia
      • China
      • Europe
      • India
      • Latin America
      • Middle East
      • North America
    • Equipment
      • Digital Printers & Presses
      • Flexo Presses
      • Label Converting Equipment
      • Label Fishing Equipment
    • Supplies
      • Dies And Tooling
      • Flexo Supplies
      • Ink & Coatings
      • Prepress Supplies
      • Pressrooom Supplies
      • Substrates
    • Online Exclusives
    • Slideshows
    • Experts Opinions
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • Infographics
    • Blog
    • Whitepapers
    • Events
      • Industry Events
      • Live from Show Events
      • Webinars
    • Jobs
    • Resources
      • Supplier Gallery
      • Literature Showcase
      • Homepage Showcase
    • About Us
      • About Us
      • Contact Us
      • Advertise With Us
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms of Use
    Technologies

    UV Technology

    Despite growth in equipment and technique, many converters have yet to enjoy the benefits of UV.

    07.11.05
    UV Technology


    A popular curing process reaches a stage of maturity among some converters, while yet others have not encountered the benefits of this fascinating technology.

    By Jack Kenny

    Ultraviolet curing of inks on substrates has been around for a good many years — nearly 40. It is surprising, therefore, to hear equipment and ink suppliers tell of the many converters and printers who have yet to take advantage of the process.

    “It is surprising,” says Mark Hahn, director of sales and marketing for AAA Press International, Arlington Heights, Ill. “We see a great many converters using UV curing systems out West. In the East, however, many are still not using even UV varnish.”

    Five years ago, the industry estimate was that about 5 percent of narrow web converters were making use of UV curable inks. A good many — impossible to estimate — were already using UV curing, and that included all of the big names in the business. Today the estimate ranges from 15 percent to 25 percent, depending on who’s being asked.

    Some see the market as having reached a plateau — growing but flattening. “My perspective is that the rate of growth has slowed,” says Pete Kershner of EYE Ultraviolet, Wilmington, Mass. “UV flexo is still a healthy part of the market, though. In the mid-1990s the growth was really surging. It has found its plateau at this point.

    UV curing is an aspect of printing that has made significant strides in the past few years, both in the equipment area and in the ink technologies. “Cool UV” came to the marketplace recently, offering less heat on the substrate. Today many equipment companies offer this type of lamp and system for both narrow and wide applications.

    One reason for the surprise that UV has not penetrated further is that use of energy-curable inks produces no volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Curing of solvent inks, which are still around, releases many compounds into the surrounding air.

    Another advantage is the overall quality of the finished product. UV curable inks can be laid down heavily, and cured instantly, producing deeper and more pronounced colors and tones.

    Quick lamp changes
    UV curing involves installation in the press of an assembly that houses UV lamps, plus a power supply. That arrangement hasn’t changed overall, but some modifications have come into vogue. One such assembly is the “interstation” model, which can be installed between print stations in the press.

    “What press manufacturers have done is to let operators make quick changes and have flexibility,” says Hahn. “What we have done with our LIGHTouch interstation model is allow them to hard-mount a web box between the stations, and they can put the lamps in there when they need them.”

    For example, he says, a converter might have a six-station press and wants UV capability, but is unwilling to make a substantial investment in six UV curing units. Instead, they can purchase a four-lamp system and two extra web boxes, which gives them the ability to move the lamp assembly from station to station within a few minutes. “You can have UV on stations one, two, five and six, for instance, and move lamps to three and four when you need them. All the pneumatic, exhaust and electrical are quick disconnect.”

    Such a setup is also beneficial to the converter who wants to enter the UV varnishing area. “Those folks don’t want to spend a lot of money,” Hahn says. “Instead of spending $60,000 they can spend $20,000 and go from station to station to station.”

    Cool UV
    Ultraviolet inks are cured by exposure to light in the ultraviolet band of the spectrum, between 200 and 400 nanometers. Curing times differ for inks of different colors and compositions. Darker colors, for example, require more UV exposure; they absorb UV light, and black absorbs most. The light must be strong enough to penetrate to all of the photoinitiators within the ink. Each pigment has a window in the UV spectrum that allows the UV to penetrate and cure.

    The process produces heat. There is some heat from the UV light itself, but nowhere near as much as from infrared (IR), which is near UV in the spectrum. This is why some press manufactures construct chill drums to bring the temperature of the web down prior to application of another coat of ink. The temperatures can be quite high, and the chill drums lower them to around 100°F or so.

    Heat has varying impacts on different types of substrates. “On the one hand film material has gotten a lot more press-stable,” says Kershner. “A lot of the original difficulties with in-line presses running those materials is tapering off, because the materials are more stable. The next challenge, though, is to see if they can deal with the thermal issues. The downsizing of film materials is going to continue — they will be lighter over the next two to three years,” he says.

    One of the recent developments aimed specifically at the heat issue is “cold UV.” This technology utilizes various heat filters and dichroic reflectors to disperse a substantial amount of the IR heat.

    Kershner says that in EYE Ultraviolet’s “Cold Mirror” technology, dichroic reflectors replace standard aluminum reflectors, “reducing temperatures between 60 and 70 percent between the bulb and the web.”

    EYE offers IR Cut Filters for extremely heat sensitive applications, on substrates such as styrenes, PVC, polypropylene and polyethylene with low heat distortion temperatures. The filter shields the web from IR rays and allows the UV to pass through to the substrate.

    Cool UV is penetrating the industry. Starna Industries and its associate company, SY Technologies, of England, offer a system that promises a 40 percent reduction of infrared heat.

    AAA Press International’s cool UV package has a “hot mirror” positioned between the lamp and the web, allowing UV light through and keeping a majority of the IR out, says Hahn. “The other source of heat is reflected light,” he adds. “We put a UV optimize coating directly on the reflectors to absorb the reflected IR. We also use variable speed blowers to bring the temperature down.”

    Hahn says he sees a number of converters opting for 600-watts-per-inch lamps recently. These produce higher amounts of heat per inch, but they enable the operator to run the press at higher speeds. “We’re seeing presses running at 600 to 700 feet per minute,” he says, “such as the Roto Press. With some of the coatings that are being used out there, 600 watts will give you a bigger bang.”

    UV curable inks are improving daily, say industry observers. The ink is more expensive, certainly, because it costs more to make. The utilization rate, however, is lower. “It might cost two times as much, but you will get three times as much yield,” says Hahn.

    Virtually every company that manufactures inks for narrow web flexo is producing a series of UV curable inks, because they see it as a strong growth market. Still, practitioners report that one company’s blue is not the same as another’s, so printers should experiment and find the combinations that work best for them.

    Still others report that some ink manufacturers are trying to save money in production by cutting back on the photoinitiators in the ink. Those are the chemicals that react to the UV light and begin the chain of chemical reactions that convert the ink to a hard, dry solid. If a formula is altered so that curing time is longer, the problem is probably not with the lamps.

    “There are variations out there,” says Hahn. “Some manufacturers are recommended by suppliers, and some are not. The printer should test a variety of inks. If you buy a system and it doesn’t work right, you should examine the inks. The lamps most likely are putting out the proper wavelength.”

    Related Searches
    • UV curing

    Related Technologies

    • Color Management

      Color Management

      Technology has moved color reproduction into the realm of science, where the right tools are available to achieve consistency throughout the workflow.
      07.12.11

    • UV LED Curing

      UV LED Curing

      A recently developed technology for curing inks is attracting attention, but it still has a way to go to penetrate the label industry.
      05.24.11

    • Screen Printing

      Screen Printing

      The versatile print method has found newer markets, like RFID and printed electronics, and can make for a profitable equipment acquisition.
      03.11.11


    • Embossing

      Embossing

      Adding dimension to the surface of a label gives a product that luxury look.
      03.11.11

    • Digital Printing

      Digital Printing

      Converters and their customers embrace the latest technologies as the digital marketplace expands.
      11.11.10

    • Foil Application

      Foil Application

      Foil suppliers, as they keep up with converting technology, offer versatile products that give labels an elegant, luxurious look.
      10.11.10


    • Offset Printing

      Offset Printing

      A time-tested and challenging print process, offset has loyal followers among high-end label converters and their customers.
      03.15.10

    • Prepress Developments

      Prepress Developments

      The hardware and software required to turn an image into a press-ready plate continues to advance as technology reaches far into digital realms.
      01.15.10

    • Digital Label Printing

      Digital Label Printing

      HP Indigo retains its dominance in the growing digital label market, but inkjet is making a strong bid for a share.
      11.13.09


    • Screen Printing

      Screen Printing

      A powerful printing process maintains its strong presence in the narrow web industry.
      09.02.09

    • UV Systems

      UV Systems

      Ultraviolet curing systems today offer more sophisticated power supplies, more precise curing and decreased heat on the substrates.
      03.06.09

    • UV Curing Technology

      UV Curing Technology

      Improvements in equipment and inks continue as the UV curing market experiences steady growth. Plus, a look at electron beam curing for narrow web systems.
      03.06.09


    • Servo Power

      Servo Power

      Servo driven presses, growing in popularity among many converters, can offer reduced waste, tighter registration, and faster changeover times.
      01.14.09

    • Digital Dogma

      Digital Dogma

      No flexo, no offset, no screen. Just digital labels with fast turnaround.
      01.14.09

    • Digital Finishing

      Digital Finishing

      The manufacturers of digital finishing equipment are enjoying the popularity of todays digital printing presses.
      11.12.08


    Trending
    • APR, SpotOn! Launch New Color Management Platform
    • Niagara Label Upgrades With Nilpeter Flexo Press
    • L&NW Sits Down With PPG's Amy Mercante
    • INX Introduces New Inks For Flexible Packaging
    • Highcon And EFI Announce Global Partnership
    Breaking News
    • VPF launches deep-freeze adhesive
    • ProMach strengthens flexible packaging business
    • Gallus planning virtual event for March
    • Lemu Group engineers mask-making machine
    • Niagara Label upgrades with Nilpeter flexo press
    View Breaking News >
    CURRENT ISSUE

    November/December 2020

    • Digital and Hybrid Printers and Presses
    • Digital Printing Market Update
    • Overlamination Films
    • Narrow Web Profile: Quality Tape & Label
    • View More >

    Cookies help us to provide you with an excellent service. By using our website, you declare yourself in agreement with our use of cookies.
    You can obtain detailed information about the use of cookies on our website by clicking on "More information”.

    • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms And Conditions
    • Contact Us

    follow us

    Subscribe
    Nutraceuticals World

    Latest Breaking News From Nutraceuticals World

    Oleic Acid Possibly Implicated in MS Pathology
    NIH Study Compares Low-Fat, Plant-Based to Low-Carb, Animal-Based Diet
    Gadot Positions Mineral Line for Vegan Market
    Coatings World

    Latest Breaking News From Coatings World

    APV Engineered Coatings Reflects on 2020
    LINE-X Launches Dealer Program with International Truck
    BCF CEO to Chair Royal Society of Chemistry Surface Coatings Interest Group
    Medical Product Outsourcing

    Latest Breaking News From Medical Product Outsourcing

    Alleviant's Transcatheter Tech Obtains Breakthrough Status
    Signia Appoints New President
    At-Home COVID-19 Test Kits Boosts Disease Monitoring Capabilities
    Contract Pharma

    Latest Breaking News From Contract Pharma

    Civica to Build an Essential Medicines Manufacturing Facility in Virginia
    Humanigen, Emergent Enter Covid-19 Partnership
    Samsung Bioepis Opens New Headquarters
    Beauty Packaging

    Latest Breaking News From Beauty Packaging

    Fitglow Beauty Wins Big at Annual Dirty Thinker’s Choice Awards
    e.l.f. Cosmetics Unveils Mint Melt Collection
    Estée Lauder Companies Updates Supply Chain Leadership
    Happi

    Latest Breaking News From Happi

    New Research Supports the Efficacy of Sabinsa’s Curcumin C3 Reduct
    Curcumin's Role in Oral Care
    Degree Launches Bath and Shower Range
    Ink World

    Latest Breaking News From Ink World

    Paragon Expands Direct Mail Capabilities with Ricoh Pro VC70000
    BOBST Demonstrates Future of Flexible Packaging Production at Virtual Open House
    Morancé Soudure France Adds Comexi F2 MC 10-color Flexo Press
    Label & Narrow Web

    Latest Breaking News From Label & Narrow Web

    VPF launches deep-freeze adhesive
    ProMach strengthens flexible packaging business
    Gallus planning virtual event for March
    Nonwovens Industry

    Latest Breaking News From Nonwovens Industry

    Kimberly-Clark Releases Q4, Full Year Results
    Freudenberg to Establish Apparel Interlining Competence Centers
    Minet Adds Spunlace Line in Romania
    Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Latest Breaking News From Orthopedic Design & Technology

    First Patient Implanted With NEXXT MATRIXX SA Cervical Turn-Lock System
    Cretex Companies CEO Steps Down
    Conformis Enters Development & Supply Agreement with SITES Medical
    Printed Electronics Now

    Latest Breaking News From Printed Electronics Now

    First Solar Signs Definitive Agreement to Sell US Development Platform to Leeward
    Imec Technology Taking Off to Space
    Osram in Top 25 of World’s 100 Most Sustainable Companies

    Copyright © 2021 Rodman Media. All rights reserved. Use of this constitutes acceptance of our privacy policy The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Rodman Media.

    AD BLOCKER DETECTED

    Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors.
    Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.


    FREE SUBSCRIPTION Already a subscriber? Login