MPS will showcase the new GEW hybrid LED-UV system (ArcLED), integrated with the next generation EF Neo flexo printing press at Labelexpo Europe 2015. At Stand 11C20 there will be live demonstrations of both LED and arc UV curing in combination with low migration inks of the 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.
The technical director of MPS, Bert van den Brink, says, “The main difference and biggest advantage of the 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,”
He adds, “What also makes this hybrid UV curing system advantageous for our customers is the opportunity to move towards LED curing without the risk of being locked into the technology on the entire press. We recognize that further LED developments are under way, and the total ink portfolio needed for certain print jobs is not yet available in LED curing.”
With the new GEWArcLED curing system, the same lamphead casing is used with inter- changeable pull-out cassettes for arc and LED, including the same power supply and control. The associated RHINO-ArcLED power supply automatically recognizes the type of cassette being used and adapts all parameters accordingly, including the correct power type and running parameters. The ArcLED UV system is a future-proof technology showing considerable energy savings, optimizing processes, and maximizing ink compatibility. It increases machine productivity as well as providing the possibility to run a fully flexible hybrid curing system.
