KYMC, the Taiwan based manufacturer with more than 50 years of experience in flexographic press design and application integration, teamed up with TSLC and Rainbow Pigment Co to develop a next-generation CI flexo press. TSLC is a leading LED manufacturer and technology developer with more than ten years of experience providing reliable and quality UV-LED solutions to the global market. Rainbow Pigment is the ink expert with a strong R&D team spanning several product lines and industries. Together, the three companies have come up with what is called Ultraflex.
The KYMC Ultraflex press integrates three key technologies – UV-LED ink application and curing, solvent, water-based ink applications, and a central impression flexo design not before seen in the Asia Pacific region. While there are many advantages to the UV-LED ink application, it has constraints, which is why the users of this press can also select UV-LED ink or solvent or water-based ink or both at the same time. The KYMC Ultraflex press aims at flexibility, cost reduction, and efficiency.
On top of the hybrid design, the UV-LED application on the CI drum design is superior over the inline UV design in terms of production speed, registration, and tension control. With the Ultraflex press, printers can obtain three technologies with one press. Let’s look at the Ultraflex press from as many as six perspectives.
New business opportunities
From the business standpoint, the Ultraflex is expected to open up new opportunities for printers. PET shrink films, in-mold labels, and pouch packaging that are traditionally produced on inline UV flexo presses can now be achieved on the Ultraflex press.
From the quality standpoint, the high opacity of the UV inks is perfect for reproducing designs with flat high-density solid inks. Thus the UV-LED print stations can be used for the solid areas in the design and the solvent or water-based print stations for the halftone areas.
When it comes to the ink operational efficiency, the UV-LED ink stability characteristics can reduce setup time and reduce the time needed to control the ink properties. It does not require the operators to make constant adjustments.
Reduced Waste
In terms of waste, the UV-LED print deck allows for low printing speed during print setup as the ink does not dry up under room temperature. This will reduce the amount of substrate and ink wasted during print job setup.
When compared to hot air drying, the UV-LED curing operates at a much lower noise level. Therefore, it will significantly improve the working conditions for the operators.
Rise in eco-friendliness
Lastly, the UV-LED is an environmentally friendly solution as it does not emit VOCs. The UV-LED ink goes through a curing process, unlike solvent and water-based ink, which goes through a drying process. During the drying process, the solvents (VOCs) are evaporated into the surroundings causing environmental hazards and, at the same time, are detrimental to human health when inhaled.
In the constantly changing market, printers need to adjust to the market’s needs, be flexible, cost-effective, and efficient. The best quality generally comes at a high cost. The question is, will the customers pay for it? While low quality can be achieved at lower prices, the question is, will the customer accept it? The printers that can find the balance between quality and cost are the ones that will remain competitive on the market.
There is no one right formula for production as there are various types of customers on the market. KYMC understands the printers’ challenges and has responded with the Ultraflex. The best part of Ultraflex is that you do not need to choose between a UV-LED press or a solvent or water-based CI flexo press. You can have it all in one. Printers can take advantage of the UV-LED print stations on the Ultraflex and go back to the solvent or water-based print stations when needed. In a nutshell, Ultraflex is a 2 in 1 investment designed to help printers get the most value.
