Nilpeter Becomes First to Install ArcLED Hybrid UV Curing

Nilpeter will become the first press manufacturer to install the new ArcLED hybrid UV curing system from GEW. The system will be installed on three different FA-4* UV-flexo presses, which are designed for high productivity in pressure-sensitive labels and flexible packaging.

Two of the three installations are for American converters, including Flexible Technologies of Orem, Utah and Best Label Co., in Cerritos, California. The third installation has been delivered to OPM Group, based in the U.K.

For Digital Inkjet Printing Too

The ArcLED curing system can also be used on Nilpeter's new PANORAMA UV-inkjet digital press line, which will debut at Labelexpo Europe. The PANORAMA line integrates many of Nilpeter's inline converting options adapted for full-color digital printing. The PANORAMA DP-3 prints CMYK and opaque white at up to 50 m/min. (164 ft./min.) on a maximum print width of 332 mm (12.67˝)

How the System Works

GEW's hybrid ArcLED system uses uniform lamp-head casings with interchangeable cassettes. It allows press operators to freely position LED and mercury-arc curing units to suit specific printing and varnishing applications. Changeovers of individual cassettes take a few minutes and the compact Rhino power supply recognizes individual cassettes, switching seamlessly between DC power for LEDs and high-voltage AC for mercury-arc UV curing.

The system can provide lower energy costs due to the efficiency of the mercury-arc lamp units and power control systems. Plus, the LEDs do not consume energy while the press is idle between jobs.

ArcLED lamp-heads are available in widths up to 900 mm (36.5˝). Typical wavelengths are: 405 nm, 395 nm, and 385 nm in power levels up to 22 W/sq.cm.

Because of the ready availability of dedicated ink and varnishes, including opaque white inks, LED technology has moved beyond industrial inkjet applications, becoming more accepted among UV-flexo converters. Different ink formulations also allow it to be used in screen process and rotary offset printing.

Source: Nilpeter.