Print UV 2008 a Success

ARVADA, Colo.—Organizers of the Print UV 2008 Conference, held March 2-4 at the Wynn Resort in Las Vegas, reported an enthusiastic reaction to the event, with many participants saying they are eager to repeat the experience in 2009.

Nearly 100 printers and suppliers attended the inaugural edition of the peer-oriented industry conference, which focused exclusively on innovations, challenges, best practices and products in the fast-growing UV printing market. The conference also served as the launching pad for the Print UV Association and a platform for the expanding Print UV online community (www.printuv.com).

Of the participants at this year’s conference, two-thirds were sheetfed and web offset printers having a wide range of experience with UV technology—or none at all. Ample networking opportunities enabled seasoned practitioners to share their experiences with UV novices, and while suppliers to the UV market were on hand to answer questions about UV printing in general and their offerings in particular, the conference agenda focused on business topics and technical strategies designed to help printers make the most of the UV opportunity.

Discussion topics included how to market and sell UV, innovative UV printing and coating techniques, and the benefits of going 100 percent VOC-free in the UV pressroom. Presenters included John Giusto, senior vice president, manufacturing, Curtis Packaging; UV Master Printer Greg Ross, a manager at Fort Dearborn Companies; Chris Travis, director of technology for KBA North America; Kurt Kroening, a former plastics printer and vice president of operations at Air Motion Systems; and Darrell Jursa, vice president of lifestyle marketing firm CURRENT. On the second day of the conference, a panel of experts from major press OEMs, as well as UV equipment, ink, coating and consumable suppliers answered questions on topics ranging from UV safety guidelines to ink adhesion to proper care for UV blankets and rollers to the best way to “sell” the UV learning curve to upper management. A special executive session focused on developing business, process and quality standards for UV printing.

Founding co-sponsors of Print UV 2008 included Absolute Graphic Technologies, Diamond Roller, KBA North America, Mitsubishi Lithographic Presses USA, MAN Roland, Pamarco Global Graphics, Printing Research, and Printing Impressions magazine. Planning for the 2009 edition of Print UV is already underway, with dates to be announced shortly.