Richard Mawson, managing director of CyanX, provides some good advice for companies looking to invest in a UV system.
Print companies need to be more productive and effective, whilst sustainability must be high on the list of considerations too.
Print – no matter the sector – has become shorter run. There is an increasing need for quicker turnaround times. This means that whatever technology you use – offset, flexo, or gravure – you have to be leaner and more proactive than ever before.
Print machine manufacturers have been quick to realise that they have to help. By providing better, faster, higher quality and more efficient machines, they can assist customers. Yet, the vast majority of companies do not need to invest in a new press; they simply need to ensure that the one they have is equipped to its fullest to ensure success. One way of doing this is retrofitting, especially when it comes to LED-UV.
At CyanX, we want to help. We can offer a wide range of UV solutions, that can be efficiently and cost effectively retrofitted to most manufacturer’s presses, in the field, to update and aid flexibility to what you do now.
These systems can help you to be more effective; they add value, they can cut cost, they can help you to be more environmentally friendly, and they do help you to be more versatile.
Whilst UV solutions will not provide a magic wand with which to make your company an overnight success, if you already have a sound business that is just looking for ways to differentiate itself, or to drive more resourcefulness, or to produce ever better applications, or to enter at new markets, then this is an area that is well worth looking at and investigating further.
The benefits
The benefits of adding LED-UV are many.
You will find that you can save time and money in various areas – everything from manpower to resources. There will be less waste generated too, and as substrates come off the press dry, you can turnaround jobs much more quickly. Because of this, you will be able to make use of many different substrates – even plastic films, foils and metalised papers, some of which you would find difficult to handle on a ‘conventional’ press. Special effects can also be easier to achieve.
The systems will also prove a lot cleaner, so you will notice a difference in the pressroom, making a better working atmosphere for employees.
You will find that you use significantly less power than other drying systems, as the LEDs need less energy. You will therefore cut your energy bill. In most cases, LEDs also have a longer life than their counterparts.
In fact, there are lots of sustainability benefits from saving on power to eliminating spray powder, from the ability to print alcohol free to VOC free inks. There are also no ozone emissions generated.
Quality considerations are also enhanced. Make ready will be quicker, and up to colour too. The output from the press is usually superior when it comes to scratch and rub resistance.
What to think about
Making any investment is something that has to be identified, planned, and researched. But these simple steps are a great way to start.
First, we would strongly recommend simply opening a conversation with us. CyanX has a depth of knowledge in this field, and we will be able to help you find a system that best fits your needs. We offer systems from leading suppliers such as Eltosch Grafix/Honle; solutions that are tried and tested in the field and relied upon and trusted by print and packaging producers around the world. These systems are based on cutting edge technology, always of the best quality and always tailored to the customer’s needs.
Don’t forget to ask about inks and plates too. There may be differences to the process if you go for a UV system, so ensure that you are happy with peripherals – and that the cost differential between buying them, instead of your normal press accessories, and the cost savings that you will make from your new system, make business sense.
Talk to other print companies. UV is increasingly popular in the UK and many users are having great success, so see what they have to say. After all, they are the ones who are using it in real time, every day.
Here at CyanX we are always happy to help. Let us know if you have any questions or if you would like more information.
#UVLED #drying #retrofitting #offset
12th March 2025