One was installed on an existing 10-color, 7-inch Mark Andy 2200 flexographic press; the second was integrated into a new, custom-designed Delta Mod Tech converting machine, equipped with both a flexo print-head and a digital print-head for variable data printing.
‘The UV system on our 7-inch Mark Andy press needed to be replaced. It was several years old caused unnecessary downtime due to maintenance,’ said Mek Paneinh, Label Products’ production manager. ‘We considered replacing it with another UV system, but when we explored the benefits, we quickly realized that LED was the only way to go.’
Paneinh added: ‘The benefits of LED included faster press speeds; eliminating costly UV bulbs that burn out and need to be replaced; and no moving mechanical parts (shutters) that can cause considerable press downtime.’
Other contributing factors to Paneinh’s decision were the facts that LED requires up to 65 percent less energy than standard UV; it doesn’t generate any heat to the substrate, so less expensive substrates can occasionally be used; and the fact that there is no warm-up or cool-down time required because LED is instant on and instant off.
‘Because LED doesn’t require exhaust fans, our pressroom became considerably quieter. We no longer have to yell at each other when standing next to the press while it is operating,’ said.
Steve Metcalf, AMS Spectral UV’s president, added: ‘LEDs can last for more than 20,000 print hours.....read the rest here