IST launches conventional LE-UV and LED-UV retrofit services in the UK

Print Solutions

IST (UK) is launching a retrofit service that will allow printers to retrofit LE-UV (also known as HUV by Komori users) and LED-UV/LUV as well as conventional UV drying technology on installed presses or second hand equipment.

‘The retrofit option will be attractive to companies who can’t currently budget for a new press or who would like to trial LE-UV or LUV for a relatively low capital cost before buying a dedicated new press using the latest energy efficient technology,’ said Chris Schofield, joint managing director of IST (UK).

‘The attraction with low energy and light emitting diode UV technologies is that they produce dry sheets off the end of the press. That means work can be immediately finished without fear of marking, allowing companies to minimise turnaround times. They are efficient and cut the amount of ink used (sometimes by 30 to 40% in volume), as well as eliminating powder spray and reducing the energy bill (compared to other drying options). They also provide high gloss levels and resistance to abrasion, side lining the need for a dedicated coating or sealing unit.’

LE-UV will be especially attractive to the small and medium sized printer using a high volume of uncoated stock. The IST lamp life on this technology is guaranteed to operate for 2500 hours, but typically run up to 4000 hours. In most instances a straight printing press will require just one LE UV lamp at the end of the line; a perfector would feature a unit at the perfecting unit and another in the delivery. Maintenance is minimal with just a weekly clean of the lamp, reflector and filter recommended.

LUV, IST Metz’s name for its LED-UV package, includes the lamp module, a control cabinet, water chiller and screen software for ease of operation. It is an ecologically attractive option with its very low energy, low heat output. It is a top of the range option but involves a higher capital expenditure so will only be right for some customers. Lamp life for the LED-UV is put at 20,000 hours and the modular build means that groups of LED arrays rather than a whole unit can be replaced.

IST (UK) offers a free consultancy service to printers to determine whether either of these technologies is right for the quality and type of work handled and its commercial viability.

The retrofit for a conventional UV unit would be five to six days but for LE-UV or LED-UV could be completed in one or two days. All retrofits are provided with a 12 month warranty and printers can extend that with an IST (UK) service agreement.