Route One Print converts B1 long perfector to LE-UV

Print Solutions

Route One Print has called in IST (UK) to implement a conversion to LE-UV of its Speedmaster SX 102-8-P B1 long perfector. Its decision comes in the wake of market changes over the past 15 months resulting in an increased demand for very quick turnaround times and common use of uncoated stocks.

‘Our focus has moved towards 24 hour turnaround on many jobs, making it vital that we get work off the press and on to finishing processes as fast as possible,’ said Jack Willmott, brand manager of the Rotherham trade printer. ‘The LE-UV allows us to move work through the factory quicker by eliminating the drying time, particularly on the uncoated stocks we use for stationery and booklets. This process also produces more vibrant, crisper colours because less ink is absorbed into the paper.’

IST was recommended to Route One Print by Heidelberg UK and the UV company’s understanding and adaptability to the printers’ business needs has impressed. Route One Print operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so the installation will take place over one weekend to minimise downtime. During that period work will be transferred to its battery of B2 presses.

The environmental benefits with lower energy use, reducing the carbon footprint, are also cited as a benefit. The company recognises the higher ink costs but does not see that as a major issue and it will review developments and costs at drupa.

‘For us, the benefits far outweigh the costs. It allows us to operate at a higher output by reducing throughput time in the factory as well as reducing the time we spend routing jobs to specific presses based on the nature of the work. It will also alleviate congestion associated with work sitting in the factory for longer while it is drying,’ said Jack.

To ensure conventional and LE-UV litho colour match, Route One has invested heavily in GMG colour management and will fingerprint each press on a twice weekly basis.

‘This IST conversion has been driven by pressure on turnaround which, if a success, could be rolled out to other presses in our factory,’ added Jack. ‘We have wanted to have a UV inking press in our arsenal because of the volume of quick turnaround and uncoated booklets we are handling.’

The press will typically run flyers, folded leaflets, booklets and business stationery.

The IST lamp life on an LE-UV installation is guaranteed to operate for 2500 hours, but typically run up to 4000 hours. Because this installation is a perfector, an LE-UV unit is fitted at the perfecting point and another in the delivery. Maintenance is minimal with just a weekly clean of the lamp, reflector and filter recommended. IST (UK) offers conventional, LED-UV and LE-UV retrofits across most makes of litho press.