A new LED UV drying system for sheet fed printers that was developed by British company GEW is being distributed in Australia by industry identity Peter Sage and his new business Pressology.
Sage, the former owner of printing machinery supplier Graftek, says with energy being a key cost for printers, the development of this new technology which he is supplying through his new venture Pressology will result in significant cost reductions for printers.
“GEW’s approach to drying for flat sheet printers is also a big jump for them,” Sage said.
“It’s like what occurred between standard flexographic printing and UV flexo. Once printers saw the advantage of UV they never went back, and this can also be seen particularly on narrow-web presses for label printers.
“GEW’s Rhino power supply is more efficient and robust than anything else on the market in this category, and paired with the LED output system, is much more power efficient. The reason is that LED heads don’t have to warm up and cool down like older arc lamp systems. Unlike the older systems, water-cooled LED lamp heads produce little heat.”
Another advantage is that each drying unit is connected digitally to GEW which allows the company to monitor the performance of the system.
Sage said this not only gives GEW a trouble-shooting window for the printer, but delivered each customer a monthly report on the unit’s performance.
“It can tell them what press time occurred which becomes a valuable tool on evaluating production efficiency,” he said.
“Sheet fed printers have a lot more to gain than web printers.
“That includes no set off; no distortion; no powder spraying required; instant drying before perfecting, and no need to coat for protection, as the ink dries as a polymer and resists scratching and marking. Overseas reports show that printers are achieving a reduction of up to 20% in wastage, while achieving a brighter job with more vivid colours. Some printers with digital presses are also reporting that they’re able to achieve a closer match to their digital presses, which becomes an advantage in today’s digital world.”
Pressology has retained Australian Graphic Services to do installations of the system worldwide. It is possible for all GEW units to be retrofitted to any existing press.
For more information please call Peter Sage on 0437 870 596 and visit www.pressology.com.au
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