Three Advantages of UV LED Curing for Package Printing

UV LED curing has emerged as an alternative to mercury-vapor lamps that results in lower cost of ownership through increased productivity, expanded substrates use, and improved sustainability. The low-energy curing method eliminates mercury and ozone while using less energy and can be used for a variety of applications including package printing, coatings, and adhesives.

Advantage 1: Increased productivity

One of the main advantages of UV LED curing is that it is much faster than oil-based curing methods. Traditional curing uses oil phase separation to set the ink, which can take several minutes or even hours. UV LED curing technology uses ultraviolet light to power the curing process, and the ink sets instantaneously. This faster, more efficient curing process results in a much shorter overall production time, eliminating spray powder, and the need to rack loads.

UV LED curing also eliminates the need for drying time between the printing and finishing processes, reducing downtime for printers by allowing them to cure inks and coatings instantly. Additionally, very little heat is generated from the UV LED curing, eliminating concerns of registration, substrate warping, and monitoring load temperatures.

Advantage 2: High Quality Printed Articles

Printed materials that have gone through a UV LED curing process are more resistant to abrasion, chemicals, and environmental factors, which is particularly important for packaging that will be exposed to various conditions during distribution and use. Enhanced durability improves the appearance of the packaging, and also helps in maintaining the integrity of the product inside.

Advantage 3: Versatility in Substrate Use

UV LED curing can be used on a wider range of substrates than traditional methods, giving printers more versatility and enabling them to work with a greater variety of materials and customers. It is ideal for printing foils and plastics, the lack of heat means no distortion of the substrate, and the instant, consistent and uniform drying allows for in line UV coating finishes, from ultra-high gloss, textured coatings, and even robust matte finishes.

Advantage 4: Improved Sustainability

UV LED curing is an environmentally friendly method of printing. Traditional oil drying requires more press washes, can contain metal driers and VOC’s. IR energy for air drying also is energy intensive. On the other hand, UV LED curing is a much cleaner and greener process. UV LED curing doesn’t use mercury, requires no standby power consumption, and doesn’t need air evacuation for ozone or solvents.

UV LED curing uses a fraction of the energy used in traditional curing. Some experts cite up to 70% energy savings compared to mercury.ⁱ UV LED curing doesn’t emit harmful chemicals or VOCs. This helps package printers address safety, legislative, and consumer demands to reduce their carbon footprint and provide more sustainable and eco-friendly packaging. Additionally, UV LED curing does not require solvents, eliminating the need and cost associated with hazardous waste disposal.

Conclusion

UV LED curing is becoming the preferred [curing] method of package printing because it offers many advantages over traditional curing methods. UV LED curing is faster, more efficient, and more cost-effective than traditional curing methods. It also produces a higher quality finish, with less waste and fewer defects. LED curing offers a more consistent and uniform curing process, which helps to ensure that the printed product is of the highest quality. Additionally, LED Curing is more environmentally friendly than traditional curing methods, as it does not produce any hazardous emissions.