Hybrid Services Ltd - UV-LED and flexible UV ink technologies herald a new era in inkjet printing

The UJV-160 uses environmentally-friendly UV-LED technology which does not generate heat, and a flexible UV ink, which has been developed together with 3M.

The new hybrid UJV-160, is a 60" roll-to-roll and flat sheet large format UV-curable inkjet printer, utilising UV-LED (Light Emitting Diodes) curing technology, the curing temperature emitted by LED UV lamps is very low. Therefore the printer can accommodate heat sensitive media such as PVC, which could not previously be printed. In addition, new flexible UV ink developed in conjunction with 3M, can stretch by up to 200%, enabling printing on materials such as vehicle wrapping films and other curved surfaces such 3D signage. Thus, the applications for UV printing are greatly increased.

Conventional UV lamps also emit infrared rays that create excessive heat and sometimes ozone. Both of these negative effects of conventional UV printing are eliminated with LED curing technology. The LED lamp emits only ultraviolet rays that do not create heat and consequently the power consumption is less than half of that needed by traditional UV lamps, thereby significantly saving energy costs. In this respect UV-LED technology is a breakthrough ‘new technology’ in step with the latest environmental demands. Since the ink is cured or fixed immediately after LED radiation, the job turnaround time from printing to further processing, such as lamination, is shortened greatly, so dramatically improving working efficiency and productivity.

The UJV will print onto a variety of uncoated substrates up to 10mm thick including rigid material such as 'Foamex' and 'Corex'. Front and rear tables facilitate the easy transportation of thick boards. The tables can be easily stored away when not in use.

The UJV utilises variable dot technology and prints at resolutions up to 1200dpi.

For further information contact Hybrid on Tel: 01270 501900 or visit www.hybridservices.co.uk