At drupa 2012, Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) will be presenting a recently extended portfolio of UV dryers for all UV applications. With the addition of the DryStar LE UV and DryStar UV LED dryers, the product portfolio now ranges from an entry-level solution for commercial printing to special configurations for packaging/label applications and foil printing. The tried-and-tested DryStar UV covers all applications and is ideal for top-quality surface finishing. 

The UV market has been in a state of constant change over recent decades. Demands relating to presses and, ultimately, to the appropriate UV dryers have grown in parallel. Customers now expect energy-efficient and cost-effective UV solutions that are capable of delivering high-quality finishing. UV applications enable print shops to stand out from the competition and create added value.

Heidelberg has many years of experience with integrated UV systems and has continuously developed the relevant technologies and solutions in line with market requirements. 

This enables users to benefit from the advantages of UV printing over conventional printing methods. These include fast finishing made possible by instant curing of UV inks and coatings, excellent protection, and outstanding rub resistance. Print products also stand out thanks to eye-catching effects, because it is also possible to print on unusual, non-absorbent materials. UV printing combines consistently high print quality with high-gloss coatings and requires no powdering. It is also possible to use solvent-free inks. 

A Speedmaster XL 75-5+LX equipped with both the DryStar UV and the new DryStar LE UV will be on show in Hall 2 of drupa, at the stand of Heidelberg partner IST Metz GmbH. The press will be giving live demonstrations several times each day. The new DryStar UV LED dryer will be exhibited in the Innovation Gallery in Hall 1.

DryStar LE UV for energy-saving UV drying specifically for commercial print shops 
The new DryStar LE (Low Energy) UV impresses with its improved price-performance ratio and provides commercial printers with a gateway to the UV market. This energy-saving dryer is suitable for four- or five-color commercial products produced with or without a coating on the Speedmaster XL 105 or Speedmaster XL 75. It is based on the proven technology of the DryStar UV, which has been adapted to the specific requirements of commercial printers. These printers can now use UV inks and/or UV coatings to apply surface finishing to posters, placards, brochures, and presentation folders to give them enhanced rub resistance, a special feel, a glossy appearance, and better protection. 

The DryStar LE UV consumes less power than the original version. This is an important step on the way to sustainable print media production. The energy-efficient DryStar LE UV is available with one, two, or a maximum of three lamps per press configuration. Depending on the job specification, each lamp can be operated at between 60 and 200 W/cm.

DryStar UV LED combines high quality with low energy consumption in commercial and foil printing 
The trend toward green printing is increasing the demand for sustainable, more energy-efficient dryers - including UV dryers. At drupa 2012, Heidelberg will be showcasing the new high-performance, energy-saving DryStar UV LED dryer for the Speedmaster SX 52. The new, trendsetting technology of using innovative UV light-emitting diodes to cure highly reactive LED UV inks and highly reactive LED UV coatings enables commercial and above all foil printers to process plastic materials as thin as 56 µm (0.0022 in) in UV printing with complete register accuracy and absolutely no distortion. Plastic cards, inmold labels, official stickers, bottle labels, and top-quality plastic packaging are just a few of the possible end products. 

The DryStar UV LED dryer thus makes it possible for commercial and foil printers to combine high quality in UV printing with excellent productivity and sustainable energy efficiency. 

It consumes less energy than UV dryers with UV lamp technology because LEDs do not need any time to heat up or cool down and no standby mode is necessary. What's more, LEDs can be switched on or off in line with the format being processed.

DryStar UV specializes in top-quality surface finishing 
High-finish products catch the eye of shoppers at the point of sale and make them keen to buy. Items such as luxury packaging, glossy magazines, and sophisticated product catalogs can be given high-quality UV surface finishing such as matt/gloss effects, high-gloss coatings, cold-foil applications, and spot colors including gold and silver. 

Speedmaster Duo presses, with an offset printing unit followed by a flexographic one, and Speedmaster dual-coating presses are ideal for such applications. The DryStar UV dryer is designed with a maximum lamp output of 200 W/cm, innovative UV lamp technology, and effective reflector technology for use as an interdeck dryer or in the delivery section of these presses. It ensures perfect integration into Heidelberg presses and delivers maximum productivity.