Dielsdorf, Switzerland – On a snowy evening in late January, 75 print industry professionals from across Switzerland gathered late into the evening to witness the wonders of sheetfed LED-UV first-hand, the latest technological development in the commercial print industry.

Organized by AMS Swiss reseller, Chromos AG, Druckerei Kyburz is an established print house that focuses on high-quality, high-quantity printing for demanding companies. With an impressive customer list that reads like a “Who’s Who” among industry leading companies, Kyburz is always searching for innovative ways to provide its customers with ever-increasing creative products, while improving product quality and reducing operational expenses. Druckerei Kyburz has recently hit upon something that achieves all of these goals. Just outside of Zurich, Switzerland in the small town of Dielsdorf, a revolution in offset printing is taking place with UV LED (Light Emitting Diodes.)

"LED is the same, and better at the same time," remarked Konrad Kyburz, owner and CEO of the region's largest printer. Installed on a RYOBI 925 with an inline coater, the AMS XP7 Series LED-UV dryer provides instantly dry sheets that can be sent to the bindery immediately, a significant advantage on short-run jobs.

The quality of LED printing is visibly superior to that of conventional ink, and powder and protective coatings are no longer needed to produce outstanding work, allowing the paper to do its job in a clean, environmentally-friendly manner. And at less than 15 amps, the system barely moves the needle on energy consumption.

"We are extremely satisfied" exclaimed Mr. Kyburz. A single AMS LED lamp module was retrofitted to Kyburz's existing press in a way that allows position changing between units 4, 5 and after the coater, offering the greatest flexibility for anticipated work. Ink densities can be pushed to the limits without concerns of backside marking.

Because LED UV drying doesn't emit any heat, moisture is retained in the stock providing an easier time in post-press, and preventing foul odors from emitting from the stock. This is especially important for the growing volume of "natural" uncoated offset papers demanded by designers. Because the AMS LED UV System instantly cures the ink, the press can be operated at full capacity, increasing throughput by as much as 30 percent, all while greatly reducing operation costs.

Druckerei Kyburz is the latest in a growing number of leading commercial printers switching to AMS LED UV in a movement towards faster, more eco-friendly production.

Konrad Kyburz received an award presented by Joel O’Leary, Air Motion Systems’ Director of Business Development, on behalf of AMS and the International LED-UV Association. “This award is presented to Mr. Kyburz because of his foresight and commitment to his employees, his community, and his country in helping significantly reduce the amount of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) emitted into the air – making the world a more breathable and beautiful place for all of us to live and work.”