Nilpeter is the first press manufacturer to install GEW's new ArcLED hybrid UV curing system. It will be installed on three FA-4* UV-flexo presses, which are designed for high productivity of pressure-sensitive labels and flexible packaging.

Two of the FA-4* orders come from large, long-established American converters. The first ever ArcLED hybrid press was acquired by Flexible Technologies based in Orem, Utah, a privately owned company. The second American company is Best Label Co, a privately owned company formed in 1976 and headquartered in Cerritos, California. A third press FA-4* with the hybrid curing system has been delivered to UK-based OPM Group.

For digital InkJet printing too
The ArcLED curing system is also an option for Nilpeter's new PANORAMA UV-InkJet digital press line. It receives its global debut at LabelExpo Europe in Brussels in Hall 7, Stand no. 7B35. This major development from the Danish press manufacturer integrates many of the company's inline converting options adapted for full-colour digital printing. The PANORAMA DP-3 prints CMYK and opaque White at up to 50 m/minute (164 ft/min) to a maximum print width of 332 mm (12.67 inches).

How the system works
GEW's hybrid ArcLED system uses uniform lamp-head casings with interchangeable cassettes. As a complementary process, it allows press operators to run with LED and mercury-arc curing units freely positioned on the press to suit specific printing and varnishing applications. Changeovers of individual cassettes take just a few minutes. GEW's compact Rhino power supply automatically recognises individual cassettes and switches seamlessly between DC power for the LEDs or high-voltage AC for mercury-arc UV curing. This approach also offers converters an economical upgrade path for partial or full LED curing, as well as providing a future-proofed technology.

Lower energy costs, helped by the most efficient mercury-arc lamp units and power control systems, is a major benefit. Further energy savings are possible with LEDs, which are either 'on' or 'off': No energy is consumed while the press stands idle between jobs. ArcLED lamp-heads are available in widths up to 900 mm (36.5 inches). Typical wavelengths are: 405 nm, 395 nm, and 385 nm in power levels up to 22 W/sq.cm.

The ready availability of dedicated ink and varnishes, including opaque white inks, has seen LED technology spread from industrial InkJet applications, such as Nilpeter's PANORAMA DP-3, to a growing acceptance among UV-flexo converters. Different ink formulations also allow its usage for screen process and rotary offset printing.

At LabelExpo Europe, Nilpeter will demonstrate an FA-4* press as part of the PackPrint Workshop in Hall 8. Its innovative sleeve system permits an extra-short web path, with easy loading of tooling. It will be producing high-quality flexible packaging and labels in short runs with various repeat lengths at the show.