Nürtingen - Following its appearance at drupa, IST METZ GmbH has once again demonstrated its prowess as the leading market player with the largest product portfolio of UV systems worldwide. Its new Hot Swap technology provides customers with maximum flexibility in all things drying.

As the only manufacturer of drying systems at the event, IST METZ used show units and live printing demonstrations to showcase the UV technology it offers and the advantages these products boast. Four demonstrations took place daily on the Heidelberg XL 75-6 + coater Anicolor 2, equipped with proven IST LAMPcure technology and the more recently developed IST LEDcure technology. “With LEDcure, we have created a product that integrates seamlessly with the highly efficient LAMPcure drying systems, solutions that have impressed customers the world over for the past 40 years,” explains Holger Kühn, Managing Director of Sales at IST METZ GmbH.

IST METZ offers both UV lamps and LED systems. The broad reach across many application areas has been consciously expanded in recent years: “For decades, IST has proven itself to be a competent partner in the UV technology sector. We don't just sell products; we also provide solutions for all kinds of printing and coating applications,” explains Kühn. “We provide our customers with fair and comprehensive advice, helping them to choose the best possible light source, i.e. LED or lamp, for their requirements.”

Visitors to the trade fair were provided with information regarding the current climate for UV technology. The Heidelberg Speedmaster was used to demonstrate the careful integration of IST METZ UV systems into production machinery. Numerous print samples created in-house, such as the customer magazine, virtual reality glasses or a print sample fan, impressively demonstrated the potential of IST METZ products. “We are delighted with the positive feedback received following our trade fair appearance. Over a hundred guests on average attended each of the printing demonstrations and there was a great response to our print samples. This has confirmed for us that we are meeting the high demands of industrial manufacturers,” said Jens Langer, Sales Manager at IST METZ GmbH.

The UV systems were not only on display at the trade fair, however. At the UV Transfer Center, located at the company's headquarters in Nürtingen near Stuttgart, IST METZ provides customers and interested parties with a testing facility, complete with two presses and a laboratory. “The demand is high, as we are the only UV supplier to provide such extensive testing conditions,” explains Langer. “Here, we have the opportunity to show 'hands-on' just how efficient our systems are, and to provide the relevant information for purchasing.”

The area of LED UV curing has been a particular focus of IST METZ in recent years: With a distance of 60 mm or less, the LEDcure system achieves an output of 8 W/cm² or more. “At the same time, due to the design of the system, we not only have a distinct peak but also a high dosage,” says Langer. “Using just one LEDcure system, we are achieving a production speed of 500 m/min in rotary offset printing – this has not been seen anywhere else in the industry.” IST METZ registered an extremely high demand for the LED retrofitting of machinery in commercial printing at drupa.

Also making its debut at drupa: the new Hot Swap technology, which facilitates subsequent retrofitting to LED UV. The machine's existing peripheral equipment is used for this purpose. The LAMPcure unit is swapped for a LEDcure unit. The respective unit is automatically recognised by the control system and production can immediately resume without any further effort required. “Unique integration and simple retrofitting is the winning formula for this Hot Swap concept,” explains Holger Kühn. “With Hot Swap technology, the customer receives a system he can later convert to LED without a problem – a product thus securing future prospects and representing a safe investment.” Both the lamp and LED systems from IST METZ were in equal demand at drupa.