The global UV LED printing machine market (for multiple applications) reach $ 278 million in terms of size in 2017 and is expected to reach $ 555 million by the end of 2024, with a CAGR of 9.2 % during the forecast per. The market for inks UV printing is expect to reach $ 1600 million by 2026, registering a CAGR of 4.64%, during the period (2021-2026 Research and Markets).
Two Pillar
“State-of-the-art UV inkjet printing technology offers great versatility and a return on investment. high while leaving a low ecological footprint. By constantly adding new functions and possibilities, swissQprint supports print service providers on the path to success and growth. »Erskine Stewart, Managing Director, swissQprint US.
UV printing large format
UV Printing for ENVIRONMENT
Environmentally friendly, energy-efficient, and offering durable weather and scratch-resistant graphics, UV printing is becoming increasingly popular as the sustainability agenda grows. UV LED printing is energy efficient, contains no VOCs, and delivers exceptional print quality. With its high peak irradiance, UV provides a deeper penetrating light source. This allows for better curing and adhesion of thicker films (such as screen printing) and dark and opaque colors (such as opaque blacks and whites). In addition, UV LEDs cure at a constant intensity over a long period of time, unlike mercury lamps which must be replace every 2000 hours.
In UV digital printing, the print dot is locate on the substrate after leaving the piezo print head, where it is cure by UV light and dries immediately. This is because the spectrum of the LED reacts with the photoinitiator in the photochromic ink and causes immediate drying and adhesion. The non-contact process, with instant drying and perfect adhesion, allows printing on a wide range of substrates from wood to plastic, from glass to metal, from acrylic to aluminum.
fast-drying printing
The fast-drying printing process also gives UV printing a generally quick turnaround time, as the dried media can be handle immediately. Additionally, due to its quick-drying quality, UV LED printing cures instantly – wet ink dots do not have a chance to smear when print, resulting in much finer detail in the print. print graphics output.
The range of printable substrates that can be print with UV / LED technology is truly breathtaking and is one of the main driving forces behind the adoption of this technology in the printing industry. Polyester fabrics, dense panels, acrylic panels, wooden doors, and backlit displays are all part of the UV LED printing media inventory, which is truly comprehensive, leaving very little media that cannot. be print, to provide high clarity graphics and high fade resistance, anti-scratch and anti-friction credentials.
Other Pillars
Without mercury in the lamp, there are no environmental or personal safety concerns with LED curing, which is instantaneous, highly productive and energy-efficient.
In general, UV LEDs offer a 30-50% reduction in power consumption to run the lamp and cooling system compared to previous curing technologies, and with a light life measure in tens. thousands of hours compared to 1 to 2000 hours for mercury vapor. lights, there is also a substantial cost advantage to the technology.
Beyond that, ultraviolet inks are VOC free, and compare to solvent inks there are no toxins which, combine with minimal use of water and heat in the process, the effect on the environment is negligible.
Innovations – Launches and the future
In September 2020, Direct Color Systems announce the release of the UV-84DTS – a new 4 ‘x 8’ (120cm x 243cm) UV LED printer.
Additionally, in September 2020, Epson announce its first UV LED digital flat printer.
The printer, offering up to 2.5 x 1.25m print capacity, prints directly onto a wide range of substrates up to 80mm thick, including acrylics, polycarbonates, PVC, aluminum, metal, polyester, foam board, styrene, wood, and stone.
In November 2020, Mimaki launch its UJV100-160 which uses a low-cost UV ink “LUS-190” which cures immediately after being expose to UV light, allowing a faster turnaround time without the need for a degassing period after printing.
As can be seen across the digital printing industry, the growing selection of machines, software and inks for UV LED printing reflects the dynamism of demand for what many see as the market. most versatile of all digital printing technologies – a broad base, green technology that allows the user to serve multiple markets.
