LFP - Large-Format-Printing
Mimaki presents environmenally friendly UV LED inkjet technology
Thursday 05. June 2008 - At drupa in Düsseldorf (May 29th to June 11th, 2008) Mimaki will exhibit the UJF-160 large format UV inkjet printer employing UV LED technology which enables it to print on a far broader variety of substrates.
Mimaki Engineering, a leading manufacturer of wide format inkjet printers and cutting machines for the Sign / Graphics, Industrial markets, and Textile / Apparel, will exhibit the new environmentally friendly UV LED technology at its booth, hall 8b, A03.
While conventional UV curing is executed by UV lamps UV LED technology uses UV LED (Light Emitting Diodes) which at light ranges of between 365 and 395 nm cure the specificly sensitized inks.
UV lamps need a high dose of energy and need to be cooled in order to cure the inks through properly whereby they emit lots of heat as well as sometimes ozone and VOC (Volatile Organic Components).
All these negative effects of UV printing are reduced or eliminated with UV LED technology. The LED, which in contrast to conventional UV lamps can be switched on and off without any pre-heat and cool-down time, only emit low temperatures. Thus, only a small cooling element, cooling unit etc. is needed and the use of cooling fans etc. is eliminated. In case of a smaller print area than the full area of the printer, the UV LED lights are only switched on and off whenever they are needed thereby reducing energy costs.
In addition UV LED technology does not emit ozone or VOC, which makes it far more environmentally friendly in comparison with conventional UV lamps. Danger from radiation is reduced as UV LED does not emit UV-B and UV-C rays.
“Due to the fact that UV LED technology uses less power, print service agencies can decisively lower their energy bills while at the same time reduce the environmental impact of their shops”, says Masaaki Fujita, Senior Managing Director Mimaki Japan. “We are happy to offer this future-oriented technology to our customers ahead of the competition.”