Consumables
Flint Group Signs Agreement with AMS at drupa 2016 to Sell Retrofit LED Press Conversion Solutions
Tuesday 07. June 2016 - Flint Group introduces a complete turnkey solution, called "LED Pro", to sheetfed printers considering the switch to LED curing. Under the terms of the Agreement, signed at drupa, Flint Group experts will assess the potential benefits to potential printer customers and support them with a package of LED lamps, financing, fully compatible press consumables, training and installation back-up.
LED curing is taking off with sheetfed commercial printers who want to offer faster turnarounds and who use a wide range of substrates, as well as existing UV curing printers looking to reduce their energy consumption.
UV LED for commercial print offers major benefits such as –
The printed sheets are immediately dry
Spray powder is eliminated
In many cases oil-based or water-based overprint varnishes and coatings are no longer needed resulting in material and energy cost savings
Bringing value enhancement to existing presses by expanding the range of high-value materials and coating effects that can be achieved in-line
Flint Group VP of Sales, Sheetfed EMEA, Romain Boulot had this to say after signing the agreement. “The last 3 years have witnessed an explosion in the adoption of LED curing technology in the sheetfed offset sector. Now Flint Group is uniquely able to help printers, who have not yet taken the plunge, with a complete consultation, equipment, press consumables financial and technical support package called LED Pro.”
“There is no doubt that LED curing technology will change sheetfed printing forever. LED Pro is about sharing our belief that LED curing truly is the future of sheetfed offset printing,” explains Jim Buchanan, Global UV Business Development Director. “Not only is there a phenomenal increase in factory fitted LED presses, but the process of converting existing presses to LED, with retro-fitted LED lamp systems, allows printers a fast track to the benefits this technology brings.”
At the heart of LED Pro, Flint Group XCURA inks and coatings and a new range of LED lamps, XCURA EcoLUX – on display at the Hall 3/B53 stand in Duesseldorf – are designed to fit onto a wide spectrum of presses, and supplied by Air Motion Systems (AMS) the top provider of LED UV technology to the sheetfed offset industry.
“Retrofitting a press is very simple, and only takes around a day. With minimum disruption a printer can move from conventional drying technology to LED curing. The steps we take, including pre-installation to ensure everybody in the printshop is ready for the new technology, is a huge advantage. Well even potentially help finance the lamp systems,” states Buchanan.
Flint Group has been at the front of the development curve of LED technology. By working together with leading OEMs and printers to advance the opportunity, the company has been able to dispel any fears that may have existed about this innovative development. Flint Groups XCURA inks are already recognised as best in class for LED curing; adding the EcoLUX lamps and financing, along with consultative and training services, completes the turnkey package and takes away many possible concerns printers may have about making the switch.
“We are highlighting the fantastic flexibility of LED curing at drupa, with the theme “No Limits” as we consult with prospective LED curing printers, showing them how easy it can be to move up to the next level in print technology. And were also presenting striking examples of our latest high gloss LED varnish, drip-off effects, fluorescents and synthetic printing,” concluded Buchanan.