LED-UV Curing for Metal Packaging Decoration
UV curing technology has evolved - the rise of the LED
UV-curable inks have brought many benefits to the metal decoration industry, but they have also posed a number of challenges. While UV lamps may be solvent-free and low in VOCs*, they still contain small amounts of mercury, and the curing process generates ozone – both of which are hazardous chemicals.
However, LED-UV lamps have revolutionized the process. LED technology has been on the market for the last 20 years; it is now the primary curing method used in digital printing and is very common in flexo and offset, as well. Unlike conventional mercury lamps, LEDs do not contain heavy metals or produce ozone.
*Every kg of UV coating can reduce VOC emissions by 48% as compared to one kg of a conventional solvent-based coating.
Do you have any questions? Contact us and we will be happy to advise you on your individual requirements.
LED-UV CURING: Your benefits at a glance
- Immediate curing despite low radiant energy
- Application is emission-free (no ozone)
- LEDs do not contain heavy metals
- Saves energy
- Lamps deliver consistent intensity and have a longer lifespan
- Limited heat generation
- More than 30,000 hours with only minimal loss of power during their lifespan
- No reflectors required
Advantages of LED-UV inks
The first major benefit of LED-UV curing is lower cost. The development of more powerful lamps and special raw materials for these specific inks and coatings has made the process much less expensive in terms of wattage per square centimeter – and we’ve seen wider adoption of the technology as a result.
Additionally, the technology itself has advanced to such a degree that aspects such as the adhesion and chemical resistance of LED-UV inks and coatings are now comparable to their mercury-based equivalents. LED-UV inks and coatings for food packaging can be formulated in accordance with national and international regulations as well as with customer specifications, just like conventional inks and coatings. The Regulatory team at ACTEGA would be happy to provide you with further information on this subject.
Learn more in our brochure
You can delve into this subject in greater detail and discover even more interesting and useful information in our brochure, “UV-LED curing for metal packaging decoration".
