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THE SCIENCE BEHIND UV

A printing machine (sheetfed, web, metal decorating, etc.) applies UV ink or coating on the surface of the substrate. Then, specially designed UV lights dry the inks and/or coatings instantly by exposure. Unlike conventional printing, UV enables printers to print directly onto non-absorbent materials like plastics. This technology can also be used in different industrial applications as it allows drying, in the fraction of a second, materials like silicones, adhesives, resins and others.

At Benford, we specialise in the design and manufacturing of drying and curing systems for the printing and packaging industries. We have a wide range of UV & IR products to offer. All of them are based on a modular, compact and solid state design that brings many advantages to printers:

  • Low profile extrusion closer to the substrate
  • Lower energy consumption and higher efficiency
  • Standard modular design for interchange of technologies
  • Possible future upgrade to latest technology
  • Large open water cooling channels to avoid blockages
  • Reliable systems with minimum maintenance

Also:

  • Gradual control of UV power output
  • Support from a team of UV experts
  • Worldwide service and spares back up

TECHNOLOGIES AVAILABLE

Conventional UV technology uses mercury lamps giving out a much wider spectrum of frequencies. This technology cures all types of UV inks and coatings and low migration inks are available for this UV technology.

  • Low cost outlay
  • Most flexible UV system
  • Suitable for all types of UV inks and coatings
  • Wide range of economical super high gloss UV coatings available
  • Suitable for packaging and food industry (low migration inks)

This UV low energy technology uses special mercury lamps giving out a specific frequency. It must be used in conjunction with low energy inks and coatings (HUV).

  • Lower energy consumption (50-60% less than conventional UV)
  • Lowest cost outlay
  • Low heat emissions, perfect for curing heat sensitive substrates
  • Super high gloss HUV coatings available
  • Suitable too for LED UV inks

LED UV is the latest UV technology available. It must be used in conjunction with LED inks.

  • Lower energy consumption (10-20% less than eco UV) (> 60% less than conventional UV)
  • Instant on – off
  • Long life LED diodes (10-15,000 hours)
  • Low heat emissions, perfect for curing heat sensitive substrates
  • Available in 365, 385, 395 and 405nm versions

Benford IRH drying product offers the combination of IR and hot air all in one lamp head​​.

  • Easily interchangeable as using same platform as all the others Benford UV products
  • Suitable for conventional inks and water based coatings
  • Airflow and heat output fully controllable

UV ADVANTAGES & APPLICATIONS

Applications of UV are limitless. The use of UV has become fairly extended and vitally needed for some of the following applications: packaging, credit cards, metallised effects, labelling, metal cans or boxes, etc.

  • High value printing effects and sharp colours
  • No marking and consistent print quality
  • Print on plastics and non-absorbent substrate
  • Instantly dry jobs ready to be processed
  • No spray powder
  • Increase of value of printing machine
  • Solvent-free print and varnish systems

THE POWER OF LED TECHNOLOGY

LED UV printing is a new technology that allows ink to dry instantly while used in conjunction with LE inks. LED UV lamps can be switched on and off instantly as no cooling times are required. Furthermore, they are made of LED UV diodes with a long life of 10-15,000 hours.

This new technology presents low heat emissions that make it perfect for curing heat sensitive substrates. We present versions available in 365, 385, 395 or 405 nm or a combination of them.

DUAL UV

Unique to Benford, our Dual UV™ system combines two or even three of the available UV technologies, whilst being interchangeable when required and offers great curing flexibility.

With the future in mind and a commitment to providing the latest technology, Benford has designed the Dual UV™ system. Dual UV™ will not only cure standard UV inks but will also cure the latest Low Energy UV inks that are the future of UV printing.

Advantages of Benford Dual UV™

  • Can potentially save printers 75% of their energy consumption
  • At the touch of a button and a quick 2 minute exchange of lamp cassettes
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