Edale and ebeam Technologies integrate EB curing option for Digicon 3000

UK press manufacturer Edale and ebeam Technologies, a European electron beam (EB) curing specialist, have integrated EB curing technology into the Digicon 3000, a product co-developed between Edale and AB Graphic.

Three Digicon sales with the EB configuration have been made to converters in the EMEA region and the US

Digicon 3000 is a mid web finishing option for digitally printed flexible packaging and labels. It is highly configurable, offering numerous different options including finishing for labels, shrink sleeves packaging and POS/POP, as well as in-line coating and lamination of flexible packaging and labels. It is compatible with the HP Indigo 20000 digital press.

EB curing has numerous important benefits when integrated into post-press finishing, especially in relation to the wider materials printed on an HP Indigo 20000 digital press. These benefits include improved print integrity and visual presentation as well as substantially increased package durability and abrasion resistance. It is also good for the environment through eliminating the need for solvents and producing virtually no VOCs. EB also requires very little energy. EB curing is instant and because output from an HP Indigo digital press is often surface print, it is possible to surface coat for protection, and immediately send to slitting and pouch or bag forming.

For food packaging converters, EB inks and varnish contain no photoinitiators so the risk of migration and contamination of food is negated making flexible packaging and labels a food safe option for indirect contact materials.

So far, three Digicon sales with the EB configuration have been made to converters in the EMEA region and the US, with two of the customers also including EB lamination as part of the configuration.

‘EB curing is a fantastic option for Digicon 3000 customers because it resolves many key challenges they face, such as fast turnaround times and environmental factors,’ said James Boughton, Edale managing director.

‘We are seeing a lot of interest from finishers and converters, especially in the food sector because of the safety aspect and with three sales and counting, we are looking forward to the word spreading fast.’

Karl Swanson, vice president of global sales at ebeam Technologies, added: ‘The benefits in terms of faster line speeds, food safety and more are clear and give Digicon 3000 customers a real competitive edge.’