Fujifilm launches Activ Hybrid LED UV retrofit system

It enables traditional UV or water-based flexo presses to be seamlessly converted to LED UV curing. The LED lamp system and Sericol Flexo JJ ink range have been developed in harmony. The system’s hybrid design has the added benefit of conventional UV Arc capability, arming printers with the option to also print with specifically developed and unique conventional UV inks.  

 

The Activ Hybrid LED UV curing system is claimed to offer environmental benefits over conventional UV systems – energy use is reduced, VOCs are eliminated, and less waste is produced. The working environment for operators is also improved, including heat from the conventional UV lamps, noise and even the smell.  

 

Press running speeds are 30-50 percent faster than a conventional UV system, with comparable press speeds on labels increasing from 70 – 100m/min on a conventional UV press, to 120-170m/min with the Activ system, the company said. Shorter job setups and make-ready times are also possible with improved substrate stability and the elimination of material distortion. 

 

The impact of the heat from the UV lamps is removed. In addition, colors are vibrant with Fujifilm’s LED UV inks. 

 

Manuel Schrutt, head of Packaging, Fujifilm Europe commented: ‘We are delighted to be bringing such an innovative product to market. Fujifilm is proud to be the only supplier able to offer both a state of-the-art LED curing system and a high performance LED ink range to the label and packaging industry. The Activ system takes advantage of the very latest LED UV curing technologies, along with Fujifilm’s ink expertise, to deliver a reliable industrial curing system with none of the disadvantages of higher power and higher temperature conventional UV lamps.’