LEC solution for faster turnaround

Drukkerij Roelofs, a Dutch printer known for its innovative spirit and environmental awareness, was the first to install Manroland Sheetfed's LEC (low energy curing) UV technology to its existing eight-color ROLAND 700 DirectDrive press and with positive feedback.

UV printing is widely popular in the industry since it provides various print effects, ideal rub resistance, and fast-finishing possibilities to the printed sheets. The sophisticated ROLAND press has built a world-class reputation in UV printing over the years by introducing many innovative features. These include the well-known inking and dampening systems used to great effect for high-viscosity UV inks, the best positioning of UV lamps and the highly efficient inter-deck curing process. All aspects of UV applications have been considered in the design of each ROLAND press; the benchmark in UV print.

Smarter alternative for specific customers

UV application is lucrative business but some printers, especially occasional UV users, remain hesitant in venturing fully into this market. Among their concerns are the initial investment in UV equipment and operational costs; occasional UV job structure led to a longer return on investment while energy consumption in traditional UV curing can be generally high. Extra space is also needed to accommodate supplementary equipment for UV applications. Customer demand for top-quality and economical UV application gave Manroland Sheetfed the idea of developing a new solution: the Low Energy Curing (LEC) technology.

Lower Energy Curing

LEC technology is built with a combination of special LEC UV lamps and highly reactive UV ink. It is designed for faster curing results and premium curing quality.

The advantages are noticeable: The sales value of each printed sheet is increased because of the smoother surface and its high resistance to scratches and abrasion. Quick ink curing process offers further possibilities of faster finishing and post-press enhancements.

Initial investment is less pricey since less curing lamps and supplementary equipment are required. Depending on printers’ specific needs, one or two LEC UV lamps can be mounted on the interdeck, behind the last printing unit, or on the delivery unit. Energy consumption is another significant saving. Thanks to the specially doped medium pressure LEC UV lamp, total energy consumption in the curing process can be reduced by as much as 75%. Definitely a cost-efficient and flexible solution.

Furthermore, it helps the printers to achieve the glossiest effect without compromising on quality. The ROLAND ink supply system is ideal for applying high-viscosity UV inks. Together with smooth sheet guide and the efficient shape and placement of the UV modules, this makes LEC an attractive solution for curing of UV inks in premium quality.

Economical and eco-friendly

Thanks to the specially treated LEC UV lamp, total energy consumption can be dramatically reduced. Moreover, because fewer lamps and supplementary equipment are needed, LEC saves not only on initial capital investment costs, but also frees up valuable space in the printing workshop. The process is also ozone-free and powder is no longer necessary in production. This creates better working conditions for the operators and appeals more to environment-conscious print buyers.

Positive customer feedback

Drukkerij Roelofs, a leading Dutch print house, well known for its environmental awareness, was the first to use Manroland Sheetfed's LEC UV technology in its newly-brought eight-color ROLAND 700 DirectDrive press. Feedback from the Enschede-based printer was positive.

"We were impressed with the result," Mr. Puntman, Directorof Drukkerij Roelofs, said after a successful trial of the new application. ”The finished product is attractive and we were able to complete the job quickly because of faster curing. We can do more print effects with LEC UV technology without fear of consuming greater energy, it has endless possibilities! Its environmental-friendly features fits perfectly to our development strategy.”

Mr. Wilhelm Graeff, Head of Print Technology Center, Manroland Sheetfed: “We recognize our customers’ needs and by offering flexible solutions greater results can be achieved, as witnessed by Drukkerij Roelofs. Our R&D program does just that and we encourage our customers to visit us in the the Print Technology Center in Offenbach to witness and discuss new processes".

To find out if the LEC technology can be retrofitted to your existing ROLAND press contact your local office or email info@manrolandsheetfed.com

In the earlier stage the Lower Energy Curing technology was added on ROLAND 700 series presses, such as the ROLAND Direct Drive installed at Drukkerij Roelofs.

Lower initial investment and less energy consumption during production makes LEC the ideal solution

Thanks to LEC, quicker curing results and premium curing quality can be achieved

About Manroland Sheetfed

Manroland Sheetfed GmbH is a leading German producer of sheetfed offset litho printing presses. Founded in 1871, the company is one of the oldest producers of printing presses in the world. Today the company has its own subsidiaries in over 40 countries and is a global watchword for supreme quality and reliability. Manroland Sheetfed GmbH is a wholly owned subsidiary of the privately owned UK engineering group, Langley Holdings plc.