It's important to know where the lamps were positioned for the previously printed UV job. There should be no reason to struggle with reproducing a printed piece that you have previously run.
The life expectancy of UV drying systems varies for many reasons. How often the system was actually used? How well was the equipment maintained and serviced?
If you are experiencing issues with supplies or service and they are not being resolved, then sample some other products. You might be surprised when you find the grass could be greener on the other side.
I have given you some ideas on what adding UV printing to your arsenal could offer but, is it the wisest investment for your business? Most of the other equipment in your facility was purchased on an as-needed basis, but UV could be considered more of a “value added option."
Many of us have heard that adding UV printing to our repertoire would increase our offerings to our customers, but have not completely understood exactly why. Do the benefits overcome the added expenses? Is UV the answer for developing our business?
The four interdeck lamps and three end of press lamps were all set to 100%. This has not only stripped the sheet of any moisture, it has also overcured the UV coating which caused it to be brittle. The job looked great while it laid flat on the skids but then when folded, the sheets would give.
When you start thinking about entering the UV printing market, allow for the growth of your business and future possibilities. Consent to adding some of the extras now and you make the retrofits much more economical and physically possible in the future as your business grows.
Take care of the tools used to make your living. The correct approach is to schedule maintenance as a job. Don’t look at this time as money lost but as money you have saved with less down time and more production.
Why are there so many UV printers out there that have made the investment and not “Run What They Bought?” Why under utilize what you have spent all of the money on? The answers could be one of or a combination of many things.
What’s truly considered to be a fair expectation from the manufacturers? Are you expecting too much just because you decided to make the capital investment? Or should you carry some of the burden as the consumer? You know the saying; “An educated consumer makes the best customer.” This is also true when purchasing UV equipment. With or without a printing press attached.