Heidelberg to Introduce the DryStar LE UV Solution at drupa

KENNESAW, GA—March 20, 2012—To meet the growing demand for a UV solution suitable for simple, four-color applications, Heidelberg is introducing DryStar LE UV, an entry-level, low-energy UV solution for commercial, light packaging, or specialty printers. The new solution will be officially introduced in May at drupa 2012, and is already in use at Heidelberg’s North American Print and Packaging Technology Center (NAPPTC) in Kennesaw, GA.

Until recently, UV applications have been largely the domain of packaging and specialty printers. In the current market, however, short lead times and value-added solutions yield competitive advantages, making UV an attractive proposition for commercial printers whose customers increasingly specify non-standard (non-absorbent) substrates and a variety of specialty finishes to differentiate their products.

Scalable, Practical, Versatile
Based on the proven technology of Heidelberg’s powerful DryStar UV series but adapted for commercial requirements, DryStar LE UV is a scalable, low-energy system that facilitates entry into the UV market and opens the door to new customer segments and profitable growth. Unlike competing systems, which require the exclusive use of expensive, high-reactive UV inks, DryStar LE UV cures both standard UV and high-reactive UV inks and coatings.

The system is suitable for commercially printed products, with or without coating, produced on any Heidelberg Speedmaster press. Heidelberg’s DryStar LE UV solution is also available for specialty printing and packaging, depending on application requirements and substrates, including some limited use with PET, SBS, foils and IML.

Benefits of Common Technology
The DryStar LE UV system is fully integrated into the press at the factory and uses the same high-end technology as Heidelberg’s DryStar UV. It comes equipped with special UV reflectors that efficiently reduce the heat transfer to sensitive substrates; FLC (Fast Lamp Change); and ELC (Electronic Lamp Control). A typical DryStar LE UV commercial print configuration incorporates from one to three UV lamps. One lamp can dry up to four UV inks; at least two lamps per machine are needed to cure UV Ink & coatings. The compact supply cabinet is ideal for print shops where space is tight.