Open Forum

  • 1.  UV Offset Press

    Posted 01-30-2017 10:02 AM
    We are looking to update our 6 color with coater SM102 Heidelberg sheet press with an UV sheet press.  
    Does any one have experience they can share?  
    Output from the new UV versus old conventional, UV Ink, ink suppliers and cost, paper issues, etc.
    Any insight and research would be great.



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    Craig Arnold
    Co-Owner
    MJJM Enterprises, Inc.
    Lancaster PA

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  • 2.  RE: UV Offset Press

    Posted 01-31-2017 07:16 AM
    My (admittedly dating back six years ago) experience with the process yields the following observations:
    Pros:
    • You can back up or cut virtually immediately. It's pretty much cured by the time it hits the delivery 
    • You can run virtually no spray powder (but see cons) 
    • You can print with lower TAC and save money on ink and fountain solution 
    • You can run faster with less potential for marking 
    • Prints are sharp and clean and color is accurate and consistent 
    • Many effects and finishes are possible (lenticular, metallic foil, strike through, reticulated, etc) 
    Cons:
    • If it was going to crack, it certainly will 
    • Static, omg. You should run some powder just so there's something keeping some air in the sheets,  or you can invest in anti static wands.
    • Folding or feeding is a challenge on some finishing equipment due to static and slipperyness
    • Lighting over your press must be low uv or ink will skin
    • UV bulbs break or die, must keep spares or be down hard
    • Some blanket material  seems to swell and pucker after fairly short lifespan, but there are a few that work. 
    • Certain customers will have a challenge accepting the aroma (I had a church bulletin and they wouldn't accept it) 
    • If you want to go back and forth with conventional ink, it will be painful. Recommend against it. 
    • Spot colors need to be ordered, unless you can get an ink plant in house 
    • None of the pros will happen without an intelligent, diligent, fully trained and qualified operator who is on board with the switch,  and management who is prepared to fully support this happening.
    • Chemistry is not forgiving and choices of wash, fountain solution, and other press chemistry must be made carefully, finding the magic combination might take a few tries 
    • Maintenance is absolutely mandatory. This stuff is plastic and will build up bad if the operator is not diligent and fanatically thorough with cleaning  
    • Wash will blind plates quickly if not carefully used
    Hope this is useful information. You can do well with uv if you have the right type of work and commitment. 




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    Tim Patterson, CMP
    Consulting services for print, VDP
    Chicago IL
    312.206.0743
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: UV Offset Press

    Posted 01-31-2017 07:16 AM
    Variable UV cut sheet or offset?

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    Erik Holdo
    SVP Production Print Solutions
    Konica Minolta Business Solutions, Inc.
    Cumming GA
    678-938-5819
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: UV Offset Press

    Posted 02-01-2017 11:55 AM
    Tim gave you well info on U.V. press,  the maintenance very important plus you are going to experience ink misting
    with the U.V. inks . the press your looking is XL 105 & 106

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    Ardash Der Derian
    Manager
    Printograph, Inc.
    Burbank CA
    877-922-7374
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    Original Message