Mimaki’s new Ink-jet Offerings Greatly Applauded

As far as white proofing is concerned, commercial printers were impressed with the cost-conscious solution for proofing and producing images with white, both under and over, on transparent media on the JV33 large format solvent printer.

Another innovation on show was the prototype UJV-160 UV LED large format printer. While conventional UV curing is by UV lamps UV LED technology uses UV LED (Light Emitting Diodes) that at light frequencies between 365 and 395 nm cure the specially sensitized inks. UV lamps need a high level of energy and need to be cooled in order to cure the inks thoroughly such that they emit excessive heat as well as sometimes ozone and VOC (Volatile Organic Components). All these negative effects of UV printing are reduced or eliminated with UV LED technology. The LED, which in contrast to conventional UV lamps can be switched on and off without any warm-up or cool-down time, only create low temperatures. Thus, only a small cooling unit is needed and cooling fans etc. are unnecessary. In case of a shorter print width than the full width of the printer, the UV LEDs are only switched on when they are needed thereby reducing energy. Printers employing the UJV-160 can make energy savings of up to 75 per cent. In addition UV LED technology does not emit ozone or VOC, which makes it far more environmentally friendly in comparison with conventional UV lamps. Danger from radiation is reduced as UV LEDs emit neither UV-B nor UV-C rays. He UJV-160 employs flexible UV inks, jointly developed with 3M to prevent cracking when folded or bent. Mimaki is also developing another flexible ink to be used for current UV-curable inkjet printers.