LED-UV: A Cool Idea for Digital Printing

LED inkjet reduces energy usage in wide- and grand-format imaging, while also expanding the range of media that users can use.

The future has never looked brighter for companies that produce signage and display graphics. It remains a growth market and, as inkjet printing technology advances, the types of applications continue to expand. Not only is it a growth opportunity for traditional sign shops, but it is also attracting significant interest from commercial printers looking to diversify their businesses, and new businesses that appreciate the opportunities it offers.

One major advancement in grand-format printing is LED curing of UV inks, which offers a number of advantages over solvents and water-based inks. UV inks require curing via a UV light source, traditionally a mercury arc lamp. The heat generated precipitates a chemical reaction where photo initiators cause the ink components to cross-link into a solid. Since it is instantly dry after curing, printed materials are immediately ready for post-processing — they can be stacked, rolled and finished right after printing.