UV CURING MYTHS EXPOSED!

PRIME UV has been installing UV curing systems on newspaper presses since 1988. UV curing is very popular in many industries and is used for multiple applications in both a commercial and consumer capacity. However, even with UV's widespread acceptance, there remains several myths about the costs and safety of UV. To help combat this issue, we discuss some important myths below. For a more in depth analysis on these and other UV myths, please visit our friends at RadTech UV/EB.

MYTH #1: UV Ink is Too Expensive!
MYTH #2: Developing Nations Do NOT Invest in the Latest Technology
MYTH #3: The United States Leads the World in the Elimination of Pollution!
Myth #4: Nitrogen Inert UV curing of UV inks and coatings is NEW, INNOVATIVE & STATE OF THE ART!
Myth #5: Water Cooled UV Lamps Run Cooler Webs 
Myth #6: UV Inks & UV Coatings are Less Safe Than Conventional Inks and Coatings.

Myth #1: UV Ink is Too Expensive!

FACTS:

  • UV ink is 100% solid pigments, meaning all UV ink applied to paper stays on the paper even after the curing process. There is NO evaporation and NO emissions.
  • Conventional inks contain water and require heat to evaporate the water during the curing process. After evaporation, only 25-40% of the ink remains on the paper.
  • This means UV inks gain 60-75% in ink mileage over conventional ink. In addition, UV inks help you save money in other areas of the pressroom with:
    • NO gas costs
    • NO oxidizer
    • NO VOC permits
    • NO EPA filings
    • Plus, save in building space, as less space is required on a press line.

RESULT: While the initial cost of UV inks can be 2 or 3 times the cost of conventional inks, the printer actually saves more with UV inks as ink mileage can be easily 2 or 3 times greater than conventional inks.

Myth #2: Developing Nations Do NOT Invest in the Latest Technology

FACTS: Developing Nations have been in the forefront of installing UV systems on newspaper and commercial web presses. They are committed to growing their economies, increasing technical expertise and creating a post-modern industrial infrastructure. In fact, printing companies in Developing Countries refuse to purchase outdated machinery and require new, state of the art technology.

They understand the value proposition and the economic model proving:

  • Savings in Capital Equipment of almost 90%
  • Savings in Utility cost
  • Savings in production efficiency
  • Most of all, a better quality product with UV!

Myth #3: The United States Leads the World in the Elimination of Pollution!

FACTS: Air Pollution Standards in countries around the world are stricter than the USA and they mandate severe restrictions in carbon emissions. These countries include:

  • Denmark
  • Sweden
  • Germany
  • France
  • Italy
  • Great Britain
  • Japan

RESULT: UV Drying eliminates pollution in the printing process and, in the USA, the EPA recommends UV during of printing inks as the preferred printing technology (Best Available Control Technology). However, the United States does NOT lead the world in elimination of pollution.

Myth #4: Nitrogen Inert UV curing of UV inks and coatings is NEW, INNOVATIVE & STATE OF THE ART!

FACTS: Back in the 1950's when UV equipment was developed for commercial and industrial curing of coatings and inks, all UV formulations required oxygen inhibition. It took another 10 to 20 years of chemistry advancements to develop UV coatings and UV inks that would cure when exposed to air.

Since that breakthrough in the 1970's, sales of UV equipment on printing and industrial coating lines have skyrocketed!

  • Air cured UV processing is far less expensive than using Nitrogen Inert gases.
  • Air cured UV equipment provides savings in capital equipment, auxiliary equipment, utility costs and operating costs.

RESULT: Nitrogen Inert UV curing of UV inks and coatings has been around for over 50 years. With advancements in UV chemistry and technology, UV curing systems and equipment have become even more cost and energy efficient.

Myth #5: Water Cooled UV Lamps Run Cooler Webs 

FACTS:

  • High speed web presses for newspaper and commercial web printing typically run from 35,000 IPH to 80,000 IPH (1200-2700 FPM).
  • PRIME UV air cooled lamps increases the temperature of the web less than 2 degrees.
  • The overall temperature of the web is dependent on the speed of the press when using UV dryers.

RESULT: UV curing with PRIME UV air cooled UV lamp systems increase productivity and quality! The paper will not lose moisture, folding & binding are trouble free and finishing operations run at full speed.

Myth #6: UV Inks & UV Coatings are Less Safe Than Conventional Inks and Coatings.

FACTS: As of 2010, UV inks and UV coatings are benign chemical formulations that do not contain solvents or other difficult chemistries. However:

  • UV ink will not dry when exposed to air
  • UV ink will not evaporate when time passes

Therefore, UV ink must be removed from hands, arms, clothing, tables, furniture by washing with soap and water. Also, printers must be aware to remove ink from any surface that it touches. Otherwise, UV ink will remain chemically ACTIVE and transfer to other surfaces as an ACTIVE chemistry.

RESULT: Is UV Ink Safe? YES! UV ink, UV coating and UV adhesives have been approved by the FDA for direct food contact. Printers commonly use UV inks on:

  • Milk Cartons
  • Ice Cream Cartons
  • Chocolate & Cookie Wrappers
  • PLUS Thousands of other food packaging