Faced with fierce competition on both a domestic and global scale, printing and packaging companies must be aggressive about differentiating their offerings and lowering their operating costs. Curing technologies represent an important component of a print line, affecting both the quality of the end product as well as overall production efficiency and profitability.

Traditional solvent based curing technologies emit VOC pollutants.  These pollutants must be abated and, as such, require large, capital intensive thermal drying systems, exposing printers to the volatile nature of energy prices. UV based curing technologies eliminate VOCs.  However, these technologies often are unable to deliver complete and consistent curing. The photo initiators used in UV processes make UV inappropriate for markets such as food packaging. And, while water based curing can be an alternative for some applications, it can be difficult to implement and achieve the high quality finish required by many markets.

Electron beam curing is energy efficient and delivers a complete, consistent, high quality cure.  However, it traditionally has been relegated to niche applications due to its large size, complex integration and maintenance, and high capital expense.

Advanced Electron Beams' (AEB) compact, modular technology enables electron beam curing systems that offer distinct advantages over traditional curing technologies, including:

• Compact form factor: proprietary design minimizes the amount of in-line space consumed, allowing easy integration of electron beam curing into new or existing printing press lines.
• High efficiency: ultra-efficient emitter generates a curing power equivalent to traditional electron beam systems while operating at a lower voltage.
• Scalability: modular approach enables electron beam curing systems that economically scale up or down to meet a specific speed and width needed for any printing line.
• Ease of use: instant on - instant off capability with advanced software control system allows easy integration into any printing or coating line.
• High system reliability; self-service maintenance: emitters can be replaced on site by press operator, eliminating the need for complicated service calls and minimizing system downtime.

Advanced Electron Beams' compact, cost-effective electron beams can be readily integrated into new or existing printing or coating lines. This approach provides an environmentally-friendly electron beam curing solution that enables both competitive differentiation and operating advantages, including:

Higher quality end products

• Cure laminates any color in line
• Complete cure of darker colors
• Cure on any substrate, including metallic foils and heat sensitive films
• Higher consistency, gloss or scratch resistance

Lower operating costs

• Significant energy savings over UV and thermal systems
• Lower maintenance costs
• No need for a pollution abatement system
• No need for a chilling system for heat sensitive substrates
• Higher consistency results in lower scrap rate

Potential new market opportunities:

• Solutions for package printers when addressing food packaging markets
• Higher quality products on existing printing lines
• More flexible curing system expands options for eye-catching printing effects