Flint Group has launched a range of UV LED inks, the Xcura Evo, described as an evolution from its May debut of UltraCura inks and bases, using the company’s energy curing platform technology.
The company says the high-gloss ink has excellent flow and rheology properties, with or without dust agitators, alongside curing and rub resistance. Trevor Amps, global product management director for energy curing inks at Flint Group, says, “Xcura Evo is our next generation offer to the UV LED and low energy sheetfed market.
“More sheetfed press manufacturers are heading their technology development with LED and low energy curing, and we see growing numbers of retro-fit conversions from lamp providers and OEMs as well.
“Commercial printers switching to UV LED gain improved efficiency, reduced energy costs and the ability to break into new markets. Xcura Evo helps to maximise all of these with its flow characteristic, superb transfer and high gloss.”
Based on the new energy curing platform technology, Flint Group says its Xcura Evo inks came from the new advanced resin technology system. Dario Zarantoniello, technical manager for UV Inks and Coatings at Flint Group, says, “We tested Evo on all the main presses and many formats, straight and perfecting, with and without IPA, highest production speeds and quality standards and we drew critical comparisons against our existing products and all of our main competitors. The customers noted better gloss levels, exceptional colour strength and sharper dots. They also commented on much better stability, as production speeds increased, offering tangible efficiency benefits.”
Amps says, “Xcura Evo is the second global launch this year to be created with these formulations. The Evo contributes to less waste generated thanks to excellent transfer properties on all substrates. Add to this the fact that all Flint Group sheetfed energy curing products are compliant with current raw material exclusion lists, national and international regulations and manufacturing best practice, as laid down by advisory bodies.
“Considering we are the only manufacturer offering just one product for both UV LED and the low energy systems, I think we have come up with an excellent new product that will prove to be a real winner.”
