H-UV, a new way of understanding the business of a printing company

Komori H-UV it's a revolutionary and innovative printing system which uses an H-UV lamp developed with all Komori's know-how and high sensitivity H-UV ink. With just one lamp mounted in the outlet, this system offers high print quality and reliability, as well as cost-effective and sustainable performance.

One of the most revolutionary advances of the last few years is Komori's H-UV offset printing system and, once seen, it is not difficult to guess the reasons: time and cost reduction, visual impact and sustainability

Shorter delivery times

The deadlines for the delivery of the works are substantially shorter than conventional printing, because printed jobs undergo an instant online curing process. The H-UV offset printing system is very effective for reduce the time between material receipt and product delivery, because finishing processes such as cutting, punching or folding can be carried out immediately.

Reduction of storage space

Unlike conventional printing, the waiting times associated with drying the printed material disappear, so a large storage space is not necessary. Reduces the space required to accommodate the increasing number of short runs of different jobs.

Higher quality thanks to the absence of anti-scale powders

The whole printing process does not use antimaculating powders and the plant does not suffer from the problems associated with the dispersion of the powder granules. The surface of the printed material is smooth, which facilitates surface processing. The elimination of the phenomenon of drying variations it also facilitates quality control.

Energy savings and low cost of ownership

The CO2 emissions of the Komori H-UV system cor correspond to a quarter of those of a conventional UV curing system. Long-term operating costs are also reduced, including replacement lamps. Since the heat emitted by the lamp is extremely low, it is prevents thermal deformation of the leaves.

Affordable upfront cost

Since the H-UV system is mounted inside the printing machine, the power supply is very compact. Also, since does not emit ozone and emits very little heat, it is not necessary to use air conditioning equipment with air ducts. This achieves an initial cost much lower than that of a conventional UV system, making the installation of the H-UV system very affordable.

So, in short, excessive electricity consumption and the need to ventilate ozone are a thing of the past. And the visual impact is even more spectacular than with conventional UV technology. In the world of commercial printing, these advantages can be paramount, and to understand why, it is necessary to analyze some of the factors and trends that determine the profile of the graphic industry.

The Komori's revolutionary H-UV offset printing system begins to make an impact in the industry and we are sure it will soon transform the business concept of many printers.

[youtube] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQnDno4NQbU [/ youtube]

In Spain, soon, the first Komori offset machine with H-UV offset technology and, surely, it will not be the only one. Enrique R. García, Director General of OMC and main driver, together with its technical and commercial team, of the introduction of this innovative technology in our market, gives us answers to the main questions that everyone asks themselves when they hear about H-UV:

What is H-UV?

“H-UV is a unique and exclusive offset printing technology from Komori that restores all its nobility to paper. A technology that surprises those who have the opportunity to see it “in operation” to the maximum. Why? See, very clearly, the competitive advantage and differentiation that it can bring you. It is not just an innovative technology, it is a new way of understanding the business of commercial printing "

Is H-UV a type of UV drying?

“No, H-UV is a new offset printing system. It offers all the benefits of UV printing without any of the drawbacks. For example, it is a system that has no point gain. Using sensitive inks and special H-UV lamps, it enables instant drying and immediate transition from job to finish or direct delivery. Since it does not generate heat or release ozone, this technology is much easier to use than UV printing ”

Is H-UV a current technology?

"If it is. In the present and, more importantly, in the future. Today, more than 500 companies use H-UV every day around the world. And, let's not forget, in an unfavorable general economic situation "

Is H-UV popular in Europe?

"Yes, with more than 100 machines currently in production, of which more than 30 in French territory, we can affirm that, indeed, Komori's exclusive H-UV technology is popular and is recognized throughout Europe"

Is the price of the ink a penalty?

"No, though; A priori, the price of H-UV inks is higher than that of conventional ink, their consumption is lower and, in the end, if the reduction in electricity consumption and overall productivity is taken into account, H-UV is definitely higher. We managed to increase the print quality, surprisingly, providing greater added value to the printed product. On the other hand, the impact of the cost of ink on the sale price of the printed product is less. Offset printers, who have seen or are already working on this new offset printing system, consider it more profitable and efficient than conventional offset printing. "

By last, We cannot fail to make a direct comparison of the H-UV with respect to conventional printing and the 100% UV. This will allow us to know more clearly the main advantages it provides versus the two most widespread forms of offset printing:

H-UV versus conventional printing

H-UV completely eliminates drying problems. The need for time and space to dry the forms disappears, because the job can be sent immediately to the next process.

All the problems of antimaculating dust, an unfavorable environment in the press room and the problems of cleaning and washing the rubbers to remove debris, disappear completely, as well as the uncertainty of customer complaints derived from problems of the dry-down effect of the ink. And tight lead times are no longer a problem thanks to instant drying.

H-UV versus UV printing

H-UV takes up very little space and has a low environmental impact. Of course, you don't need a vent for ozone. The electrical consumption and heat generated by the process is approximately a quarter of that generated by the UV process. In addition, the peculiar smell of UV printing, a factor that forces many plants to be located in industrial estates, disappears.

Media that cannot be UV printed due to the potential for heat damage is no longer a problem on an H-UV machine, dramatically expanding the range of jobs the printer can offer. Possible materials include PP, PE, PET, PVC, metallic foil and synthetic paper. “The difficulty of the support to be printed is eliminated, achieving an incredible increase in production and productivity of the workshop” states Enrique R. García

Compared to conventional UV inks, H-UV ink has a wider color gamut and higher gloss. Compared with conventional UV varnish, the potential of high gloss H-UV varnish is higher and its leveling characteristics are superior. And while dot gain is important in the UV process, it is extremely low with H-UV inks. In addition, the inks offer good transfer, low viscosity and good machine performance.

H-UV time has arrived. Time to understand the business of commercial offset printing in a new way.