An illuminating Future: A Conversation with Rob Karsten of Excelitas

For over two decades, the world of industrial curing has been steadily revolutionized by the evolution of UV LED technology. Rob Karsten, a veteran of the industry, has been at the forefront of this transformation, navigating its challenges and opportunities with insight and experience. Now a key figure at Excelitas, following the acquisition of Phoseon Technology, Karsten’s role has expanded as he helps integrate multiple advanced lighting brands under one roof. Speaking with FuturePrint, he sheds light on what this means for the print and packaging industry.

This development has uniquely positioned Excelitas as a global leader in industrial light-based solutions, integrating expertise from a number of brands bringing together a compelling range of curing tech under one roof.

The Journey from Phoseon to Excelitas

It all began with an ambitious idea: that inks, coatings, and adhesives could be cured using LED technology rather than traditional infrared or UV mercury lamps. What started as a novel concept in 2002 developed into a game-changing shift for the print industry. Phoseon Technology, where Karsten played a pivotal role, was among the pioneers of industrial UV LED curing, particularly in digital inkjet printing.

However, Phoseon was not alone in this market evolution. As UV LED matured, its applications extended beyond printing to fiber optics, wood coatings, and even medical sterilization. Recognizing the growing potential, Excelitas acquired Phoseon in 2023, further strengthening its position in the photonics and curing technology sector. This acquisition came on the back of Excelitas’ existing portfolio, which already included Omnicure (formerly Lumen Dynamics), and Noblelight (Fusion UV).

A Unified Approach to Advanced Curing

The integration of these brands under the Excelitas umbrella is more than a corporate restructuring—it represents a fundamental shift in how industrial curing solutions are delivered. According to Karsten, Excelitas now provides a comprehensive range of solutions, from UV and LED curing to infrared and excimer technologies. This offers customers a one-stop-shop for industrial lighting needs, whether they seek high-performance LED solutions, advanced infrared emitters, or mercury-free curing options.

One of the critical drivers of change has been sustainability. The shift towards LED curing aligns with industry efforts to reduce energy consumption and lower emissions. However, Karsten notes that not all sectors are ready to abandon legacy systems. In packaging, for instance, water-based technologies remain dominant due to regulatory demands for low-migration inks. To accommodate this, Excelitas has expanded its infrared (IR) portfolio, offering near-infrared (NIR) and carbon infrared emitters, which improve drying efficiency for aqueous coatings without sacrificing print quality.

Customization and Application-Specific Solutions

For printers and manufacturers, customization is becoming a defining factor in adopting new curing technologies. The ability to mix and match technologies—UV LED for pinning, IR for primer curing, and excimer for surface finishing—offers unprecedented flexibility. Karsten highlights real-world applications where Excelitas has implemented hybrid curing solutions, allowing customers to achieve optimal results tailored to their production processes.

Beyond the technology itself, the service infrastructure supporting these innovations is just as vital. Excelitas has reinforced its global presence, with engineering and support teams across North America, Europe, and Asia. Karsten sees this as a game-changer, ensuring that customers receive not only cutting-edge technology but also the expertise to integrate it seamlessly into their operations.

Future Trends: Digital Growth and Smart Manufacturing

As digital print continues to evolve, speed and efficiency remain top priorities. The push for wider and faster digital presses is driving demand for more efficient curing systems. With Excelitas’ expanded portfolio, the company is now better positioned to serve OEMs looking for solutions that enhance both throughput and reliability.

Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing are also shaping the future of curing technology. The ability to monitor and optimize curing systems remotely, predict maintenance needs, and analyze performance data is increasingly valuable. Excelitas is leveraging its expertise in optics and semiconductor technology to develop connected curing solutions, integrating predictive analytics to enhance productivity and reduce downtime.

A Future in Collaboration

Beyond technological advancements, the importance of industry collaboration remains paramount. Excelitas has been an active partner in FuturePrint initiatives, recognizing the value of engaging with end-users and fostering discussions that drive meaningful innovation. Events like FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & Direct-to-Shape (DTS) in Valencia serve as critical touchpoints, allowing the company to showcase its solutions and gather insights from industry leaders.

As Karsten reflects on the journey so far, he remains optimistic about what lies ahead. The merging of expertise from Phoseon, Omnicure, and Noblelight into Excelitas marks a significant step towards a more integrated and sustainable approach to industrial curing. In his words, "We now have more tools, more expertise, and more opportunities to help our customers innovate." And in an industry that thrives on precision and performance, that could make all the difference.

Looking Ahead

With major product launches slated for 2025, including new developments in UV LED and excimer technology, Excelitas is set to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in industrial curing. As the industry grapples with increasing demands for efficiency, sustainability, and adaptability, companies like Excelitas are positioning themselves as key enablers of the next wave of innovation.

The future of curing technology is not just about what light can do, but how it can be leveraged to transform industries, one wavelength at a time.