The Hidden Innovators: How Hamamatsu Customises for Success - a glimpse into Hamamatsu Photonics
Founded in 1953, Hamamatsu Photonics started as a manufacturer of electron tube products for televisions. Over the decades, they have evolved into a global leader in photonics, a field that involves the use of light (photons) to perform various functions. Hamamatsu’s technologies are often integrated into other manufacturers’ machinery, making them a key player behind the scenes not only in the printing industry but also in various other sectors, including medical, industrial and scientific applications. Their components help improve the performance and reliability of printing equipment, contributing to better overall results.
Drawing on expertise developed in vacuum tube production, Hamamatsu also began to manufacture other products that took advantage of their glass blowing capabilities, including deuterium and xenon lamps for the medical and analytical markets. From there, as the technology improved, high performance, lamp-based curing sources were developed for industrial manufacturing applications by adding focusing optics and filters to optimise the lamp outputs.
As technology advanced after the turn of the millennium and LED technology improved in both cost and power output, then it was a natural jump to create UV-LED sources to allow our customers to move with the market. Using their experience in opto-electronics from a wide range of areas, Hamamatsu have since been working on optimising this technology for their customers in the printing market.
Customisation: The Heart of Hamamatsu’s Approach
One of Hamamatsu’s unique strengths is their ability to offer customised solutions. Despite being a large organisation with around 15,000 products, it prides itself on tailoring their offerings to meet specific customer needs. This flexibility allows them to adopt a more individual approach for different markets.
There are many factors that can affect an individual end customer or even a printer manufacturer, such as ambient conditions, substrates and inks. Each of these variables can influence the effectiveness of a machine in different environments. Recognising that factors like humidity, substrate types and ink formulations can vary widely, Hamamatsu works closely with customers to develop specific solutions. This approach allows customers to optimise their solutions for maximum performance, rather than using a general product that might not be ideal for their specific needs.
For printer manufacturers targeting particular niches, Hamamatsu offers the flexibility to customise configurations. They can provide different systems for different markets, ensuring that each configuration is optimised for the specific requirements of that market. This includes adjusting factors like intensity, irradiation area, and interface, as well as incorporating advanced technologies like nitrogen purging and air cooling.
Hamamatsu provides its customers the flexibility to choose configuration options to provide different solutions designed specifically for the requirement of each market. In addition, Hamamatsu has developed proprietary technology which can add further performance benefits. For example, the ThoMaS air cooling method allows for high power output or a reduction in size for lower output LED modules, meaning that customers can save space and achieve high-throughput. Moreover, Hamamatsu’s HANCE system is designed to reduce issues with surface tacking via nitrogen purging, whilst minimising the amount of nitrogen needed using their patenting purging block.
Introducing the EB Engine
Furthermore to their existing technologies, Hamamatsu has recently introduced the EB Engine, a groundbreaking innovation in the field of electron beam (EB) technology. The EB Engine is designed to provide high-speed, high-precision curing for a variety of printing applications.
This new product offers several advantages:
• Enhanced Efficiency: The EB Engine significantly reduces curing times, increasing overall production speed.
• Improved Quality: By providing uniform curing, the EB Engine ensures consistent print quality across different materials.
• Energy Savings: The advanced design of the EB Engine reduces energy consumption, making it an environmentally friendly option.
Navigating a Volatile Business Environment
The past few years have presented numerous challenges for businesses worldwide and the print industry is no exception. Global events such as trade wars, geopolitical tensions and the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic have created a volatile business environment. Despite these challenges, Hamamatsu Photonics has remained resilient by staying close to their customers and understanding their needs.
Hamamatsu emphasises the importance of listening to customers and adapting to their specific requirements. This customer-centric approach has been crucial in helping their clients navigate these uncertain times, ensuring they remain profitable and efficient.
Looking Ahead
As Hamamatsu continues to innovate and explore new markets, their commitment to customer satisfaction and technological advancement remains unwavering. The company continually invests in research and development to stay ahead of technological trends and expand their product portfolio.
Hamamatsu Photonics is a company that combines innovation with a deep understanding of customer needs. Their advanced technologies and commitment to customisation make them a valuable partner for the print industry. As they navigate the complexities of the global market, Hamamatsu’s focus on performance and efficiency will undoubtedly keep them at the forefront of photonics technology.
For more information about Hamamatsu Photonics and their innovative solutions for the print market and beyond, visit their website or get in touch.
www.hamamatsu.com
Info@hamamatsu.co.uk
01707 294888