Sonoco Institute of Packaging Design and Graphics performs many different types of testing in the narrow web market, centered around flexographic printing and the different processes within that market. At Sonoco, they utilize the OMET Varyflex with Phoseon’s FireJet™ UV LED curing systems.

According to Kariahlyn Lindsey, “The importance of us receiving the Phoseon LED technology stems from the need to gain new clients and to keep up with the emerging market within the flexographic industry. LED inks are the next big thing within the industry so using the LED technology from Phoseon allows us to keep up with the emerging trends on our flexo press.”

“With the implementation of the new LED technology, we have been able to run thinner films at a more stable speed and temperature simply because we don't have to worry about the excess heat coming off the lamps. We've been able to increase our efficiencies through changeovers, so without having to wait for the lamps to cool down we can switch materials a lot faster. We've also been able to increase our solid ink density which provides higher impact graphics for our clients.”

Some of the additional benefits that Sonoco sees from upgrading to LED curing technology:

·      Very quick uptime

·      No tracking through the press with instant on/off UV LED

·      Faster curing rates for opaque colors like whites and golds

·      Reduced shutdown times

·      Faster changeovers

·      Shorter maintenance time

·      Faster turnaround between clients

Keeping up with emerging technologies allows Sonoco to get to color faster and to maintain production speed and quality throughout the run. After implementing the Phoseon LED curing system, Sonoco has been able to print on more heat-sensitive substrates and increase overall print quality.

Before utilizing Phoseon’s LED technology, Sonoco had a mercury bulb system that required frequent bulb changes. LED systems are more robust and can withstand a lot more handling versus delicate mercury UV systems. The maintenance for the LED system is very minimal compared to traditional mercury UV. Operators simply need to make sure that the air filter is maintained and clean and that the window is kept free of any kind of debris.

To learn more about the UV LED systems at Sonoco, watch the customer testimonial video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzYEIWG3QLs