UV LED for Wide Format Printing

The sign-making industry has led the change for improved turnaround time, higher quality and more economical solutions for printers that serve this segment of the market. UV LED curing technology enables output on a wider media mix and an extended range of applications, while at the same time allowing for a low total cost of ownership.

Wide Format has become a Flagship Market for Inkjet

Unlike other large-format printing techniques such as screen-printing, wide-format printing is the most feasible option for temporary projects and short-term promotions such as seasonal signage, trade show displays, and banner printing for events.

There are several types of wide-format printers, including solvent, aqueous, and UV, each of which have their advantages. UV-based flatbed printers are frequently configured as flatbed printers, which allows them to print on a wider variety of materials. The inks tend to be just as durable as those used in solvent printers as well. When printers implement UV LED curing technology, it ensures material versatility, proven reliability, and superior performance.

A leader in the wide format printing industry, CET Colorintegrated Phoseon's high-performance UV LED technology into their efficient Q5-500h and Q5-1000h hybrid printers. Phoseon’sFireJet™ lamp cures UV ink instantaneously on both the left and right pass, thereby enabling media versatility and faster production speeds.

CET's Q5-Series printing presses, with a close-view true native resolution of 600 dpi, are ideal for creating retail point-of-purchase graphics, backlit displays, high-end packaging, art reproduction prints and so much more. The Q5-Series printing presses are available with 2 to 10 print heads. 

Media Versatility

The hybrid models print to both roll-to-roll and rigid substrates. Two front and rear extension tables can be secured to the main body to facilitate printing on rigid media up to 2.25” thick. With a retractable alignment bar and a vacuum belt-driven printing bed, the rigid media remains stable as it moves through the printing gantry. Rollers set in the tabletops also help in gliding rigid media in and out of the printing press.

CET Color received the prestigious SGIA Product of the Year Award for its Q5-1000h hybrid printer in the Roll-to-Roll (over 96-inch) category. The competition recognizes the latest equipment for advancing the specialty imaging industry. With unparalleled technology from CET Color and Phoseon, these printers seamlessly produce sharp, long-lasting, and vibrant prints.

PVS In-Store Graphics, located in Portland, OR (USA), is another adopter of Phoseon’s UV LED technology. PVS is a proud owner of the EFI VUTEk GS3250LX flatbed printer, which has opened new opportunities for their business. With LED curing technology (from Phoseon Technology) this hybrid printer offers media versatility at its peak. They can now run thinner materials through the machine without curling. PVS is unique in that the projects they create can print on substrates that are uncommon.

UV LED Light Sources

The FireJet™ is a high capability air-cooled UV LED curing lamp aimed primarily at UV Inkjet wide format systems and iscapable of curing at the highest speeds for digital printingsystems.