printer printing processes

Printing processes

Light supports the printing of the future

The demand for higher speeds, quality and value in printing markets has been increasing in recent years. We have come face-to-face with numerous challenges with our customers and aim to solve them with the knowledge we've accumulated over time. Hamamatsu Photonics has developed a complete proposal for innovative printing, using our optical technologies to make a range of solutions for a variety of printing applications.

printing machine process

Printing process equipment

UV printing

UV printing process

This is a printing method that is employed to instantaneously dry UV inks by irradiating them with UV radiation. Printing is possible on a broad range of materials, including paper, film and timber. Our UV-LED light sources are designed to accommodate a diverse range of printing machines by offering a variety of shapes and performance for use in applications such as inkjet, flexographic and more. The ability to make light sources unique to our customers' needs contributes to greater performance and customer satisfaction, as well as differentiating themselves from the market.

Surface modification/matting

Surface modification/matting

This is a technology that enhances or changes the characteristics of materials by altering the compositions and structures of surface materials. Excimer light sources can be used for applications such as matting, which is achieved by surface modification. To do this, an excimer light source is added after the varnish application process (but before the varnish curing process). In printing, this vacuum irradiation process achieves a matted texture on a target which would ordinarily be glossy.

Electrostatic countermeasure

Electrostatic countermeasure

The importance of electrostatic countermeasures has been increasing in recent years, as static electricity generated by friction in the printing process has been causing deterioration of printing efficiency and quality. When printing, static electricity can cause issues such as an uneven finish when spraying, attachment of unwanted particles and misalignment of papers. The Photolonizer achieves complete electrostatic elimination in the printing process, which helps reduce defect rates and improve quality in the printing process.

Light level control

Power-meter

Hamamatsu's highly precise power meters allow the control of light levels of UV-LED light sources and excimer light sources. Our proprietary solid state device produces highly reproducible measurements, and inhibits sensitivity deterioration for UV wavelengths. Power meters can be used to control the light output of sources in order to digitize and vary the degree of surface modification on a material, which has traditionally been performed manually by checking the dryness of the ink.

3D printer

3D printer

Spot light sources can be used for curing within 3D printers that use the material jetting and photo fabrication methods. These printers are utilized in a variety of situations due to their ability to deliver details and aesthetics. With the compact LED head, point curing of UV resins and adhesives is possible. These sources' compact size and air cooling method mean they can be considered for installation in a range of applications, such as 3D printers.

Recommended products

Hamamatsu now offers UV-LED light sources (LC-L5G series) that are compact, lightweight and air-cooled, yet deliver the high power that has been a challenge for UV-LED light sources. These UV-LED light sources are available for various printers including inkjet printers.

Excimer light sources can be used for applications such as matting, which is achieved by surface modification. To do this, an excimer light source is added after the varnish application process (but before the varnish curing process). In printing, this vacuum irradiation process achieves a matted texture on a target which would ordinarily be glossy.

When printing, static electricity can cause issues such as an uneven finish when spraying, attachment of unwanted particles and misalignment of papers. The Photolonizer achieves complete electrostatic elimination in the printing process, which helps reduce defect rates and improve quality in the printing process.

UV power meter

Power meters can be used to control the light output of sources in order to digitize and vary the degree of surface modification on a material, which has traditionally been performed manually by checking the dryness of the ink.

With the compact LED head, point curing of UV resins and adhesives is possible. These sources' compact size and air cooling method mean they can be considered for installation in a range of applications, such as 3D printers.

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