Barcode label manufacturer Electronic Imaging Materials, Inc. (EIM) has invested in a brand new Xeikon PX2200 UV Inkjet press at its Keene, NH facility.

“Xeikon stood out for its next-gen printing capabilities and strengths with variable data,” EIM president Alex Henkel says. “As a company that values having a net positive impact on the region our employees live in, what sets this printer apart for us is the leap forward in energy efficiency when compared to the older inkjet press it is replacing.”

As converters look to embrace more sustainable options, new developments in ink curing are moving them towards energy-efficient machines. Rob Rae, managing director of sales at GEW Limited, a manufacturer of UV LED curing systems for label, narrow web and sheetfed printing, spoke to the Tag & Label Manufacturers Institute about the benefits of LED ink curing over older methods. He said, "LED is a more sustainable option. LEDs consume vastly less energy and have a significantly longer life," Rae says, adding, “LED UV curing is the future of the industry. For those looking to invest in a machine meant to last 15 years, an asset with conventional lamps could become outdated as the market continues to evolve LED offerings, and you are limited by older, mercury technology.”

EIM’s product manager Juan Munoz comments, “Both the Panther’s LED ink curing process, as well as its 600 dpi printings improvements on ink usage are a leap into a more sustainable energy impact for us as a label converter. Because of the LED ink technology, the Panther series press doesn’t require as much energy to cure inks as traditional UV inks. And the 600 dpi printheads lay down less ink, therefore reducing ink consumption compared to 360 dpi printheads.”

Watch a printer install time-lapse video and learn more about EIM’s new Xeikon press on EIM's blog.

Blog source: Label & Narrow Web