New Technology Is Here! Revolutionary LED Technology an Industry Breakthrough
After three years of research and development, Empire Screen Printing, Inc. of Onalaska, WI announces a break-through technology that delivers a new level of screen printing capability. Working in close cooperation with their partners, Empire is changing the future of screen printing by introducing UV LED Ink Curing technology that provides economically sound and environmentally friendly sustainable print methods.
This innovation was made possible by pulling together a key set of technology partners: Phoseon Technology, Nazdar Inks and Coatings, and Kammann USA. These companies consolidated their technical resources to design, develop, and execute a new screen printing paradigm. With this new capability, Empire can provide improved print performance with the knowledge their products are being produced in the most environmentally friendly method currently available in the screen printing industry.
"As a global supplier of technologically advanced screen printing equipment...I can confidently state the leadership of Empire Screen has forced the world to take a look at what is possible for eco-friendly and sustainable solutions in web screen printing. This leadership will ensure the future advancement of screen printing."
Steve Gilbertson - Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Kammann USA
Empire is the first company to successfully utilize UV LED Ink Curing technology in a screen printing environment. "It feels good and makes us proud that we are pushing technology to change the way business is done in order to save our environment for future generations."
John Freismuth, President of Empire Screen Printing
The three key components of an UV LED curing system are UV LED inks, UV LED curing, and an UV LED printer. These elements produce a long-term sustainable print method through green technology, eliminating ozone emissions and lowering energy consumption.
"The result of the collaboration between Nazdar Inks and Coatings, Empire, Phoseon, and Kammann is a milestone in the future of screen printing. Empire has proven that adopting LED technology is key to increasing productivity, reducing cost, and decreasing their impact on the environment all in one stroke. Contributing to this cutting edge solution by developing multiple screen printing inks was imperative for Nazdar in support of the industry."
Phil McGugan, Nazdar Global Vice President of Sales and Marketing
The advantages a UV LED curing system has over traditional mercury vapor curing are as follows:
- An industry first that eliminates ozone emissions and CFM's (Mercury lamps emit ozone, which requires ventilation systems to remove ozone from the work place, equating to higher energy consumption. The amount of air exchange is calculated by measuring the CFM's)
- Cubic Feet per Minute: the amount of air exchange leaving and entering a facility
- LED lamps pull significantly less energy and can be plugged into a standard wall outlet
- Manufacturing space is reduced due to the elimination of ventilation system
- Lower operating cost
- Lower heat emission (lights do not produce heat, eliminating the need to warm up or cool down)
- Less heat results in less substrate distortion and eliminates potential fires related to heat
- Safer working conditions and improved air quality
- High speed printing with rapid ink curing, significantly lowering energy consumption
- 14 year LED bulb life eliminates the use and disposal of mercury bulbs, compared to 1,000 hours of life for a standard mercury vapor bulb
- Consistent UV output over the life of the bulb
"We are proud to be supporting Empire with our UV LED curing systems," commented Tom Molamphy, Vice President of Sales at Phoseon Technology, "Empire is a company that understands where the future is headed, and has taken a leadership role to ensure their customer's have the latest UV LED curing technology."
The future of manufacturing depends on companies like Empire and their partners to continue to seek out innovative technology to not only enhance their capabilities, but to offer solutions that improve the impact the printing industry has on the environment.
This story featured in the Onalaska/Holmen Courier-Life.
This story featured on WXOW Ch. 19 La Crosse.
Certificate of Achievement from the State of Wisconsin.
Recognition from Senator Ron Johnson.
Recognition from Congressman Ron Kind.
This news also found at:
My Print Resource.com
Sign & Digital Graphics.com
Package Design.com
Equipment Engine Lender Solutions.com
Graphic Display World.com
Phoseon.com
topFree Falling
On July 9, 2011, Mitch Bjorkman, third shift ink tech and myself [Michael Smith] went to TriState Skydivers (www.tri-stateskydivers.com) in Lancaster, WI for the ultimate thrill: a tandem jump, free fall skydive.
It all started with six pages of paperwork to make sure if something goes wrong (like death), the skydiving club isn't held responsible.
Prior to the jump, we had 30 minutes of training to learn how to sit in the plane, exit the plane, and body position during free fall. The couple that runs the club are very friendly, and made you feel very comfortable about what we were about to do.
After that, the pilot, yourself, and your new very best friend board the plane. We take off and climb to the desired height of 11,000 feet (2.083 miles), which is about a 20 minute flight. The scenery above the Mississippi River and the surrounding area is AWESOME!
Now we are ready to exit the plane, which is traveling at 80 mph. The outside air temperature is a cool 45°F. The instructor opens the door and we get a feel of the air and get into position on ledge outside of the plane, which is about the size of a shoebox. We wait until he sees his mark.
We exit the plane and assume the free fall position: on your stomach, arms up, and legs curled up. We fell at speeds of 120-135 mph. The best part of the dive was the beautiful horizon and surrounding area.
When we get to the exit zone at 5000 feet, the chute opens and we drift down to Mother Earth. This took about five to seven minutes, but it seemed a lot longer. The instructor gives you the controls and lets you steer for awhile. Words cannot describe this feeling. We come to very smooth, soft landing. There was nothing that could have taken the smile off my face at that moment.
If any of you have talked about going, stop talking about it and DO IT! You only go around once. I had talked about it for 20 years, and after I did it, I wished I hadn't waited so long. It is the best adrenaline rush you can possibly imagine. It is not a question of if I will go again, but how many more times I will go. I highly recommend it!
