UK's printer Seacourt has launched a "one-of-a-kind" press that is claimed to combine the highest possible sustainability standards with unrivalled print quality.
The LightTouch press is said to be the only one in the world to combine waterless printing technology with instant drying powered by LEDs. Seacourt says its technology could play an important role in ensuring a sustainable future for the litho industry in the face of customer concerns about environmental performance, as well as the growing popularity of faster, more flexible digital alternatives.
While traditional litho printing techniques can consume thousands of litres of water per day and require the use of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that contaminate the water supply, LightTouch uses special silicone plates to control how the ink is applied, removing the need for water and any associated pollution.
In a claimed world first, this waterless method is combined with an instant drying technique powered by LEDs, reducing the amount of energy consumed by conventional UV lamps by more than 85%.
These improvements in environmental performance are said to go hand-in-hand with delivering the highest levels of print quality. According to Seacourt, "removing water from the process prevents ink dilution ensuring vibrant, punchy colours. Instant drying ensures dramatically faster turnaround times and avoids inaccuracies like scuffing and strikethrough."
www.seacourt.net/lighttouch
