Part 1 of 2
By Cassandra Balentine
As digital print technologies continue to evolve, the curing mechanisms for UV inks advance in parallel. In our February issue we look at shifts in demand for these technologies, and here we highlight specific advancements.
Excelitas
In September 2025, Excelitas introduced the Phoseon Nexus II UV LED curing platform for flexographic printing with advanced monitoring capabilities and improved system reliability. Nexus II brings increased system reliability, improved performance in high-temperature environments and an optional high-airflow model for enhanced cooling compared to the earlier generation.
The new cloud-based monitoring system, Nexus DataHub, provides both real-time and historical access to critical system data at any time and from any location. Designed to improve the performance and serviceability of the Nexus II curing system, it not only tracks UV LED performance but also monitors overall machine performance. Remote monitoring is a key component of Industry 4.0, enabling manufacturers to leverage data for improved decision-making and operational efficiency.
Additional Nexus II features include cloud-based access, comprehensive data insights, and 24/7 operation.
Hoenle Americas Inc.
Hoenle’s new LED Powerline Web represents a new, economical, and high-performance LED solution designed specifically for conventional/flexographic narrow-web printing.
With the development of its LED Powerline ACIC 820 XP system, the company has enhanced its LED-UV technology for both multi- and single-pass inkjet applications, delivering a higher UV dose and improved overall performance.
UVC LED technology is now also available for testing in its application laboratory, enabling customers to explore new curing possibilities under real-world conditions.
In addition, Hoenle’s UV Scan MACS device provides precise UV dose measurement, ensuring process reliability and optimal curing results.
Its hybrid curing systems are easily scalable and offer maximum flexibility—whether UV, LED-UV, Excimer, or a combination of technologies. From pre-curing, mattifying, through-curing, and post-curing to UVC curing (HOZ+), inerted curing environments, or integrated UV measurement solutions, we continue to invest in our product portfolio and in developing new applications to meet evolving market needs.
IST America
IST America has responded to market needs with a more compact yet high-performance UV solution—the MBS-C. This air-cooled lamp head builds on the proven MBS platform but is engineered to fit within the increasingly tight confines of digital presses and narrow-web systems. Despite its reduced footprint, the MBS-C is capable of delivering irradiance levels up to 200 W/cm², ensuring a reliable final cure even at higher speeds.
For digital platforms, IST’s sister company Intech has expanded its offering with the new Pincure P, an air-cooled LED system ideal for pre-gel or pinning stages, as well as a complete range of air- and water-cooled LED modules tailored to full-cure requirements. These systems allow for modular integration depending on line speed, ink chemistry, and substrate sensitivity.
IUV
IUV is committed to smart curing system development and has introduced an intelligent UV/LED curing system centered on real-time printing data. The system significantly enhances electrical protection for mercury lamps and LED chips, enables real-time communication with printing or finishing equipment, and provides advanced intelligent control features such as automatic power adjustment, smart detection of curing zones—based on material position or ink coverage, and early warning of potential faults.
Additionally, as printing precision and consistency requirements increase—especially in digital inkjet applications—the demand for consistent curing performance has also risen. IUV’s LED UV closed-loop control technology automatically compensates for power decay caused by temperature changes or LED aging, ensuring stable curing energy. Combined with IUV’s automatic curing zone control, this technology maintains a constant UV energy output density, prevents overexposure, and suppresses light decay through algorithmic control, guaranteeing consistent curing and printing quality.
IUV feels that advanced technology should not be limited to new equipment. In response to intensified competition and strict cost control, IUV has developed a modular UV curing system upgrade solution that allows older machines to fully leverage the latest UV curing technology, maximizing equipment performance and value.
Jan2026, Industrial Print Magazine
