
by Melissa Donovan
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a buzzword. It pops up in every conversation, whether it belongs in it or not. What is AI’s purpose? In most instances it is utilized to enhance a process and make it more worthwhile by yielding important data while building efficiencies. AI certainly has a place in the industrial print segment, but where it is used might be surprising.
Above: Uvitron’s NovaRay UV flood curing system incorporates advanced intelligent features.
Take for example UV curing solutions. “AI is increasingly important across many industries, and its potential impact on UV curing is noteworthy,” states Eugene Mikhaylichenko, director of sales and marketing, Uvitron International.
“AI-enabled technologies represent the future of UV curing, offering adaptive and sustainable solutions to meet the industry’s evolving demands,” comments Mark VandenBosch, technical sales, IST America.
According to Volker Selg, director sales (business unit curing), HÖnle, AI enables real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and process safety for UV curing.
“Applications gain process safety as intelligent systems adjust curing parameters dynamically for consistent output. Al also improves diagnostics with predictive analytics, which improve system reliability and reduce downtime,” continues Selg.
Product development and energy optimization are two other areas that Bob Waddington, product line leader – curing and drying, BW Converting, sees holding significant potential for AI in UV curing.
“For example, AI can streamline the design of new systems, trace energy flow, and optimize engineering processes. Additionally, AI is used to examine data to find trends in product lifecycle as well as better predict preventive maintenance programs. This will net a higher return on investment for customers and improve the efficiency of our systems,” continues Waddington.
Where We Are
Depending on the vendor, AI is being used in certain ways—with more integration promised in the future.
IST America’s SMARTcure system is a prime example of AI’s application in UV curing. It leverages AI to optimize energy use, extend LED service life, and facilitate predictive maintenance. SMARTcure dynamically adjusts system parameters based on real-time data—such as substrate and ink properties—to minimize power consumption and maximize efficiency.
“By incorporating features like cloud connectivity it provides actionable insights for operators and establishes modern, eco-friendly workflows,” adds Vandenbosch.
AI is in the early stages of implementation at BW Converting’s Baldwin portfolio. Despite this, Waddington says “it’s clear that AI-driven advancements will play an increasingly important role in improving efficiency, reducing costs, and accelerating innovation in UV curing.”
“At HÖnle we are integrating AI into UV curing solutions to enhance efficiency and adaptability. You may expect more AI-driven innovations as industries demand smarter, data-driven production lines,” shares Selg.
As a precursor to AI-driven systems, there are products that integrate advanced intelligent features. For example, Uvitron’s NovaRay UV flood curing system incorporates advanced intelligent features. The NovaRay is equipped with automated data logging, which captures metrics such as exposure duration, intensity, and system performance.
“This enables comprehensive quality control and facilitates process optimization over time. With its customizable intensity profiles and microprocessor-controlled touch interface, the NovaRay allows for precise, efficient curing, while its smart features pave the way for future AI advancements in UV curing technology,” explains Mikhaylichenko.
Obvious Benefits
AI benefits are obvious. How it will be used in relation to UV curing systems continues to change as more companies implement the solution into their products. AI’s clear and current strength is its use for preventive maintenance in relation to UV curing, which optimizes efficiencies.
Feb2025, Industrial Print Magazine