UV LED conversion

[inkfrog]

I am based in the UK, I currently run a Roland 540 VSi with a Solvent UV set up. However I want to set up 2 machines with UV LED ink sets. My plan is to import a couple of T Jet 1.6 meter machines or similar. ( I am restricted by access to my 1st floor unit) then once the machines are set up in my unit have a company install the UV LED curing system along with CISS.

The cost of installing the UV LED curing system is approx $4,000 for the 2 machines (4 UV LED Lamps), I have been reading and reading on this UV LED curing technology so that I can make an informed decision on what I spend my money on.

I talked to a Ink "consultant" here in the UK who advised caution on the UV LED curing system which lead me to make enquires with USA/European manufacturers of this technology. I had a quote from 1 of them yesterday and the cost for 1 UV LED lamp was $7,600.

This price has now lead me to question my intended actions, for those here who have done their own UV LED conversion, how crucial to the success of the project was the UV LED lamp set up? Did buying an imported lamp with the correct specifications do the job properly and give quality fully cured work.

 

[artbot]

Why wouldn't one just buy it UV LED set up from the Chinese factory? There are many companies that sell the dx5 with the UV LED installed. Once I asked what the price would be without, it only took $1000 of the
final price of the printer.

 

[inkfrog]

You know what, that's an excellent question.

I haven't had a great experience (to say the least) with my current solvent UV set up which has made me over cautious.

I think in my quest to make sure I get the print finish I want I've over analysed everything. I'll stick to printing, they can stick to making stuff.

Thanks