Cambridge Label, which serves customers across North America from its 25,000 square-foot facility in Toronto, CA, recently encountered a unique power problem. The converter’s building was already utilizing the maximum available power and unable to increase usage without upgrading its transformer hardware.

Cambridge Label explored several options, including a collaboration with its local city and hydro-provider to expedite the transformer upgrade. However, this solution came with an estimated timeline of 18 months. While exploring ways to reduce power consumption, Deanne Sinclair, president and owner, and the management team, contemplated a transition to LED. Cambridge Label approached SST, and a fruitful partnership ensued.

“With LED curing, we have observed that we can run our presses faster, especially when printing darker shades of ink, because LED ink actually cures faster at high speeds than UV ink,” explains Sinclair. “Additionally, given that LED bulbs have a much longer lifespan compared to UV bulbs, we have noticed a decrease in spending on maintenance and replacement bulbs that would have been necessary if we were still using our UV system. Furthermore, we have noticed approximately a 10% decrease in our overall hydro consumption, which has allowed us to operate another piece of equipment that was previously limited by our power constraints.”

SST emerged as the ideal partner after learning of numerous customer success stories. Following Cambridge Label’s due diligence, which included researching vendors and speaking to customers who had installed these systems, the converter invested in SST.

“We initially had concerns about LED inks not curing effectively and being prone to yellowing,” remarks Sinclair. “However, after discussing these concerns with SST, they demonstrated extensive knowledge and provided factual insights. To our surprise, they were able to debunk many of the myths surrounding LED curing systems.”

In addition to its quest for power optimization, Cambridge Label also values sustainability and quickly realized the environmental benefits of LED curing. Sustainability has guided the converter’s decisions to minimize environmental impact while optimizing efficiency. LED technology offers multiple benefits while aligning with its sustainability goals.

“By switching to LED, we have reduced our energy consumption significantly, resulting in lower carbon emissions and operational costs,” says Sinclair. “LED lighting also has a longer lifespan, reducing waste from frequent bulb replacements. Overall, the move to LED curing reflects Cambridge’s commitment to sustainable practices and continuous improvement in our operations.

“LED technology is a game-changer in the label and package printing industry for several reasons,” she continues. “Firstly, LED curing systems consume less energy compared to traditional UV curing systems, leading to reduced carbon emissions and lower energy costs. This aligns with sustainability goals by promoting energy efficiency and reducing the industry’s overall environmental footprint. Secondly, LED curing offers improved operational efficiency. LED inks cure faster and require less heat, allowing for higher printing speeds and increased productivity. Overall, LED technology presents a transformative opportunity for the label and package printing industry to enhance sustainability practices, improve operational efficiency, and meet evolving consumer preferences for eco-conscious products.”

SST swiftly converted two of Cambridge Label’s flexo presses to LED curing. SST was on-site for two days, converting one press per day. The first press was converted during a day shift in less than eight hours, and the afternoon shift operator was able to run the press the very day it was converted.

“I thought that when I arrived at work the next morning, I would have feedback about, ‘This didn’t run quite right,’ or, ‘I encountered this and that issue,’ but to my surprise, the feedback I received was, ‘This is amazing,’ and, ‘We should have done this a long time ago.’ SST was an excellent partner and ensured a seamless transition.”

While LED systems require a substantial upfront investment, the benefits are far reaching. “It’s worthwhile to analyze the operating costs of both UV and LED systems and draw a comparison,” explains Sinclair. “After conducting your analysis, I believe you will be pleasantly surprised by how LED systems can pay for themselves within a few years, thanks to savings in both electricity and maintenance costs. Beyond financial considerations, LED technology is also better for our environment, and I believe industry leaders should embrace this technology to make a positive impact on our planet.”