Edale and ebeam Technologies have achieved the integration of ebeam’s electron beam (EB or ebeam) curing technology into the Digicon 3000, a product co-developed by Edale and AB Graphic International. So far, three Digicon sales with the ebeam configuration have been made to converters in both the USA and EMEA, with two of the customers also including ebeam lamination as part of the configuration.

The Digicon 3000 is a mid-web finishing solution for digitally printed flexible packaging and labels. It is highly configurable, offering numerous different options, including finishing for labels, shrink sleeves packaging and POS/POP, as well as inline coating and lamination of flexible packaging and labels. It is also compatible with the HP Indigo 20000 digital press.

ebeam curing has numerous benefits when integrated into post-press finishing, especially in relation to the wider materials printed on an HP Indigo 20000. These benefits include improved print integrity and visual presentation, as well as increased package durability and abrasion resistance. It is also good for the environment, eliminating the need for solvents, produces virtually no VOCs and requires little energy. Another important benefit is speed. ebeam curing is instant and because output from an Indigo is often surface print, it is possible to surface coat for protection and immediately send to slitting and pouch or bag forming.

For food packaging converters, ebeam inks and varnish contain no photoinitiators, so the risk of migration and contamination of food is negated, making flexible packaging and labels a food safe solution for indirect contact materials.

“Electron beam curing is a fantastic option for Digicon 3000 customers because it resolves many key challenges they face such as fast turnaround times and environmental factors,” says James Boughton, managing director at Edale Limited. “We are seeing a lot of interest from finishers and converters, especially in the food sector because of the safety aspect and with three sales and counting, we are looking forward to the word spreading fast.”

Karl Swanson, VP of global sales, ebeam Technologies comments: “We are delighted to be working with Edale on the integration of ebeam curing into the Digicon 3000. The benefits, in terms of faster line speeds, food safety and more, are clear and give Digicon 3000 customers a real competitive edge.”