Label and packaging manufacturer Whitlam Group, based in Center Line, MI, USA has recently installed the latest IST MBS UV system on a renovated Mark Andy press. The six position IST system replaced an older UV system and provides a flexible, quick changeover platform for either LED or conventional UV (as well as combining the two as a Hybrid system).

The Whitlam Group is a family owned printing and converting specialist, who through continuous investment in state-of-the-art equipment and technology, reinforces its innovative products to the automotive, industrial and consumer packaged goods sector. The company is an ISO 14001 and ISO/TS 16949 certified company. Additionally, Whitlam Group has received several prestigious awards from the Tag and Label Manufacturers Institute (TLMI) including a First Place Award (2014), World Label Award (2013), and a First Place Innovator Award (2012).       

With the ongoing development of LED inks and varnishes, Whitlam was looking to install an efficient platform which provides a high curing dose with traditional UV and allows LED to be added now or in the future, to aid with the development of new applications and qualifying formulations. The latest IST MBS system was launched at Labelexpo Brussels last year and is a true Open Platform air-cooled UV system, allowing both UV technologies to be run and easily interchanged to match the job requirements. Available from 10” – 22” (26” available shortly), the MBS system is equipped with IST’s exclusive Hot Swap technology where UV and LED inserts are utilized in common housings and can be exchanged in less than a minute. As a proven air-cooled system, its implementation is simple without the complication of water-cooled infra-structure. This newer generation of MBS has many process control features to ensure a full and stable curing dose, as well as assisting the operator with the Smart Control user interface. The control electronics are also equipped with Remote Ready, to allow for remote diagnostics from IST service specialists.

Payman Mahjoory, President of Whitlam Group, commented, “At Whitlam Group, we continuously strive to maintain the highest level of manufacturing capabilities through state-of-the-art equipment, technology, and training. Partnering with the right company to help us achieve our goals is absolutely critical. We were very pleased with the installation process and the end result. The IST technicians were onsite for several days and were true professionals. They were very knowledgeable and their training of our staff regarding the use and maintenance of the equipment was exceptional. This technology has enabled us to monitor and control the dosage when processing harder to cure pigments and coatings. The high efficiency system which results in lower energy usage is an added bonus as well.”   

Chris Davis, IST America Head of Sales – Web Applications, commented, “We are delighted that Whitlam Group have given us the opportunity to install their first IST system, this is one of several new generation MBS systems coming into the US. We appreciate that Whitlam Group is looking to future-proof their UV needs with their ongoing interest in LED inks, varnishes and adhesives. As IST manufactures both traditional UV and LED UV, we have extensive experience with the strengths of both technologies. Although LED is often in the spotlight, we do know that in the real world of production, the strongest trend right now is Hybrid (a combination of traditional UV and LED technology in a common platform).”