UV coating at Print & Finishing Solutions (PFS) is the industry standard for enhancing the visual impact and physical durability of printed materials. By applying a liquid varnish that cures instantly under ultraviolet light, these systems provide a superior finish that is more resilient than traditional aqueous coatings. We provide Tec Lighting solutions to deliver high-speed, professional-grade flood coating for digital, offset, and inkjet prints.
Tec Lighting UV Coating Technology
Tec Lighting systems are engineered for versatility and ease of use, featuring a modular design that allows shops to scale from hand-fed units to fully automated production lines.
- TruCoat Series (Performance & Precision): The TruCoat series is the flagship lineup, available in 16", 21", and 30" widths. It features an intuitive touch-screen interface and a three-roll application system that ensures a smooth, consistent finish across the entire sheet.
- XtraCoat Series (Industrial High-Volume): Designed for demanding environments, the XtraCoat line offers rugged reliability and can be configured with high-capacity deep-pile feeders and stackers to manage long production runs with minimal operator intervention.
- Rapid Changeover: Tec Lighting units are known for their "5-minute setup" and "10-minute wash-up." The quick-change roller design allows operators to switch between gloss, matte, and satin finishes in a fraction of the time required by competitive systems.
- Eco-Friendly Curing: Utilizing 0-VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) coatings and wash-up fluids, these systems provide a sustainable finishing path that results in 100% recyclable documents.
Solving UV Coating Failure Points
Q: How do I prevent UV coating from "beading" or orange-peeling on digital toner? A: Digital toners often contain silicone or wax that repels standard coatings. Tec Lighting systems utilize variable-intensity IR (Infrared) lamps before the UV curing station. The IR heat "wets out" the coating, allowing it to flow evenly over the toner surface for a mirror-like finish without surface defects.
Q: Why does my UV coating crack when I fold the paper? A: UV coating creates a hard, brittle surface. To prevent cracking, sheets should be scored or creased before folding. Using a Morgana or Horizon creaser in conjunction with a Tec Lighting coater ensures the paper fibers are compressed, creating a "hinge" that protects the UV layer during the fold.
Q: Can I achieve different textures beyond just high-gloss? A: Yes. By utilizing quick-change textured rollers on a TruCoat system, you can apply specialized matte, satin, or even soft-touch finishes. This allows your shop to offer premium sensory effects that significantly increase the margin of standard print jobs.
Technical Specification Matrix
|
Feature |
TruCoat 16 (Hand-Fed) |
TruCoat 21 (Auto) |
TruCoat 30 (Auto) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Max Sheet Width |
16 Inches |
21 Inches |
30 Inches |
|
Max Speed |
Up to 2,000 SPH |
Up to 4,800 SPH |
Up to 4,800 SPH |
|
Stock Thickness |
150 - 600 GSM |
150 - 600 GSM |
150 - 600 GSM |
|
Curing System |
UV + IR Lamps |
UV + IR Lamps |
UV + IR Lamps |
|
Footprint |
Compact Tabletop/Stand |
Modular Floor |
Industrial Floor |
Export to Sheets
Critical Risk Assessment
While Tec Lighting UV coaters provide a significantly lower cost-per-square-foot (less than $0.01) compared to lamination, they require a consistent maintenance schedule to prevent coating from curing on the rollers. The TruCoat’s "5-minute roller change" is a critical feature that mitigates the risk of downtime if a roller becomes damaged. For shops primarily running the IntoPrint SP1360W with heavy white toner, the integrated IR lamps on the TruCoat are essential; without them, the coating will not adhere properly to the thick toner layers, leading to peeling and customer rejection. Failing to use the correct VOC-free wash-up fluid can lead to premature seal failure in the pump system.
