Features Consumables Premedia
Heidelberg Launches Low Energy Ink

Heidelberg introduced a new series of Saphira inks, called Saphira Ink Low Energy UV 100 and 400, for use within low-energy curing, as well as new Saphira consumables for environmentally progressive printing.



The new ink products are being brought to market to work with Heidelberg’s DryStar LE (Low Energy) UV drying technology, which was unveiled at the drupa 2012 exhibition in Germany. Heidelberg explains its DryStar process leverages highly reactive UV inks, which reduces the number of dryer lamps required in the press to cut energy consumption.


The Saphira Ink Low Energy UV 100 and 400 inks are suited for printing on paper, cardboard, and non-absorbent materials. Both products enable printing to ISO 12647-2 (process standard for offset printing). Heidelberg also provides Saphira consumables like blankets, coatings, washup and dampening solutions that can be employed within LE UV production.

Just before this new ink launch, Heidelberg also enhanced its Saphira Eco product line, first introduced in 2011, to meet what the company describes as “the strictest criteria in the print media industry for the environmental compatibility of consumables.”



Working closely with suppliers, Heidelberg states it has defined and introduced the world’s first criteria for environmentally progressive blankets with the Saphira Blanket Pro 200. Heidelberg is also launching the mineral oil-free Saphira Ink Anicolor S100 and H100 ink series for Anicolor technology, which already provides for minimal waste and low energy consumption.


In the postpress sector, users will be able to use Saphira Binding Glue PUR 330 NE, which Heidelberg describes as the first PUR glue not to release any harmful isocyanates.



”Green printing has already become standard at numerous companies in industrialized markets,” stated Peter Tix, head of consumables at Heidelberg. “The Saphira Eco product line from Heidelberg offers these companies a range that meets the world’s strictest requirements for eco-friendly consumables.”