Troubleshooting Guide - Pressroom UV
On Press Issue: Curing/Drying
Potential Causes
UV lamps may not be providing adequate energy because of old bulbs, dirty reflectors and/or focal plane has become off standard
Solution: For UV check the lamp age and make sure that the reflectors are clean and check the focal plane. Check the lamp output.
The EB unit may not be providing adequate energy or contains too much oxygen in the chamber
Solution: Make sure the EB unit and sensors are functioning properly.
The ink film thickness is too high. Not allowing the UV/EB energy to properly penetrate the film and thoroughly cure the ink
Solution: Lower the ink settings and/or weaken the ink.
The ink is over-emulsified
Solution: Clean up the press, put fresh ink in the fountain and restart with lower water settings.
Press wash may be contaminating the ink on the roller train and plate
Solution: Rewash the press and make sure that the press wash is rinsed off thoroughly. The rollers, plates, blankets, etc. must be dry before inking up.
The ink formulation may not be fast enough for the available energy
Solution: For UV inks add photoinitiator 1% at a time up to a maximum of 3%.
