UV DAYS 2015: IST METZ “rocking” the print world
As a UV pioneer, IST METZ GmbH has been setting industry standards for more than 30 years. The company group provides systems with both UV lamps and LEDs. In 2002, IST METZ established with UV DAYS the first international event to focus on UV printing.
The practical focus of UV DAYS is a particular highlight, where UV system manufacturer IST METZ demonstrates UV in sheet-fed, web and digital printing. A total of three presses will be continuously printing UV products – to look at, touch and take home! The in-house printed product highlights the versatility of UV technology, for example in the market segments of packaging printing, commercial printing and label printing.
In keeping with the motto “UV rocks!”, a cardboard guitar will be printed and finished live at the event on the company's own sheet-fed offset press. What makes this so special is that the impressive effects, in their customary high IST quality, will this time be achieved through a combination of LED colours and UV varnishes. The process colours are LED colours; the inline finishes are done using UV varnish systems. During the demonstration, curing with both LED and UV will be shown, highlighting the respective strengths of each drying system during the printing process.
Just like the printed product demonstrated at UV DAYS 2013, a packaging that has received multiple awards, the guitar represents an impressive integral product concept. Additional features will also be added to this year's UV printed product, further enhancing its functions. “We are no longer solely focusing on providing information about UV printing. Although that is, and will remain, our core competence,” explains Dirk Jägers, Managing Director of IST METZ GmbH. “These days, the overall concept of a printed product must appeal to the consumer, in the higher-priced segment especially. Printed products from our company demonstrate the latest possibilities.”
The new “Innovation Corner” at UV DAYS is perfectly suited to this approach: partners will be presenting design trends here, while experts demonstrate further areas of application for the use of UV systems such as adhesives or water treatment using UV light. This corner, with its new developments and trends, perfectly complements the approx. 30 partners from the printing industry. Another highlight this year is the exhibition of printed products that have been recognised with a “Print Star” award by the Deutscher Drucker printing journal, which will include exhibits from IST METZ. The UV Lounge will also return, offering visitors a comfortable retreat to network with industry colleagues.
With around 700 guests across four days, UV DAYS is the largest event of its kind. Visitors come to Nürtingen, near Stuttgart, from all over the world to experience the latest industry trends. In 2015, the in-house trade fair will take place for the first time in the new IST METZ building which, with over 2,000 m², boasts more exhibition space than ever before!
