GEW launches next generation UV monitor

Print Solutions Packaging Solutions

GEW is launching a major innovation for UV curing installations, the multi-point UV monitor, or mUVm.

Effective ink curing depends upon a guaranteed output from the lamp and reflector system and GEW’s new mUVm is a set of one or up to five UV sensors which give continuous monitoring of UV output on a press.

UV monitoring consists of calibrated sensors positioned along the length of the lamp to continuously measure the UV intensity in a UV curing system. This is vital to avoid the risks and consequences of under-cured product reaching the customer. GEW’s UV monitor is a highly reliable and cost effective solution for production monitoring of UV intensity at multiple positions across the web, to eliminate the possibility of inadequate UV dose.

A simple user interface displays the UV output of the lamps on the Rhino system touchscreen and alarms can be set to warn when the output gets too low or too high. With up to five sensors per lamp monitoring once a second, unprecedented control over the UV curing process can be achieved. As a result, potential waste is eliminated and thus efficiency is greatly improved.

The GEW mUVm enables the user to easily see when UV lamps reach end of life. Accurate UV outputs determine when to change lamps to extend their life, whilst saving energy by reducing lamp running power, without risking undercured product.

With mUVm it is now possible to attain 100% UV inspection for every batch when using the API user interface, and generate a UV curing certificate for every batch by recording live UV outputs for every lamp.

mUVm is designed to comply with European legislation on food contact packaging, including Framework Regulation (EC) 1935/2004 article 3; Good Manufacturing Practice Regulation (EC) 2023/2006; Plastics Regulation (EU) 10/2011 and Swiss Ordinance SR 817.023.21.