At drupa 2012, Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) unveiled its DryStar LE (Low Energy) UV drying technology, an energy-efficient process that offers a gateway to UV printing for commercial print shops in particular. This process uses highly reactive UV inks, which reduces the number of dryer lamps required in the press and thus cuts energy consumption significantly. This technology has already become established on many markets. Heidelberg is now augmenting its technology portfolio with perfectly coordinated ink series sold under the Saphira label, thus offering users machine technology and consumables from a single source.

The new ink series, available as Saphira Ink Low Energy UV 100 and 400, are ideal for printing on paper, card/board, and non-absorbent materials. They exhibit excellent gloss properties and good screen dot quality. Both product series enable printing to ISO 12647-2 (process standard for offset printing). Sheets printed with Saphira Ink LE UV are ready for finishing straight away as they are already dry on exiting the press. Complementary consumables from the Saphira range, such as blankets, coatings, and washup and dampening solutions, are also available. Heidelberg will continue to expand and further develop this range alongside its LE UV technology.

Users of Drystar LE UV technology therefore have access to a portfolio of Saphira consumables that have been tailored to their particular application in cooperation with the relevant ink manufacturers. This enables them to unlock the full potential of the LE UV process and achieve outstanding print results at an excellent price-performance ratio.