Print innovations keep coming as waterless printers get together for their annual user workshop next month.

Freiburger Druck, part of BZ Medien Group, is hosting the nineteenth Cortina Workshop – returning for their second time – with experience extending over the two decades since the installation of their Koenig & Bauer Cortina press.

This time at the event (September 23-24) – with more than 80 participants expected – the focus turns to LED light curing in the waterless offset process.

Freiburger has been piloting LED testing on its Cortina, with BZ Medien managing director Patrick Zürcher confident of being able to significantly extend the company’s value chain with the technology: “As a result, we are more economical and, by reducing the number of production steps and transport costs, of course, we are also significantly more environmentally friendly and resource efficient,” he said.

“We have been producing with the Cortina press for 20 years now. It makes us proud that the interest in the community is huge. From the beginning, we have transparently shared our experiences to benefit all members.”

Koenig & Bauer Cortina project manager Georg Zitterbart said innovations were key to progress and competitiveness in an ever-accelerating world. “LED light curing is yet another example of the huge strides being made in waterless offset production, which is why the Cortina User Group has been so successful over the years and receives such a positive response.”

The press produces newspapers, magazines and advertising supplements in coldset and/or heatset in brilliant quality without water and ink keys. Waterless printing is an alternative system that runs on standard offset presses. Thanks to a plate that uses an ink-resistant silicone coating, no dampening solution is required.

Zürcher said BZ Medien was proud that the interest in the Cortina User Group was so huge.

Advantages of LED light curing include that it operates with electricity instead of gas, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and decreasing dependence on fossil fuels. Thanks to its efficient operation and significantly lower energy consumption, energy costs can also be noticeably reduced. At the same time, the printing process becomes both more environmentally friendly and more profitable. Mineral oil free printing inks and a significantly reduced ink consumption (depending on the paper used) also contribute to sustainable and efficient production. Another major advantage is that it is ready for immediate use. Since no heating or start-up times are required, the production process is accelerated and more efficient.

Compared to conventional hot air dryers, LED light curing systems also require significantly less space – with a saving of eight to 14 metres possible. In addition, acquisition costs for LED are generally lower than for new hot air dryers, making the technology attractive for older web presses.

Pictured: BZ Medien managing director Patrick Zürcher; and (top) the Cortina press at Freiburger Druck, to which LED light curing has been added