Excelitas upgrades OmniCure UV LED curing platform

Excelitas has launched an enhanced generation of its OmniCure AC Series UV LED curing systems, targeting higher productivity, improved process control and lower energy consumption across label, packaging and industrial printing applications.

The updated portfolio includes the AC8+, AC9+ and AC8+HD platforms, each designed to cure adhesives, coatings and inks while providing different levels of irradiance for production environments with varying speed and performance requirements.

New systems deliver up to 15 W/cm²

The AC8+ provides irradiance of up to 10 W/cm², while the AC9+ increases output to 14 W/cm² for higher-throughput applications. The AC8+HD reaches a peak irradiance of 15 W/cm², targeting processes that require maximum UV energy and faster curing speeds.

Higher irradiance can enable converters to increase production speeds while maintaining sufficient UV dose, particularly when working with demanding coatings, inks or adhesive formulations.

365 nm option expands application flexibility

Excelitas has also introduced new 365 nm wavelength configurations for the AC9+ and AC8+HD systems. The additional wavelength option broadens compatibility with different photoinitiators, substrates and industrial curing processes.

This allows manufacturers to select curing conditions according to the specific chemistry being processed rather than relying on a single UV LED wavelength across all applications.

Real-time control improves curing uniformity

A key feature of the upgraded range is LED module-level control technology that allows operators to optimise output uniformity while the curing system remains in operation.

Excelitas says the systems can maintain uniformity within better than ±5% across the curing area, helping reduce process variation and improve consistency across wider webs or demanding printed applications.

Multiple LED heads support wider production lines

The modular architecture allows multiple OmniCure heads to be combined when larger curing widths are required. Output uniformity is maintained across the combined curing area, making the platform suitable for both narrower label presses and larger industrial lines.

The systems use a compact air-cooled design, which can simplify installation compared with curing technologies requiring more complex water-cooling infrastructure.

Energy consumption falls by up to 60%

Excelitas states that the enhanced AC Series consumes up to 60% less energy than conventional mercury-based curing technologies.

UV LED systems also avoid mercury-containing lamps and do not generate ozone, reducing ventilation requirements and eliminating a hazardous material traditionally associated with conventional UV curing.

Packaging converters seek lower operating costs

Energy efficiency is becoming an increasingly important consideration for label and packaging converters as electricity costs, carbon-reduction targets and regulatory requirements influence investment decisions.

LED curing can provide benefits beyond lower power consumption, including instant on-off operation, longer component lifetimes and reduced heat exposure for temperature-sensitive substrates.

Process control becomes part of curing performance

The enhanced OmniCure platform reflects a broader shift in packaging production towards more data-driven and controllable curing systems. Manufacturers increasingly expect curing equipment not only to deliver UV output but also to monitor performance and maintain consistency throughout production.

By combining higher irradiance, real-time uniformity control and lower energy consumption, Excelitas is positioning the updated AC Series around both production efficiency and sustainability as UV LED technology continues to expand across label and packaging converting.