FD LED, Toyo Ink's new series of environmentally friendly energy-curable sheetfed inks, spurred significant discussion about the future of offset printing when it was introduced at Drupa 2008. FD LED inks are hard-dried using ultraviolet rays produced by dedicated light emitting diodes (LEDs). They represent the next front in terms of providing productivity increases, enhanced print quality and excellent environmental performance.

"LED technology is a very exciting development in ink and press manufacture," said Hugh Takahashi, senior vice president of Toyo Ink America. "LED-curing systems generate very little heat and can be operated at low energy levels. By combining these energy advantages with the low-VOC properties of UV inks, LED technologies can contribute in a big way to reducing the environmental impacts of printing."

For this year's Print show, Toyo Ink America is exhibiting an expanded lineup of FD LED inks in booth #4040. These include white inks and intermediate colors. In addition, a newly developed overprint varnish will be displayed.

"Compared with conventional lamps, LED-curable systems consume 75 percent less electricity and offer a lifespan roughly 12 times as long," Takahashi noted. "LEDs also can be turned on and off instantly, without the need to warm up or cool down."

FD LED inks are formulated for commercial, package and label printing. FD LED inks have a high level of rub resistance. They have demonstrated superior adhesion to nonporous substrates. They can be printed on paper and various types of film, such as PP and PET.