Koenig & Bauer say its Cortina press is redefining waterless offset printing with the successful integration of LED light curing technology. Following months of rigorous testing, results from a production environment have significantly outperformed expectations, paving the way for broader adoption across newspaper and commercial printing sectors.
European publishers and printers are embracing the innovative and sustainable technology adapted for waterless offset printing on the Cortina, achieving vibrant, high-quality results on a wider range of substrates. These now include sensitive, coated papers previously limited by drying constraints.
Freiburger Druck leads the way
Freiburger Druck, part of the BZ Medien Group, is a pioneer in LED light curing on the Cortina press. After extensive hands-on testing, the company showcased its findings at the Cortina User Workshop, drawing 80 participants to its headquarters.
“The printed results stood out with brilliant colors and excellent curing, a strong signal that the technology is ready for daily production,” said Daniel Binder, head of production at Freiburger Druck. “For the first time, LED light curing has demonstrated stable, high-quality output on coated papers, which is a major step forward for newspaper printing. In addition, LED light curing modules can be integrated easily and modularly into existing press systems without major modifications to the control technology.
He addedm “We waited to share these results until we had solid, real-world data. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Numerous comments emphasized that the results shown far exceeded expectations.”
Rodi Media Group eyes commercial expansion
Netherlands-based Rodi Rotatiedruk, part of the Rodi Media Group, the world’s first Cortina user, is now exploring LED light curing to expand its commercial possibilities. Owner Dick Ranzijn, who was a guest speaker at the recent Wan-Ifra world print summit, said: “We see LED light curing as a gateway to new markets, including high-quality, glossy magazines with demanding print standards. It also offers potential for reduced ink usage and waste, while maintaining exceptional quality.”
He added: “Having followed the successful testing at Freiburger closely, we will dedicate resources to the project in the new year to build a commercial business case for the technology for our Cortina press.”
Rodi Media publishes 1.5 million copies weekly across 45 editions and prints titles for other publishers including the Dutch Times and Financial Times.
Commercial printers show interest
Paul Huybrechts, CEO of Printing Partners Paal-Beringen in Belgium, also expressed strong interest in LED light curing for commercial applications. “LED light curing is an important step forward,” he said. “However, this is not only about newspaper production. We have an expanding commercial platform where this technology could play a key role. It is something we will be testing soon. From what we have seen so far, the potential is significant.”
Unlike standard heatset dryers, LED light curing uses compact modules powered by electricity rather than gas. This significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions dependency on fossil fuels, as well as energy costs. The technology supports a more sustainable and profitable printing process.
Waterless printing, enabled by silicone-coated plates that eliminate the need for dampening solution, is already a cleaner alternative. The Cortina press from Koenig & Bauer delivers brilliant results in coldest and heatset applications without water or ink key adjustments. With cost-effective LED, the web paper is instantly dried, unlocking new commercial opportunities such as book covers and premium magazines.
Industry momentum building
Georg Zitterbart, Cortina project manager at Koenig & Bauer and coordinator of the recent workshop, said of the progress, “LED light curing has proven itself in production and delivered outstanding results. With further optimization under way, and at least four more installations planned, this is a pivotal moment in waterless offset production. The technology offers a cost-effective, sustainable alternative to gas dryers – and the industry is taking notice.”
Koenig & Bauer’s integration of LED light curing is a game-changer for the industry. The fact that it improves both printing speed and quality while reducing water usage is a win-win. I’m curious how other manufacturers will respond to this shift towards more eco-friendly solutions.