Press release submitted on behalf of IST America.
IST America (ISTA), Shorewood, Illinois, the North American division of global UV and LED light-curing leader IST Metz, has announced the US launch of LEDcure NX, a new water-cooled LED UV curing system that expands IST’s offering for the narrow web label and packaging market while also supporting high-performance applications in wide web, sheetfed and industrial production.
LEDcure NX represents a new generation of LED UV curing technology engineered for efficiency and long-term production flexibility. The system is designed to help converters reduce energy consumption, manage heat, improve uptime and support more sustainable pressroom operations without compromising curing performance.
As label and packaging converters continue to evaluate LED UV technology, the need for stable, application-specific curing solutions has become increasingly important. LEDcure NX addresses these demands with a compact, modular design with optimized radiation characteristics that can support both new installations and retrofit opportunities, giving converters a path toward LED UV adoption.
“Converters are under pressure to improve efficiency, reduce operating costs and support more sustainable production,” said Errol Moebius, president/CEO, IST America. “LEDcure NX was developed with those priorities in mind. It brings together the energy-saving advantages of LED UV with the in-house engineering and application support customers expect from IST.”
LEDcure NX is designed to provide uniform UV curing, even in demanding production environments. The system uses advanced LED technology and a mirror-based radiation design, rather than traditional lenses, to help focus UV energy more efficiently and improve peak irradiance at the substrate. This optimized design supports strong curing performance while reducing unnecessary energy use. Its water-cooled configuration adds to thermal stability, making LEDcure NX well-suited for narrow web applications where substrate control, press uptime and consistent output are critical.
The system also supports modern production requirements through immediate on/off capability, reduced heat generation, mercury-free operation and no ozone formation. These advantages make LEDcure NX especially relevant for converters working with labels, flexible packaging and other applications where efficiency, quality and sustainability must work together.
For added process intelligence, LEDcure NX can be integrated with SMARTcure, ISTs AI-supported curing control technology. SMARTcure helps optimize UV output based on production conditions, supporting lower energy use, extended component service life and more consistent process control. SMARTcure is available for LEDcure NX and other IST systems, with functionality designed to support energy savings, predictive maintenance and smarter production environments.
Production reliability is also a key focus of the LEDcure NX platform. The system features a modular LED chip design with independent circuitry, helping distribute load and support extended service life. An integrated emergency mode function allows the system to remain operational in the unlikely event of a partial failure, supporting critical production environments where downtime can create costly disruptions.
“LED technology is not just about changing the light source,” added Moebius. “It is about understanding the chemistry, substrate, press configuration and production goals behind the application. IST America’s role is to help converters make that transition with confidence, backed by real curing expertise and technical support.”
LEDcure NX builds on IST’s long-standing position as a leader in UV and LED curing systems for sheetfed, wide web, narrow web digital and industrial applications. With sales, service, parts and application expertise based in North America, IST America supports customers through system evaluation, integration, startup and ongoing technical service.
ABOUT IST AMERICA
IST America, an arm of IST Metz in Nürtingen, Germany, is the leader in premium UV curing solutions, offering the most extensive portfolio of high-performance UV lamp and UV LED systems, along with excimer, hybrid, FREEcure and SMARTcure technologies. With over 30 years of experience, IST America provides innovative solutions to the U.S. market, including sales, service, parts and application expertise for advanced curing systems.
Serving industries from sheetfed, wide web and narrow web printing to digital and industrial applications, IST delivers reliable, tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of its customers. Committed to delivering More Than UV, IST works closely with clients to ensure precision, performance and success.
Based in Shorewood, Illinois, IST America is the US division of IST Metz, a global leader in UV curing technology headquartered in Nürtingen, Germany.
For more information, visit www.ist-uv.com/en-us.
