IST INTECH – THE FUTURE OF UV-LED CURING SYSTEMS

IST INTECH’s roots as a technology developer and inventor, combined with adaptability, have driven its position as a global innovator in UV-LED curing.

The company was founded in 2000 as Integration Technology in Oxfordshire, UK. It began its life at the forefront of digital-inkjet technology, delivering compact, UV-arc curing systems that enabled high-speed curing for wide-format applications.

Integration Technology saw the potential of LED-based technology early on. As a result, the company quickly pivoted, securing some of the industry’s first patents in UV-LED curing. This innovation paved the way for flexible, energy-efficient curing systems tailored to a wide range of print and industrial applications.

In 2011, the business joined forces with German curing-technology leader IST METZ. The company combined decades of UV-arc expertise with Integration Technology’s growing LED portfolio. This strategic partnership allowed both companies to build the broadest hybrid UV/LED product range on the market.

By 2023, the company had rebranded as IST INTECH. This alliance solidifies its global strategy and aligns with the IST Group vision for unified innovation and sustainability.

The shift from traditional UV-lamp systems to UV-LED technology marked a crucial moment in the company’s evolution. Leveraging patented innovations, the early UV-LED modules set new standards for intensity output, lifespan and energy efficiency.

The product’s modular architecture enables customers to scale and adapt systems for demanding industrial applications. These include direct-to-product (DTP), packaging, industrial coating and label printing. These advancements ensure sustainable performance, with reduced heat output, lower energy use and extended product life.

With the recent relocation of its headquarters to Banbury, UK, IST INTECH now operates a newly expanded facility. The premises includes a state-of-the-art LED research lab dedicated to the development, testing and optimisation of UV-LED curing systems. The cutting-edge UV Technology Campus in Germany, provides the ideal environment for partners to evaluate their curing requirements. The lab combines application, process and physical and analytical testing, such as the wettability of substrates and double-bond conversions.

From its UK head office and offices worldwide – combined with METZ’s global infrastructure – the company serves digital print original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and integrators. It also serves ink manufacturers and printhead developers. In addition, the company caters to industrial and specialist markets.

IST INTECH’s systems are trusted worldwide for applications as diverse as graphics, digital packaging, labels, coding and marking, printed electronics, décor, DTP and industrial applications.

“IST INTECH continues to push boundaries”

At IST INTECH, progress has always been driven by the people who push boundaries. Today, the company is entering a new chapter, as a next-generation management team steps into leadership. This transition signals a renewed commitment to advancing technology and product innovation – the heart of the business.

The new team combines proven industry experience with a fresh perspective on how curing solutions can evolve to meet tomorrow’s challenges. Its priority is to accelerate product development, strengthen technical capabilities and deliver solutions that give customers a competitive edge. From refining existing systems to pioneering new technologies, the team is committed to keeping IST INTECH at the forefront of excellence in curing. 

IST INTECH continues to push boundaries. Recent launches include the Pincure P. This is a passively cooled UV-LED pinning solution designed for high-performance inkjet applications. Its passive cooling technology eliminates the need for active cooling with fans. As a result, there is no airflow. In addition, it reduces maintenance, while ensuring a stable and consistent pinning process.

“IST INTECH is a trusted partner for curing solutions”

The company’s end goal is to provide ‘plug and play’ integration of all IST INTECH lamp heads into print-machine ecosystems for all commonly used industrial Ethernet and Fieldbus communication protocols. The seamless integration of IST INTECH lamp heads will be possible through a ‘universal translator’ device.

With 25 years of innovation and a dedicated global team, IST INTECH is a trusted partner for curing solutions. Whether a bespoke LED system or off-the-shelf modules, customers can rely on IST INTECH for robust, future-ready LED technology.