IST METZ has introduced swap4cure, a modular platform that combines conventional UV, LED UV and thermal drying technologies within a single system, enabling printers to switch between technologies according to the requirements of individual print jobs.

IST said the system has been developed in response to changing requirements in label printing, including new substrates, water-based inks and varnishes, higher production speeds and growing sustainability and energy-efficiency requirements. The company also pointed to increasing regulatory demands in packaging and food applications.

The modular design incorporates quick-change systems intended to reduce maintenance and servicing times, alongside long-life UV lamps and reflector technology that IST said support consistent performance and lower operating costs.

IST’s latest generation of LEDs offers an efficiency of 50% and demand-based power control, according to the company. The platform can also be combined with SMARTcure, an AI-supported assistance system that analyses production data to determine the optimum UV dose for each print job. IST said this allows only the energy required to be used while supporting process stability and reproducibility.

The company is also positioning swap4cure for future integration with FREEcure, a new generation of UV curing that uses high-energy UVC radiation. IST said the technology could support photoinitiator-free UV systems, particularly for food and packaging applications.

For machine manufacturers, IST said the platform-based approach allows new ink and coating systems, changing regulatory requirements and future curing technologies to be integrated without redesigning the entire machine concept.

The company identified five requirements for modern label printing presses: flexibility in curing and drying technologies; energy efficiency and sustainable production processes; shorter changeover and maintenance times; intelligent, data-driven process control; and modular, upgradeable platforms.

IST METZ will present swap4cure at LOUPE Americas 2026, alongside its other UV, LED UV and thermal curing technologies.