**UV-LED vs Mercury Vapor: Cost Comparison for 2025 Operations**  

• The curing system you choose will significantly impact your printing operation's bottom line in 2025. Here's how UV-LED and mercury vapor technologies compare in terms of cost savings and operational efficiency.  

### **Energy Efficiency**  

UV-LED systems consume just **0.05 kWh/ft²** compared to mercury vapor's **0.18 kWh/ft²** - a **72% reduction** in energy use. For a mid-sized shop printing 50,000 ft² monthly:  

- **UV-LED annual energy cost:** ~$3,000  

- **Mercury vapor annual energy cost:** ~$12,200  

Additional savings come from:  

- No warm-up energy (mercury systems waste **1.2 kWh/day** idling)  

- 30% lower cooling requirements  

### **Operational Costs**  

**Lamp Replacement:**  

- UV-LED: 50,000+ hours lifespan  

- Mercury: 1,500-hour lifespan  

*Annual savings:* ~$3,800  

**Ink Efficiency:**  

UV-LED's precise curing reduces ink waste by **12%**  

*Annual savings:* ~$4,500 (using 5L of white ink monthly)  

**HVAC Costs:**  

Mercury's infrared heat increases cooling needs by **25%**  

*Annual savings:* ~$2,100  

### **Hidden Cost Factors**  

- UV-LED requires **no ozone ventilation** systems  

- Instant on/off eliminates standby power consumption  

- Complies with **2025 EU RoHS mercury phase-out** regulations  

### **5-Year Total Cost of Ownership**  

- **UV-LED System:** ~$38,700  

- **Mercury System:** ~$62,400  

**Key Takeaways:**  

1. UV-LED offers **38% lower total costs** over 5 years  

2. ROI achieved in **12-18 months** for most operations  

3. Provides **future-proof compliance** with environmental regulations  

*"After switching to UV-LED, our curing costs dropped from $0.19 to $0.07 per square foot."*  

— Packaging Production Manager  

• For printing businesses planning for 2025, UV-LED curing delivers superior cost savings, efficiency, and regulatory compliance compared to mercury vapor systems. The technology has matured to the point where the upgrade makes financial sense for nearly all operations.