UV printing is a digital printing method that uses ultraviolet (UV) light to instantly dry UV ink on a printed surface. Additionally, UV printing uses a computer to easily and consistently repeat jobs on demand.

This printing process utilizes software to control hardware for precise ink drop placement, which results in stunning prints that are vibrant, durable, and resistant to scratches, chemicals, and fading.

Unlike solvent-based screen and pad printing inks, which dry through evaporation, UV inks harden instantly when exposed to UV light. UV inks have photoinitiator molecules that become active and start the ink crosslinking process when exposed to UV light.

Examples of materials that decorators can print with UV printers include glass, plastic, metal, wood, films, etc.

Benefits of UV Printers

Traditional printing methods utilize specific inks to print on specific materials, which is not the case with UV printers. While there are only three major categories of UV inks depending on the print head, it is possible to print on a wide range of materials. Available inks include flexible, neutral, and rigid inks. Neutral inks are the most versatile compared to hard or flexible inks. Paired with the right UV Adhesion promoters, the neutral inks enable a printing machine to virtually print on any material, from acrylic to glass to metals to flexible films.

The ability to print a wide range of materials with a UV inkjet enables companies to reduce the need for multiple machines or specialized equipment. UV printers equipped with long drop capabilities can print on both flat and carved surfaces. Additionally, with cylindrical digital printers, printing companies can print straight and cone-shaped cylinders.

Furthermore, because these machines have advanced control boards, they can be added in-line, enabling automation. Automation enables companies to reduce labor costs while meeting customer needs.

Cost-effective

There are several advantages which makes UV inkjet printing cost effective in the long term. These advantages include:

  • Fast printing—Unlike screen printing inks, which require post-curing, UV inks dry instantly when exposed to ultraviolet light. As a result, users can print and package products immediately. The ability to package printed goods instantly allows businesses to provide clients with quick order turnaround times.
  • Digital printing also offers the advantage of reduced setup costs. The tooling for these machines is simple and straightforward to design and set up.
  • UV technology is economical. This printing technology uses only the needed amount of ink. Compare this to pad printing, which uses very little ink to print, but to run a machine, a large amount of ink is required, which gets thrown out at the end of production.
  • The few amounts of ink required for printing result in reduced inventory costs. Each printing machine has a limited number of colors—CMYKW or CMYKWLcLm. Recently, we have added additional light greys, reds, and greens. However, these are fewer compared to the number of inks one needs to stock for screen printing.

All these advantages help companies reduce printing costs.

Sustainability

Sustainability is defined as the ability to create and maintain the conditions under which humans and nature can exist in productive harmony to support present and future generations. Consumers and printing businesses are becoming accustomed to this need. As a result, UV printing is an excellent choice for those who want to have their products printed and for those who are printing. UV inks have fewer VOCs compared to solvent screen and pad printing inks. Additionally, these inks use less energy to dry compared to silicone inks. These benefits are great for consumers, workers who handle these chemicals, and the environment.