UV Printing Is An Emerging Technology In The Packaging And Printing Industry

Direct-To-Object, or DTO printing, is a distinctive form of digital printing that involves using ultraviolet (UV) light to cure or dry the ink almost as soon as it is applied to a prepared substrate. This unique UV printing process is very special. It can be used with flat and cylindrical objects. You can use almost any metal, acrylic, plastic or glass as well as canvas and wood. The UV ink is applied onto the substrate using specialized ultraviolet lamps. Once dry, they are adhered to the substrate with adhesive.

The UV printing process was initially developed for gel nail polishes. A UV light is used after the gel polish has been applied to cure it onto the nails. This results in a flawless manicure that is quick drying, durable, and long-lasting. However, eventually, the benefits of using ultraviolet light began to be recognized and started being used in industrial and commercial markets. This forms the foundation of UV printing services and the associated printing industry. You can use it to make flyers and leaflets, screen printing, labels, and bottle labels, just to name a few. UV printing is very similar to traditional printing. The inks used, as well as the drying and curing process, are different. This is in addition the distinctive nature of printing technology.

With traditional printing, solvent inks are applied to a substrate, and heat is used to cure the ink. Solvent-based solvent inks can evaporate, spread onto the substrate and then release volatile organic compound (VOCs). The heat used to cure the solvent ink to the substrate produces an unpleasant odor. The solvent inks can also be absorbed into the substrate which can cause faded colors. Spray powders also make it difficult to dry the ink and prevent it from offsetting. This can cause the entire process to take several days. Due to the nature of the printing press, traditional printing can only be done on paper and other similar materials. It cannot be used on other materials such as metal, plastic, glass, or acrylic.

For UV printing, UV inks that are specifically designed for this purpose can be used. To cure ink onto the substrate, high-intensity LED UV lights are used instead of heat. The ink is spread onto the substrate by the ultraviolet light. No matter what substrate is used, the ink will dry quickly. Because the ink is dry almost immediately, it doesn't evaporate and cannot spread onto the printed material.

This UV printing process and associated ink transfer are Discover more eco-friendly and quick drying. It can be used with many materials including paper, foil, acrylic and foam. Additionally, no VOCs, ozone, or toxic fumes are released into the air. This feature will interest companies that prize sustainability in their printing processes.

Imagine the possibilities when you consider digitally printing directly to the item instead of printing on a sticker and then needing to place the sticker on the object. DTO Direct-To-Object lets you print in full-color directly to the object.