The Emerging Technology Of UV Printing For 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. Unique UV printing is possible. You can use flat or cylindrical substrates. This can consist of almost all metals, acrylic, plastic, glass, canvas, and even wood. The UV ink is applied onto the substrate using specialized ultraviolet lamps. Once dry, they are adhered to the substrate with adhesive.

Initially, UV printing was used to create gel nail polishes. After the gel polish is applied, a UV light is used to cure the polish onto the surface of the nails. This results in a flawless manicure that is quick drying, durable, and long-lasting. The benefits of UV light applications began to expand and were now used in the commercial and industrial markets. This is the basis 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 not unlike traditional printing. However, the inks used and the drying and curing processes differ. This is due to the unique nature of the 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. Furthermore, the solvent inks are absorbed into the substrate, which can result in faded colors. Additionally, spray powders prevent the offsetting and drying of ink, and the whole process can take several days. Traditional printing is generally limited to paper and similar materials due to the nature of the printing press. It is not compatible with metal, plastics, glass, acrylic, or other materials.

For UV printing, UV inks that are specifically designed for this purpose can be used. Instead of heat, high-intensity LED ultraviolet lights are used to cure Full Color UV Personalized Printed Products the ink onto the medium that it is printed on. The ultraviolet light follows closely behind the ink as it is distributed onto the substrate. No matter what substrate is used, the ink will dry quickly. Since the ink dries almost immediately, it does not evaporate, and as such, it cannot spread out onto the material it is printed on.

In addition to the quick-drying capabilities and the eco-friendliness of UV printing, this ultraviolet printing method and the associated form of ink transfer can also be used with various materials, including paper, plastic, foil, acrylic, foam, etc. Additionally, no VOCs, ozone, or toxic fumes are released into the air. This feature is a great option for companies who value sustainability in their printing processes.

Imagine all the possibilities that digitally printing directly onto the item can bring. DTO Direct-To-Object allows you to print in full color directly on the item.