The Emerging Technology Of UV Printing 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. The UV printing process is unique. The substrate can include flat objects and any domed or cylindrical objects. It can be made of metals, acrylics, 4shared.com/s/fK109_wyRku plastic, glass and canvas. 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. It results in a fast-drying, flawless manicure. The benefits of UV light applications began to expand and were now used in the commercial and industrial markets. This was the beginning of UV printing and the associated printing business. It is now used to create flyers, leaflets, signs, screen printing, and even bottle labels, just a few examples. The process of UV printing is similar to that of traditional printing. But the inks used as well the drying and curing methods are different. This is in addition the distinctive nature of printing technology.

Traditional printing uses solvent inks that are applied to a substrate and heated to cure it. 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. 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. Traditional printing is generally limited to paper and similar materials due to the nature of the printing press. It can't be used on 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 ultraviolet light follows closely behind the ink as it is distributed onto the substrate. The ink will dry immediately regardless of the substrate. The ink does not evaporate because it dries quickly. Therefore, it can't spread onto the material that it is printed on.

The UV printing method can be used with a variety of materials. This includes paper, foil and acrylic. 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.