The Emerging Technology Of UV Printing In The Packaging And Printing Industry 67514
Direct-to-Object (or DTO) printing is a unique form of digital printing. It uses ultraviolet light to dry or cure the ink almost immediately after it has been applied to a 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, plastic, glass and canvas. After the UV ink has been applied to the substrate, the special ultraviolet lights in the printer immediately apply the ink to the material, drying it, and adhering to it to the substrate.
Initially, UV printing was used to create gel nail polishes. The gel polish is then applied to the nails using a UV light. It results in a fast-drying, flawless manicure. Eventually, however, the benefits of ultraviolet light applications expanded and began being used in commercial and industrial markets. This is the basis of UV printing services, and the associated printing industry. It is now used to create flyers, leaflets, signs, screen printing, and even bottle labels, just a few examples. UV printing is not unlike traditional printing. The inks used, as well as the drying and curing process, are different. This is in addition to the distinct nature of the printing technology itself.
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. Additionally, solvent inks can absorb into the substrate and cause color fade. Additionally, spray powders prevent the offsetting and drying of ink, and the whole process can take several days. Because of the nature and limitations of traditional printing, paper and similar materials are the only options. It is not compatible with metal, Full Color UV Personalized Printed Products plastics, glass, acrylic, or other materials.
Specialized UV inks can be used for UV printing. High-intensity LED ultraviolet light is used to cure the ink onto its substrate. The ink is spread onto the substrate by the ultraviolet light. As a result, the ink dries immediately, no matter what material (or materials) are used. 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. The air is free from VOCs, ozone and toxic fumes. 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 lets you print in full-color directly to the object.
