Benefits And Uses Of UV Direct-to-object Full-color Printing
Direct-To-Object printing (or DTO printing) is a distinct form of digital print that uses ultraviolet (UV), light to cure and dry ink almost as quickly as it is applied on a substrate. Unique UV printing is possible. The substrate can include flat objects and any domed or cylindrical objects. You can use almost any metal, acrylic, plastic or glass as well as canvas and wood. As the UV ink is distributed onto the substrate, specialized ultraviolet lights within the printer are immediately applied to the material over the top of the ink, drying it and adhering it to the substrate.
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. The result is a quick-drying, long-lasting, and flawless manicure. However, eventually, the benefits of using ultraviolet light began to be recognized and started being used in industrial and commercial 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. 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.
With traditional printing, solvent inks are applied to a substrate, and heat is used to cure the View in Shop ink. Solvent-based inks can evaporate, spread out onto the surface of the substrate before they are dried, and release volatile organic compounds (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, 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. As the ink is applied to the substrate, the ultraviolet light follows closely. No matter what substrate is used, the ink will dry quickly. The ink does not evaporate because it dries quickly. Therefore, it can't spread onto the material that it is printed on.
This UV printing process and associated ink transfer are eco-friendly and quick drying. It can be used with many materials including paper, foil, acrylic and foam. There are no VOCs or ozone emissions into the atmosphere. Companies that value sustainability in their printing processes will appreciate this feature.
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. With DTO Direct-To-Object, printing in full color is applied directly to the item.
