UV Printing: An Emerging Technology In The Packaging And Printing Industry 33782
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. 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.
The UV printing process was initially developed for 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. It is now used to create flyers, leaflets, signs, screen printing, and even bottle labels, just a few examples. 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 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 inks can evaporate, spread out onto the surface of the substrate before they are dried, and release volatile organic compounds (VOCs). An unpleasant odor is caused by heat that cures the solvent ink. The solvent inks can also be absorbed into the substrate which can cause faded colors. Spray powders can also prevent ink from drying and offsetting, which can lead to a slow and tedious process. 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. Instead Full Color UV Corporate Printed Products of heat, high-intensity LED ultraviolet lights are used to cure 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. As a result, the ink dries immediately, no matter what material (or materials) are used. The ink does not evaporate because it dries quickly. Therefore, it can't spread onto the material that 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 will interest companies that prize 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.
