UV Printing Is An Emerging Technology In The Packaging And Printing Industry 88909

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. This unique UV printing process is very special. 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. The UV ink is applied onto the substrate using specialized ultraviolet lamps. Once dry, they are adhered to the substrate with adhesive.

Initially, the UV printing process was developed for gel nail varnishes. After the gel polish is applied, a UV light is used to cure the polish onto the surface of the nails. The result is a quick-drying, long-lasting, and flawless manicure. The benefits of UV light applications began to expand and were now used in the commercial and industrial markets. This forms the foundation of UV printing services and the associated printing industry. This technology is used to produce flyers, leaflets and screen printing. UV printing is very similar to traditional printing. The inks used, as well as the drying and curing process, are different. 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 inks may evaporate and spread onto the substrate's surface before drying. This can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The heat used to cure the solvent ink to the substrate produces an unpleasant odor. 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 https://www.ted.com/profiles/41698465 can lead to a slow and tedious process. Because of the nature and limitations of traditional printing, paper and similar materials are the only options. 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 ink is spread onto the substrate by the ultraviolet light. The ink will dry immediately regardless of the substrate. Since the ink dries almost immediately, it does not evaporate, and as such, it cannot spread out onto the material 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.