UV Printing: A New Technology In Packaging And Printing 79169
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. You can use flat or cylindrical substrates. 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.
Initially, the UV printing process was developed for gel nail varnishes. 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. Eventually, however, the benefits of ultraviolet light applications expanded and began being used in commercial and industrial markets. This was the beginning of UV printing and the associated printing business. 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. However, the inks used and the drying and curing processes differ. This is in addition to the distinct nature of the printing technology itself.
With traditional printing, solvent inks are applied to a substrate, and heat is used to cure the ink. 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. Additionally, spray powders prevent the offsetting and drying of ink, and the whole process can take several days. Traditional printing is generally limited to paper and similar materials due to the nature of the printing press. It cannot be used on other materials such as metal, plastic, glass, or acrylic.
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. The ink will dry immediately regardless of the substrate. Because the ink is dry almost immediately, it doesn't evaporate and cannot spread onto the printed material.
The UV printing method can be used with a variety of materials. This includes paper, foil and acrylic. Click Here Additionally, no VOCs, ozone, or toxic fumes are released into the air. This feature is a great option for companies who value 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. With DTO Direct-To-Object, printing in full color is applied directly to the item.
