The Emerging Technology Of UV Printing In The Packaging And Printing Industry 34641
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. You can use flat or cylindrical substrates. You can use almost any metal, acrylic, plastic or glass as well as canvas and wood. 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, 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. 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. 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 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 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. The solvent inks can also be absorbed into the substrate which can cause faded colors. Spray powders also make it difficult to dry the ink and prevent it from offsetting. This can cause the entire process to 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. 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. 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. 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 the possibilities when you consider digitally printing directly to the item instead of printing on Take a look at the site here a sticker and then needing to place the sticker on the object. DTO Direct-To-Object lets you print in full-color directly to the object.
