The Emerging Technology Of UV Printing Within The Packaging And Printing Industry
Direct-To-Object, or DTO printing, is a distinctive form of digital printing that involves using ultraviolet (UV) light to cure or dry the ink almost as soon as it is applied to a prepared 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. The UV ink is applied onto the substrate using specialized ultraviolet lamps. Once dry, they are adhered to the substrate with adhesive.
Initially, UV printing was used to create 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. 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 Hop over to this website 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 due to the unique nature of the printing technology.
Traditional printing uses solvent inks that are applied to a substrate and heated to cure it. 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. 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.
With UV printing, specialized UV inks are used. Instead 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. 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.
The UV printing method can be used with a variety of materials. This includes paper, foil and acrylic. There are no VOCs or ozone emissions into the atmosphere. This feature will interest companies that prize sustainability in their printing processes.
Imagine all the possibilities when digitally printing is possible on an item. Instead of using a sticker to attach to the object, you can imagine the possibilities. DTO Direct-To-Object allows you to print in full color directly on the item.
