UV Printing: A New Technology In Packaging And Printing 37901

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. It can be made of metals, acrylics, plastic, glass and canvas. 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.

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. 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. The process of UV printing is similar to that of 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. Additionally, spray powders prevent the offsetting and drying of ink, and the whole process can take several days. Due to the nature of the printing press, traditional printing can only be done on paper and other similar materials. It is not compatible with metal, plastics, glass, acrylic, or other materials.

With UV printing, specialized UV inks are used. 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. 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. The air is free from VOCs, ozone and toxic fumes. Companies that value sustainability in their printing processes will appreciate this feature.

Imagine the possibilities when you consider digitally printing directly to Go Deal Now the item instead of printing on 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.