UV Printing: A New Technology In Packaging And Printing

Direct-To-Object printing (or DTO printing) is a distinct form Full Color UV Printed Advertising 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. It can be made of metals, acrylics, plastic, glass and canvas. 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.

The UV printing process was initially developed for gel nail polishes. A UV light is used after the gel polish has been applied to cure it onto the nails. It results in a fast-drying, flawless manicure. The benefits of UV light applications began to expand and were now used in the 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. UV printing is very similar to traditional printing. But the inks used as well the drying and curing methods are different. This is in addition the distinctive nature of 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). An unpleasant odor is caused by heat that cures the solvent ink. Additionally, solvent inks can absorb into the substrate and cause color fade. 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. Traditional printing is generally limited to paper and similar materials due to the nature of the printing press. It is not compatible with metal, plastics, glass, acrylic, or other materials.

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. As the ink is applied to the substrate, the ultraviolet light follows closely. 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.

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. This feature is a great option for companies who value sustainability in their printing processes.

Imagine all the possibilities that digitally printing directly onto the item can bring. DTO Direct-To-Object allows you to print in full color directly on the item.