The most complete introduction to UV printing｜5 characteristics of UV processing

Don’t you still understand what UV printing is? How is it different from ordinary printing? What are its application scenarios?hkdesignpro.comWe have compiled all the information about UV printing for you, I hope it can be helpful for your design reference.

1. What is UV printing?

UV printingIt is a type of digital printing. The printing process is controlled by a computer. It does not require separate plate opening like traditional screen printing, which greatly reduces the time and process of plate opening. At the same time, small batch production and customization are also possible. The ink drying method uses ultraviolet (UV) light to cure the ink, so when the ink is printed on the material, the ultraviolet rays will cause the UV special ink to dry quickly. The drying can be completed in about one second, so now UV printing has the highest printing speed in the market. It’s faster and a more environmentally friendly printing method!

2. What are the advantages of UV printing?

1. Fast drying speed and high production efficiency

One of the most obvious benefits of UV printing is that it dries very quickly. Because UV ink contains special reactive reagents, it dries quickly under ultraviolet irradiation and can solidify in about one second. Thanks to this, it dries instantly, almost simultaneously with printing, reducing waiting time and increasing work efficiency. At the same time, UV printing consumes much less ink than traditional printing, making it more cost-effective. In addition, UV printing is a computer-based digital printing method that does not require manual plate opening, greatly reduces production time, increases printing production volume, and improves printing quality.

2.More choices for printing materials

UV printing covers a wide range of materials. UV printing can leave very bright traces on many materials that cannot be printed by ordinary printing. For example, smooth glass acrylic plates or PC film PE plates, or rough things like foam boards, or some metal materials, such as iron plates, stainless steel plates, or even cloth and leather can be printed with UV Leaves very bright traces. Therefore, almost everything that can be placed in a UV printing machine can be printed with UV. Due to this convenience, its printing range is very wide.

3. Bright colors and high saturation

Another major feature of UV printing is that the colors are more vivid and the saturation is higher than traditional printing.cmykOn the basis of the four colors, an additional white color can be printed. Therefore, UV printing can not only improve the color gamut, but also improve the saturation. And it can also adjust the color level you want to present, which is an effect that traditional printing cannot achieve. In addition, UV printing can present a metallic luster that traditional printing cannot. As long as special inks are used together, the gloss or metallic color can be fully displayed.

4. Waterproof, scratch-proof and UV-proof

Compared with traditional printing modes, UV printing is more wear-resistant and scratch-resistant because it can be applied to the surface of objects. And compared with traditional printing that will fade after being exposed to ultraviolet rays for too long, UV printing can maintain color stability under ultraviolet irradiation. In addition, UV printing ink is also waterproof. Its ink can print a concave and convex effect like a three-dimensional relief, and can produce many different artistic effects through multiple superpositions. Therefore, it has a wider range of uses, and many underwater equipment and art products also use UV printing. UV printing is highly variable and can add more added value to products.

3. Application market of UV printing

From the printing process point of view, UV ink has a relatively high adhesion rate, can quickly form a film on any smooth or rough surface, has strong scratch and abrasion resistance, and has better tolerance to acidic materials. . Influence. For this reason, although the price of UV printing will be much more expensive than ordinary printing, the market acceptance group is still very wide. The main uses are as follows.

1. Printing on non-absorbent materials

Such materials mainly include polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP) and non-absorbent special materials. Because the surface of these materials is not easy for ink to adhere to, ordinary printing requires a very long drying time, and usually requires the use of powder spraying and metering devices as auxiliary tools, or doping other volumes in the ink, but this will cause Printed colors may change or increase costs. UV ink has no such trouble at all.

2. Printing on metal materials

By the same principle, it is very difficult to print on the surface of metal materials with smooth surfaces and high density. However, UV printing can not only easily adhere to the metal surface, but also prevent scratches, showing a better stabilizing effect. Such processing characteristics also improve the appearance appreciation of the product.

3. Commercial paper printing

Commercial bills usually require special inks to meet standards when printing, such as carbonless copy paper, thermal paper, magnetic ink, anti-counterfeiting ink, etc. In addition, commercial paper also needs to meet conditions such as resistance to discoloration and high temperature resistance, and its stability is more stringent, so it is best to use UV ink or UV varnish. In addition, since bill printing requires relatively high printing efficiency and the lowest possible cost, considering these two points, UV inkjet printing also has more advantages.

4. The difference between UV printing and traditional printing

5. Problems faced by UV printing

Although UV printing has many advantages, it is not a perfect printing method everywhere.hkdesignpro.comSeveral problems and disadvantages of UV printing are listed. Please consider them rationally when choosing materials.

1.The price of UV printing ink

Although UI printing has many advantages, it is relatively more expensive. In addition, UV printing must use special UV blankets and UV ink sticks, which is also an important reason for increased costs.

2.Adhesion of UV printing ink

During the curing process of UV ink, some internal components will change, and the accumulation of this substance will affect the adhesion of the ink. Rapidly changing printing technology has not solved this problem. The current solution is to look for new materials that can perfectly solve these defects, just like looking for inks with new ingredients.

3. Suitable fountain solution for UV printing ink

UV ink must be matched with a specific fountain solution to achieve its maximum function. This has also led to the combined sales of ink and other materials, an increase in consumables, and a small application range of these supporting materials, thus increasing costs.

In recent years, as customers have become increasingly demanding color quality, this has led to breakthroughs in materials and printing technology. The advantages of UV printing such as bright colors, stability and durability are becoming more and more well-known. Many advertisements we see every day, such as buses, subway lights or window stickers, use UV technology. Although UV printing still has many problems. However, as related technologies continue to mature and application fields continue to expand, new technological breakthroughs will surely be achieved in the future to facilitate better development.

6. Frequently Asked Questions