What is UV Printing?
UV printing is a unique kind of digital printing that uses ultraviolet (UV) light to dry or cure the ink, adhesives, or coatings practically as soon as they strike the paper, aluminum, foam board, or acrylic - as long as it fits in the printer, the process may be used to print on virtually anything.
UV curing, or photochemical drying, was initially developed to dry gel polishes used during manicures rapidly. Still, it has lately been adopted by the printing industry, which uses it to print everything from signage and brochures to beer bottles.
The only differences from conventional printing are the inks used, the drying process, and the improved results.
Traditional printing utilizes solvent inks, which can evaporate and create toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The process also generates heat and an associated odor, which are both utilized.
In addition, different spray powders are required to assist with the ink offsetting process and drying, which might take several days.
As a result of the inks being absorbed by the printing media, the colors may appear washed out and faded. Printing is mostly limited to paper and card stock; therefore, it cannot be used on plastic, glass, metal, foil, or acrylic, as UV printing may.
In UV printing, mercury/quartz or LED lamps are used for curing instead of heat; the specifically designed high-intensity UV light closely follows the distribution of the particular ink on the printing medium, drying it as shortly as it is applied.
Because the ink changes from a solid or paste to a liquid practically instantaneously, there is little chance for it to evaporate; therefore, no volatile organic compounds, harmful gases, or ozone are emitted, making the technology environmentally friendly with a nearly zero carbon footprint.
The ink, glue, or coating contains a combination of liquid monomers, oligomers — polymers with a small number of repeating units -and photoinitiators.
During the curing process, high-intensity ultraviolet light with a wavelength between 200 and 400 nm is absorbed by the photoinitiator, which then undergoes a chemical reaction - chemical cross-linking - that enables the ink coating or glue to solidify quickly.
It is easy to understand why UV printing has surpassed previous thermal drying techniques based on water and solvents and why it is likely to continue expanding in popularity.
The process accelerates production, meaning more is accomplished in less time and reduces rejection rates as the quality increases.
As there are no wet droplets of ink, there is no rubbing off or smudging, and the drying is practically instantaneous; thus, there is no evaporation and no loss of coating thickness or volume.
Because there is no absorption on the printing medium, finer details are feasible, and colors are sharper and more vibrant: choosing UV printing over conventional printing could be the difference between making a premium product and one that feels considerably less good.
Additionally, the inks have increased physical qualities, gloss finish, scratch, chemical, solvent, and hardness resistance, elasticity, and the final product's strength has been enhanced.
Additionally, they are more durable, weather-resistant, and fade-resistant, making them perfect for outdoor signage. Additionally, the method is more cost-effective; more products may be produced in less time, with higher quality and fewer rejects.
The absence of volatile organic compounds almost signifies less environmental impact, and the method is more sustainable.
Reasons to Choose UV Printing
When Sustainable impact is a cause of worry
Because evaporation is reduced, there are fewer volatile organic compound emissions than in other inks. UV printing cures the ink using a photomechanical process as opposed to evaporation.
When it's a rush job
Since there is no evaporation process, UV inks do not require the same time to dry. This might save time and expedite the introduction of your products to the market.
When a particular look is required
UV Printing is ideal for projects that require one of two appearances:
- A crisp, sharp appearance on uncoated paper, or
- A satin finish on coated paper
- This does not imply that different looks cannot be achieved. Consult with your printing representative to determine whether UV printing is appropriate for your project.
When Ink smudges OR Abrasive wear is a cause of worry
UV printing dries instantly to ensure that the work will not be smudged, regardless of how quickly you require the piece, and a UV coating can be applied to avoid abrasions.
When Printing On Plastic SUBSTRATES
UV makes it feasible to print on materials that would not work with conventional inks because the ink solvent doesn't have to absorb into the paper.
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