The Emerging Technology Of UV Printing Within The Packaging And Printing Industry
Direct-To-Object printing (or DTO printing) is a distinct form 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. This can consist of almost all metals, acrylic, plastic, glass, canvas, and even wood. As the UV ink is distributed onto the Go Deal Now 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.
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. 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 is the basis of UV printing services, and the associated printing industry. This technology is used to produce flyers, leaflets and screen printing. 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.
Traditional printing involves the application of solvent inks to a substrate. Heat is used to cure them. 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. Additionally, solvent inks can absorb into the substrate and cause color fade. Spray powders can also prevent ink from drying and offsetting, which can lead to a slow and tedious process. Due to the nature of the printing press, traditional printing can only be done on paper and other similar materials. It cannot be used on other materials such as metal, plastic, glass, or acrylic.
For UV printing, UV inks that are specifically designed for this purpose can be used. To cure ink onto the substrate, high-intensity LED UV lights are used instead of heat. As the ink is applied to the substrate, the ultraviolet light follows closely. No matter what substrate is used, the ink will dry quickly. The ink does not evaporate because it dries quickly. Therefore, it can't spread onto the material that it is printed on.
In addition to the quick-drying capabilities and the eco-friendliness of UV printing, this ultraviolet printing method and the associated form of ink transfer can also be used with various materials, including paper, plastic, foil, acrylic, foam, etc. The air is free from VOCs, ozone and toxic fumes. This feature will interest companies that prize sustainability in their printing processes.
Imagine the possibilities when you consider digitally printing directly to the item instead of printing on a sticker and then needing to place the sticker on the object. With DTO Direct-To-Object, printing in full color is applied directly to the item.
