UV printing: reliable for almost all materials

UV printing is an innovative printing technology that makes it possible to print color-intensive and high-resolution motifs directly onto a wide variety of materials. The process also does not require any detours via transfer films or intermediate substrates. Would you like to know how the process works, what advantages it offers and what equipment you need? Below you will find a compact overview of the functionality, requirements and possible applications of modern UV LED direct printing. UV printing will boost your business if you want to create high-quality, durable and colorful prints on almost any material.

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Curing using UV LED light

Creation of UV-DTF transfers

Production from quantity 1

Print on imitation leather, with spot varnish

Printing of effect varnish (water droplets)

What is UV printing?

With UV direct printing, the motif is printed directly onto the desired substrate, such as plastic, metal, glass, wood or acrylic. The respective surface determines whether a hard or soft ink is used.

During the printing process, the UV inks are immediately cured by UV LED light. This means: no drying, no waiting – the products are ready for further processing, dispatch or use immediately after the printing process.

Depending on the application, hard or flexible UV inks are used: hard inks with high scratch resistance are usually used for printable items or signs, while flexible inks are suitable for applications such as membrane keyboards, which do not peel off even during subsequent embossing.

In addition, inks can be applied in several layers (multilayer) to create 3D effects, haptic structures or even Braille . This versatility makes UV printing the ideal solution for creative and industrial applications.

What are the advantages of UV printing?

High flexibility

UV printing works on almost all materials – whether flat, round, glossy or matt. This allows you to expand your product range enormously: from personalized promotional items to decorative acrylic panels and technical components.

Print results ready for immediate use

Thanks to the immediate curing by UV LED light, the prints are abrasion-resistant, water-resistant and chemical-resistant immediately after the process. All possible post-processing steps are completely eliminated.

Brilliant colors and special effects

The combination of CMYK, white and varnish enables detailed motifs with bold colors, metallic or glossy effects. Whether spot varnish, textured or lenticular printing – with UV printing you can create impressive visual and tactile results.

Cost-efficient from quantity 1

No screen, no films, no set-up times: Individual items, small batches or sample productions can be realized without additional costs. The UV printing process can therefore be used for any application.

Why Print Equipment is your partner for UV printing

Print Equipment offers you everything from a single source: from modern UV printing systems to the right inks and practical advice. You can experience the devices live and test them directly in our showrooms.

Our experts will support you in the selection, installation and use of your UV printing system. With our many years of experience in UV printing, we can help you to make your production more efficient, creative and profitable.

Step 1: Create print job

With UV printing, any motif is printed directly onto the item using 6 colors (CMYK+W+varnish). Image files in common formats can be used. With the VerteLith™ RIP software, print jobs can be created and processed effortlessly, and multi-layer applications can also be implemented.

Step 2: UV printing

The motif is printed directly onto the surface of the substrate and cured directly (during the print job) using UV LED light.
UV technology also makes it possible to implement special effects such as spot varnish, decorative varnish, lenticular printing, texture or embossing effects.

Step 3: Done!

The printed object can be processed directly. If an object does not fit into the UV printer, the UV-DTF process can be used.

What do I need for UV printing?

For a professional introduction to UV direct printing, you need a UV direct printing system with modern UV LED technology. It enables precise results and is available in various sizes and designs – depending on the material and application.

Equally important are UV inks that are optimally matched to your printing system. Depending on the area of application, you can choose between hard inks for rigid materials or flexible variants for stretchable substrates.
RIP software such as VerteLith™ ensures correct color reproduction, controls special effects such as varnish or white printing and facilitates the entire workflow.

With this equipment, you are optimally prepared to produce high-quality and durable prints on a wide variety of materials.

How does UV printing work?

UV printing is a precise digital printing process in which the motif is applied directly to the material in several layers of ink and immediately cured with UV LED light. This creates a durable, color-intensive and detailed print that can be processed immediately. The entire process is efficient, clean and enables both individual items and series production in consistent quality.

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FAQ: Frequently asked questions about UV printing

Which materials can be printed with UV printing?

You can finish almost any material with UV printing – from plastic and glass to wood, metal, leather or acrylic. The only important thing is that the surface is clean and dry so that the ink adheres optimally.

How durable are UV prints?

UV prints are extremely resistant to scratches, moisture and UV radiation. They are therefore suitable for both indoor and outdoor use and retain their color intensity for many years.

Can white or transparent objects also be designed with UV printing?

Yes, white printing can also be used to create colorful motifs on dark or transparent backgrounds. This makes creative effects and high contrasts possible without any problems.

How environmentally friendly is UV printing?

UV printing is environmentally friendly as it works with energy-efficient UV LED technology. This requires no preheating time and cures the ink without applying heat to the material. In addition, neither ozone nor harmful emissions are produced.

Is UV printing also suitable for short runs?

Absolutely – UV printing is worthwhile from a quantity of 1. As no screens or printing plates are required, individual items, samples or small batches can be produced quickly and cost-effectively.

What is the difference between UV printing and UV-DTF?

With UV direct printing, the motif is applied directly to the material, whereas with UV DTF, a special film is printed and then transferred to the object. The UV-DTF process is particularly suitable for irregularly shaped surfaces or surfaces that are difficult to access.

Any questions?

Your contacts in System Sales are Bernard (team leader), Maria, Benjamin and Nico (from left to right)
The entire team is available to provide you with expert advice or a needs analysis when it comes to purchasing a new or additional printing system.
Based on your requirements (what is to be printed, how high are the order volumes, etc.), we will check with you and provide you with individual and targeted advice to find the right printing system for you.

The team colleagues are also available to make an appointment for a demo in the Ottersweier showroom if you would like to get to know the systems in live operation.

System sales
Tel. +49 7223 2815 130
E-mail: direktdruck@printequipment.de