Benefits And Uses Of UV Direct-to-Object Full-color Printing

Direct-to-Object (or DTO) printing is a unique form of digital printing. It uses ultraviolet light to dry or cure the ink almost immediately after it has been applied to a substrate. This unique UV printing process is very special. The substrate can include flat objects and any domed or cylindrical objects. You can use almost any metal, acrylic, plastic or glass as well as canvas and wood. As the UV ink is distributed onto the 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, the UV printing process was developed for gel nail varnishes. After the gel polish is applied, a UV light is used to cure the polish onto the surface of the nails. This results in a flawless manicure that is quick drying, durable, and long-lasting. Eventually, however, the benefits of ultraviolet light applications expanded and began being used in commercial and industrial markets. This forms the foundation of UV printing services and the associated printing industry. It is now used to create flyers, leaflets, signs, screen printing, and even bottle labels, just a few examples. UV printing is very similar to traditional printing. However, the inks used and the drying and curing processes differ. This is due to the unique nature of the printing technology.

With traditional printing, solvent inks are applied to a substrate, and heat is used to cure the ink. Solvent-based inks can evaporate, spread out onto the surface of the substrate before they are dried, and release volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The heat used to cure the solvent ink to the substrate produces an unpleasant odor. The solvent inks can also be absorbed into the substrate which can cause faded colors. Spray powders also make it difficult to dry the ink and prevent it from offsetting. Visit the Shop 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 can't be used on metal, plastic, glass or acrylic.

Specialized UV inks can be used for UV printing. 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. No matter what substrate is used, the ink will dry quickly. Since the ink dries almost immediately, it does not evaporate, and as such, it cannot spread out onto the material it is printed on.

The UV printing method can be used with a variety of materials. This includes paper, foil and acrylic. Additionally, no VOCs, ozone, or toxic fumes are released into the air. Companies that value sustainability in their printing processes will appreciate this feature.

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.