This guide offers answers to all the questions you may be pondering regarding UV printers. These questions enable you to understand the printing devices better, enabling you to grow in expertise in the UV printer industry.
UV Printer By Yosun
What is a UV Printer?
A UV printer is a device used for commercial printing that utilizes ultraviolet (UV) curing technology. UV printing uses special inks formulated to dry fast when exposed to UV light. Therefore, the integrated UV lamps quickly cure the ink drops as soon as the machine lays them on a surface, leaving you with a completely dry sheet and a clear image.
You can also use the UV printer on different materials such as paper and non-paper substrates, including metal and glass, to suit various industries’ requirements. With UV-cured ink, you can enjoy quality images for a long time without scuffs, scratches, or ink transfer during transportation and handling. Additionally, you do not have to deal with fading issues, since the ink is resistant to fading, even when exposed to sunlight.
A UV printer features an environmentally friendly design and components, making it safe to use without endangering yourself or the environment. For instance, the solvent-free UV inks mean you can conveniently boost your printing techniques without concerns about releasing harmful substances into the surrounding air (1).
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How Many Types of UV Printers are there?
UV printers come in various shapes and sizes that enable you to choose your preferred design from a wide selection. These machines integrate high-quality systems and functions that make each model suitable for different purposes. You can typically find several UV printer types commonly categorized into six primary models, including:
1. Flatbed UV Printer
The flatbed UV printer is ideal for printing on flat surfaces such as papers, cards, envelopes, plaques, and nameplates. You can also place flexible materials like cloth or canvas on these devices to enhance convenience when dealing with a dynamic market.
Notably, you can find some flatbed UV printing devices with a sizeable platform, enabling you to place cylindrical objects that fit within the provided maximum surface range.
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2. Roll to roll UV printer
The roll-to-roll UV printer incorporates wide-sized rollers with advanced technology to print on your surfaces without forming smudges or footprints. This printer features an ergonomic construction specifically tailored to suit flexible surfaces such as fabric, soft ceiling film, canvas, car stickers, and sizeable paper sheets. It also has adjustable tension that lets you modify the settings easily to maintain your preferred operation level.
3. Rotary UV Printer
A rotary UV printer allows you to work directly on cylindrical shapes such as glassware, drinkware, candles, or plastic tubing. In addition, it supports printing on tapered objects to help you handle various tasks in a busy industry. You can rely on the 360-degree full coverage to create wrapped images in full color on almost all curved objects.
4. Glass-Printing Device
This UV printer type lets you print on glass surfaces such as plaques, awards, and signage to create a stylish and neat look. The integrated intelligent control system delivers high-precision printing to eliminate smudges and scratches on the glass material. Using the machine’s state-of-the-art technology, you can achieve a colorful finish in color, white, and brilliant varnish on various glass products.
5. UV Digital Printer
The UV digital printer comes in different sizes, including industrial-size and tabletop models to suit your needs when working in a factory or a small office. It features printing techniques such as automatic feathering and a jump printing function that facilitates stability and accuracy. You can also enjoy printing for extended periods, since stable performance can support working continuously for 24 hours.
6. Direct to Substrate UV Printer
A direct to substrate UV printer offers a dynamic operation that lets you print on various materials, including metal, glass, paper, and plastic. This versatility helps you improve budget management, since you do not have to spend extra funds on buying a different machine specifically constructed for each material type.
The device produces high-resolution images that make it suitable when reproducing fine art and photographic work. You can also utilize it to create signage for hoardings, interior and exterior displays, event signage, and architectural and transportation projects.
Which are the Main Components of UV Printer?
Although the UV printer has multiple parts that facilitate smooth and efficient performance, the machine has some primary components you should know. These include:
It represents longevity and can influence substrates’ bearing weight to some extent. Most devices feature all-steel frame constructions that deliver stable and reliable table absorbing holes, enabling you to place heavy substrates without random movements. It also includes a control panel that you can easily access in many models, enabling you to maneuver different settings for your preferred performance.
· Print Heads
Print heads are some of the most critical components of a UV printer because they directly determine the image quality you get. These heads integrate numerous tiny nozzles that systematically drop ink to form your desired image. However, poor maintenance can lead to dust clogging these nozzles, compromising ink ejection.
· Motors
The motor type allows you to facilitate efficiency and stability when operating the machine. Motors power the belt to transport the carriage moving from one section to the other during printing. Many UV printers incorporate a premium servo motor and a rack and pinion drive system for precise movement and printing.
· Sensors
Manufacturers integrate various sensor types into the UV printer to detect and control its operating status. You can find the sensors at different machine points with a specific function, such as the first position sensor of carriage, ink cartridge sensor, height sensor, and so forth. For instance, the height sensor automatically measures the medium thickness and modifies the head gap. It also prevents the print head from colliding with the substrate.
· Curing System
The curing system is the component that distinguishes a UV printer from a traditional printing device. It features UV LED lamps that instantly cure the ink drops, ensuring you get a sheet with a completely dry image. This system also produces less heat on the media surfaces, making it more comfortable to print on heat-sensitive substrates like thin PVC films.
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Why UV Printer Is Expensive?
Which are the Types of Technologies for UV Printer?
A UV printer typically uses premium UV ink with very flexible properties to ensure you can achieve quality images without concerns about the results cracking or flaking, even when working on vinyl applications.
The state-of-the-art technology incorporated into the machine enables it to facilitate quality ink placement and drying for high-resolution and smudge-free results. You can find two main technologies in a UV printer that simultaneously run to deliver satisfactory and consistent outcomes.
1. Inkjet Technology
The inkjet technology applies a 2D digital image to a 3D object using a UV digital printing process. A UV printer uses a built-in ink-delivery system called a print head to propel tiny ink droplets onto a surface. You begin by digitally sending an image to the printer via a computer before the technology creates an exact digital image representation. The ink delivery system sends signals to every color during this process to activate and lay down the ink droplets in a specific order.
Print heads come in various designs that make them compatible with different materials, such as metal, glass, acrylic, canvas, and other substrates. The unique construction increases convenience for users in different industries because you can conveniently pick a UV printer that best fits your printing needs.
Besides these, the inkjet technology supports two types of printing systems, which you can select according to your preferences:
Single-Pass System
The single-pass system is where the inkjet printing distinguishes an image format in one flow. As such, the print heads’ resolution restricts the print’s quality, minimizing overall flexibility and clarity. Even so, the single-step process results in higher printing speeds to facilitate efficiency and productivity.
Multi-Pass System
In this system, the technology distinguishes the image format in multiple flows. The print heads do not restrict the print quality, meaning you can obtain higher image quality. Nevertheless, you can expect a reduction in productivity with extra time spent on improving clarity and image resolution.
2. LED Technology
LED technology utilizes UV curing to dry inks efficiently because curing the UV ink completely and consistently enables you to enjoy quality outcomes with an improved surface appeal.
The UV printer integrates ergonomic LED lamps into its structure that immediately follow the print heads when placing the ink drops on a surface. After this, the photochemical drying process occurs, where the high-intensity UV light instantly hardens the ink drops. This process leads to the ink instantly curing, delivering a completely dry sheet as it exits your machine.
UV LED printing offers several benefits that you might not readily get from traditional printing methods. These include:
Durability
You can rely on the LED bulbs for a long time without damage since the lamps can last up to 10,000 hours. The durability aids in saving extra expenses that you would otherwise frequently spend on replacement batteries and bulbs. These LED components also produce a consistent output throughout their service life, enabling you to avoid consumable lamp costs and common issues from lamp change downtime.
A Wider Scope of Printing Applications
LED lamps generate minimal heat output that makes them cool to the touch, allowing you to use the machines for a wider scope of print applications. You can work on heat-sensitive substrates without panicking about accidental damage, including self-adhesive sheets, thin slides, and stretched PVC materials. Aside from this, you can achieve precise and stable calibration due to limited heat generation.
Environmentally Friendly
You can safely utilize UV LED printers without concerns about damaging the environment since LEDs do not generate ozone gas. The absence of this gas also means you do not need additional installation at your workstation because it usually needs extraction by ventilation. Besides, UV LED lamps do not feature mercury, eliminating the need for mercury disposal and associated expenses (2).
Lower Energy Consumption
LED lamps generate minimal heat compared to other solutions such as mercury bulb lamps. The reduced energy consumption results in considerable power savings and an increased Return of Investment (ROI) in the long term.
Efficient Operation
You can comfortably turn on or off the LED lamps without dealing with any intensity degradation. Thus, you do not have to encounter any delays or lamp warm-up time for shutter motion.
This smooth operation enhances efficiency, leading to higher productivity, since the operators do not have to wait to commence work. The UV printer’s efficient operation is ideal for individual and business utility, enabling you to print several items shortly to meet various market demands.
How Does UV Assembly Look Like?
Knowing the machine’s assembly can help you better understand and operate the printer (3). Here are some images of a UV printer, showing its assembly with its front and back details:
How Do You Clean UV Printer?
Most UV printers have a quality cleaning function integrated into their systems that automatically sprays and flashes the print heads. This function helps prevent ink from building up on the head, enabling you to avoid clogs and the resulting time-consuming clean-ups. Besides this, you can also adjust the flash spraying feature to your preferred setting for regular cleaning and prolonging the print head’s service life.
Despite the integrated automatic spraying function, you still need to clean your UV printer to facilitate efficiency and convenience with high-quality performance. You can clean the print heads by first wiping the underside of the print car using polyester swabs, wipes, and a prescribed cleaning solution.
After this, you can work on the print heads next, with the cleaning order helping you avoid dragging any debris from the carriage onto the heads. It is vital to utilize clean wipes when handling the heads and liberally wet the fabric with the cleaning solution before you start wiping. You also want to remove any ink cured on the print head surface since leaving it leads to eventual buildup and blockages.
You can target the wiper and capping station after completing the initial print head section. These two components should remain clean since the capping station seals the print head from the external environment. Likewise, the wiper touches the head during the cleaning procedure throughout the day, and thus it is advisable to clean and replace it as recommended by the manufacturer.
In addition, it is best to get polyester cleanroom-certified swabs and towels to lean the machine to remove dust and lint that otherwise can interfere with component performance. Dust can also easily fly during the printing process and cause smudges or compromise the resulting image clarity.
Notably, when your UV printer features a printable primer that jets out of one of its channels, you need to find different cleaning solutions designed to target the primer for satisfactory results (4).
What Should You Consider When Choosing UV Printer Model?
You may find it challenging to identify your preferred UV printer with a market full of various printing devices. An excellent buying guide can help you make appropriate shopping decisions by showing you the elements to look at before selecting a UV printer model (5). Using the information below, you can know the key factors to examine to ensure you obtain the perfect fit for your needs.
1. Purpose
One of the first things you need to think about when choosing a UV printer model is the reason for the purchase. You may have multiple reasons for exploring different printer options, including looking for a new start or searching for a machine to add to your current operation. If you want a UV printer model to add to your ongoing production line, you want to get a machine that complements the models and brands you already have.
If you desire a replacement for an older model, consider whether you want to try a new brand or stick with the same one. When thinking of switching to a new brand, answering some questions can help you determine if your move is right. The questions may include, “How long have you used the machine? If the utility period, why do you need a replacement? Has the current brand been reliable?”
Notably, before choosing a new UV printer model, you need to consider the software programs that each machine requires. This consideration is critical since using multiple models and brands may cause the software programs to affect your workflow. Understanding your current printer’s capabilities against the capabilities of the UV printer you seek to buy ensures you can obtain the most for your money.
When you want to purchase a UV printer as a first-time buyer, it is important to find a reliable distributor with a solid knowledge of the models you seek. A distributor can guide you to make the appropriate decision and choice for your current business requirements. You might also avoid considerable loss via the professional guide since he or she can offer more options should your needs change in the future.
2. Price
UV printers are generally expensive, with some machines reaching up to $85,000. Thus, you want to verify your budget plans to ensure you can afford the printing device, inks, and other required accessories. The market features various UV printers with different requirements, meaning you have to research the models thoroughly to identify your printing machine. For instance, you can get UV printers that utilize bags or cartridges, while others need bulk inks.
When using the models with bags, you first need to determine the cartridge or bag prices. Normally, you can calculate the liter cost of UV inks in cartridges or bags by dividing the cartridge price by the millimeter count before multiplying the result by 1000. UV ink prices vary widely per liter, going as high as $700 per liter in some cases.
This price determines your costs per print, which increases depending on how much ink you spend each month. It is advisable to consider the UV printer’s initial price and other associated costs to ensure you can smoothly run and manage the machine without falling into debt or stopping operations midway.
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3. Measurement
The machine’s dimensions are another factor to examine since it determines whether you can fit it in your workstation. A general rule you can follow us the larger the print area, the bigger the printer.
You can find some UV printing models in a compact shape, offering tabletop sizes to suit your needs when working in a small office space or at home. Additionally, the larger UV printers come in industrial-size construction to meet your demands when working in a factory or bigger production company.
Aside from these points, you also need to think of the printing area’s dimensions to know the print size you will get. It is best to begin by considering the maximum single image you intend to print and the logical multiples of that image.
A sizeable UV printer’s platform can hold multiple products simultaneously, allowing you to enjoy efficiency and increased productivity. Although having a larger print field may mean reduced user interface time with the machine, you can spend more time printing and getting more money in your pocket.
Furthermore, you can consider the depth or height of the products you intend to print before choosing a UV printer. Most items typically require a support mechanism such as a jig to keep them in place for accurate and mess-free printing.
Generally, the more depth you have, the better it is when working on prefabricated products. If you print on objects like golf balls, you might have to add an extra .5-1.0 inches to the height required. The print height can usually range between 1.8 inches to nearly a foot, with the standard level approximately 5-6 inches.
Getting a UV printer that can print taller objects can help you increase business opportunities by opening up markets that typical printers cannot access. In all, it is essential to understand the measurements of the UV printer and its components to pick a model that matches your business size and production needs.
4. Design
You can get UV printers in different shapes, sizes, and colors to ensure you can pick a style that best satisfies your preferences. For instance, you can get some models in bright shades such as green or yellow. These color options enable you to add a unique yet fun look to your workstation, showing off your personality and style. Nevertheless, most printers come in grey steel, enhancing convenience for different buyers not keen on color.
Besides this, before selecting a UV printer, consider the material used to make it. The machines feature high-quality materials that deliver durability and sturdiness to ensure you can confidently rely on your printer for a long time without damage. Longevity also aids in minimizing long-term expenses, since you do not have to spend on frequent replacements or repairs.
In addition, the materials used may affect your maintenance quality because some components are easier to clean. For instance, you can efficiently clean a UV printer constructed with stainless steel without worries about rust or wear damage.
5. Printing Quality
The printing quality is an essential point to consider before picking a UV printer. Different printers are more compatible with certain materials. Thus, you want to look at the materials you will primarily handle to find the most suitable machine, including acrylic, backlit signage, or fabric. Although most UV printers are adjustable to support various materials, finding a printing device made specifically for your preferred substrates enables you to obtain the highest quality results.
6. Credibility and After-Sale Service
Purchasing a UV printer is an investment, meaning it is never a one-time engagement. Therefore, research the service providers to ensure they are available throughout the machine utility. You can establish a long-run partnership and credibility with a quality provider that provides reliable assistance during installation stages, operation, and training initiatives. Moreover, verify the long-term services given by the provider to ensure you can receive timely after-sale services.
7. Environmental Conditions
A UV printer requires a dust-free working space to ascertain that the nozzle heads do not have clogs. You must keenly maintain dust-free print heads when storing the machine in an open environment. Dust particles can easily enter the heads’ nozzles and interrupt the ink flow, resulting in poor graphic quality and time-consuming cleaning to remove blockages. Furthermore, it is advisable to put carpeting or antistatic flooring before purchasing a UV printer. The static electricity on the bare ground can easily destroy the printing device’s print heads and electronics.
What is the Consideration in Designing UV Printer Production System?
Designing a UV printer production system requires you to consider several aspects of your work to ensure satisfactory results. Here are some of the vital considerations you should have when designing this machine’s production system:
1. Space
It is essential to calculate your available space in your working area to ensure the machine can comfortably fit. You want to leave room for maneuverability, and thus carefully find a spacious section at home or in your company to meet these requirements. If you choose a tabletop model, you want to get a spacious desk that can support the machine without creating clutter with other accessories.
2. Productivity
Some UV printers have high sealing capabilities, enabling you to produce several cans at a time, ranging from 10 sets to 1,200 cans. The more production you need, the more setup space you require to facilitate the smooth movement of the cans from beginning to packaging. You may also require a storage area close to the machine production system to make navigation easier for workers.
3. Color Requirements
It is necessary to consider the ink colors required to run your preferred printing style. This consideration means you determine if your system needs single colors Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (CMYK) or if you also require clear and white ink. Your color needs are vital since research shows that using the CMYK model also minimizes overall ink loss (6).
4. Printing Speed
You can find print heads from various brands in various UV printers in the market. Many manufacturers commonly utilize Epson head machines that incorporate two print heads, meaning the device may be cheap but slow. You can find some with three heads to deliver three times the printing speed to boost productivity. Certain UV printers have multiple print heads, ranging from four to ten, to deliver the shortest printing times, making them some of the more expensive options on offer.
What are the Effects of Eco-UV Ink When Using UV Printer?
The Eco-UV ink does not contain volatile organic compounds (VOC), making it safer and healthier to handle. You can also work for long periods without concerns about exposure to harmful substances typically linked with printing and meet your production targets (7). Aside from this, you do not have to purchase extra tools and equipment to deal with evaporating substances, helping keep the environment cleaner and safer.
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What Should You Consider in Sizing UV Printers?
It is necessary to examine several factors when sizing a UV printer. Below are some of the key aspects to consider when sizing your UV printer:
· Printing Products
The products you intend to print on are key determiners when looking at the size of UV printers to buy. Do you want to work on one item at a time or produce batches? Are the objects compact or have variable heights? The answers to such questions let you find a device with the platform size and adjustment capabilities to meet your needs. Besides, some printers have larger production capacities that let you deliver quality images in batches, making them ideal for bigger businesses.
· Print Head Size
The UV printers feature different print head types and sizes that determine the image quality you achieve. In addition, some machines have multiple print heads functioning simultaneously to increase efficiency. Choosing different head sizes allows you to create variable inkdot printing for reliable and clear outcomes.
· Operating Power
You can find various UV printers designed with different power capabilities, ranging between 220 and 380 volts. The varying voltages allow you to pick a machine that compliments your home or company’s power system to prevent short circuits and overload issues.
What is a Self-Developed Motherboard?
A self-developed motherboard is a high-quality component of a UV printer designed to facilitate high performance. This feature incorporates unique functions, such as an automatic jump printing function that helps save time.
It also incorporates an automatic picture feathering function that produces high-definition images without creating a brushed look. The motherboard enhances stability and enables you to work non-stop for 24 hours, making the UV printer perfect for mass production.
How Do UV Printers Compare to Sublimation Printers?
UV printers use digital inkjet printing technology similar to sublimation, but the two have certain primary differences (8). Sublimation printers support a single-layer printing process, whereas a UV printer can perform single-layer or simultaneous multi-layer processes.
This ability enables you to utilize the UV printing device to create unique outcomes, such as 3D effects and raised images. The UV-LED curing system also means you can enjoy faster operating speeds with a UV printer since the LED lamps dry the printed ink drops instantly.
Aside from these, you can find it challenging to work on such substrates when using a sublimation printer. In contrast, a UV printer uses CMYK ink with clear and white inks to make printing on a dark or clear background more comfortable. When printing on a dark or clear surface, you can use white ink to create a base coat beneath the color graphic. In addition, you can utilize the clear ink component to form a clear coat over your image and generate a glossy look with enhanced durability.
Although you can use both machines without color limitations, a sublimation printer can only function on 100-percent polyester materials. You can also utilize the machine on hard objects such as mugs coated with a clear and long-lasting polyester layer. Conversely, a UV printer allows you to print on almost any material without primer or coating.
Why Should You Maintain UV Printer?
As with every machine, regular maintenance is necessary to ensure your UV printer continuously functions well (9). If you have a car and do not take it to regular servicing, you can expect it to break down and cause total failure. Similarly, poorly caring for a UV printing device means you expose it to minor failures that eventually build up to a catastrophic failure.
You need to begin by understanding your machine well to ensure you can properly care for it. For example, you should know facts about your UV printer, such as its maximum head gap and the maximum distance you can have between the substrate and print head.
Knowing these points lets you avoid unnecessary messes since exceeding the maximum head gap causes the device to generate excessive ink misting. This excessive mist causes parts to fail because it sticks to everything, leading to costly repairs.
Furthermore, understanding your machine lets you know the modifications needed for quality printing, such as incorporating a jig when working off an object’s edge, such as a phone case.
Placing the jig between the phone cases keeps UV light from reflecting on the print heads while simultaneously catching excessive ink. When you fail to control the light, it bounces around the jigs, resulting in excessive light that causes nozzle loss and damages the print heads.
Your maintenance schedule often relies on the products you print, with a good rule of thumb dictating maintenance after every 8-hour cycle. Cylindrical, tapered, and rounded objects may generate more ink mist, needing more frequent maintenance checks.
The UV printer includes manufacturer guidelines in its package that you can conveniently depend on for proper and safe maintenance procedures. It is best to follow the provided instructions, including using only the prescribed chemicals in the guidelines.
Maintaining the UV printer ensures that all the components function smoothly while simultaneously extending the device’s service life. Longevity and productivity increase convenience since you do not encounter expensive repairs and replacements from negligent printing operations.
Are there Disadvantages of Using UV Printer?
Certainly, you can find some negligible disadvantages to operating a UV printer considering the overall benefits they present (10, 11).
· It has some rotary attachment complications. You can find certain rotary attachments needing additional tooling fixtures to increase your overall budget. Some flatbed rotary attachments are also compatible with straight-walled cylinders, hindering the system’s handling of tapered items.
Additionally, these attachment types cannot print on certain products with handles such as mugs and flasks. You can experience slow imaging times since the attachments allow printing on narrow swaths with each pass of the inkjet carriage.
· The UV ink does not dry without curing treatment. Any issues with the LED lamps mean you can experience messy smudges and spills since the UV ink can only instantly cure via UV light.
· Higher initial startup costs. It is necessary to prepare an excellent budget plan for UV inks since the initial expenses are quite high. This point can make it challenging for first-time users freshly starting a UV printing business.
· The UV ink is difficult to clean up. It can easily cause traceable messes across various rooms when a worker steps on spilled ink. The subsequent clean-up can be challenging and require thorough and time-consuming cleaning, depending on the spread of the ink traces.
· The UV printer’s ink can cause skin irritation. Some users may have allergies to the components in the UV formulations, causing irritations and reactions when the ink has direct contact with the skin. This feature might make it difficult for certain workers to work continuously in the UV-ink environment. Notably, some people may be unaware of such allergies until they encounter the particular ink.
· UV inks need several anilox rolls. A UV printer requires you to have multiple anilox rolls to fix color when using the UV inks. The rollers feature an ergonomic design with patterned indented cells in different shapes and sizes to hold a precise ink volume.
What are Quality Standards for UV Pinters?
Quality standards are essential to successfully running a UV printing business, since they help you turn prospects into loyal clients. According to the American Society for Quality, they also aid you in improving your business operations regarding safety and health conditions, creating an environment conducive to productivity (12).
1. IEC 61010-1 and IEC 61326-1 Certification
The International Standard IEC 61010-1 states safety requirements for multiple electrical systems such as laboratory equipment, industrial process control, and test and measurement equipment. It aims to reduce hazards to equipment, the surrounding environment, and machine operators.
These directives lead you to meet stringent safety standards to cover non-professional and professional products in different industries. With changing technologies in the UV printing industry, it is essential to ensure your team understands the additions and changes applied to IEC 61010-1 (13, 14).
Another quality standard for a UV printer you need to acquire is the IEC 61326-1. It specifies the requirements for emissions and immunity concerning electromagnetic compatibility, also called EMC.
This standard applies to electrical machines running from a battery or supply of less than 1500V DC or 1000V AC. It also covers electrical equipment designed for industrial-process, educational, industrial-manufacturing, or professional utility (15).
2. ISO 14001 Certification
ISO 14001 is a certificate of compliance with environmental management systems that you require to run a UV printer. This standard provides the requirements for an environmental management system, which an institution can utilize to boost its environmental performance. It helps your business systematically manage your environmental responsibilities to contribute to sustainability. This standard applies to any institution, regardless of type, size, and nature, and concerns the environmental aspects of your company’s services, products, and activities. Moreover, you can conveniently utilize the ISO 14001:2015 standard in part or in whole to increase environmental management strategically (16).
3. RoHS Compliance
You must have a RoHS compliance certificate that shows your electrical and electronic equipment are below the RoHS threshold when operating a UV printer (17). RoHS compliance means an independent authority tests an item for ten banned substances, with the test results confirming the substance levels are under the provided threshold. The latest RoHS directive version, the RoHS 3, restricts substances such as mercury, lead, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE), and dibutyl phthalate (DBP). This directive requires a product to have a maximum of 1,000-ppm of these substances. Notably, cadmium’s restriction has a lower limit of 100 ppm because it is highly toxic to humans. Although research shows that the substance is commonly used in the manufacturing sector, worker exposure can also occur in other industries such as wholesale trade, where UV printing occurs (18).
4. OHSAS 18001 Certification
The Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Series certificate indicates your business’s strong commitment to your workers’ safety and health (19). Officially referred to as OHSAS 18001, it conveniently allows you to manage safety and health risks to improve performance.
This quality standard addresses several primary areas: communication, consultation, operational control, emergency preparedness and response, legal requirements, and risk assessment.
Which Industries Use UV Printers?
Multiple industries use UV printers since the machines offer several benefits, including productivity, efficiency, and high-resolution images. You can find the printing device commonly used in the following sectors:
· Home decorating industry
· Sign industry
· Glass industry
· Cardboard Packaging
· Exhibition Display
· Leather and Textile industry
· Mobile Phone and Notebook Cover
· Gift box processing industry
· Tile production
· Advertisement industry
What is UV Printer CMYK?
CMYK in printing stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key, referring to the four ink plates utilized in a printing process. It is a subtractive color model that operates by entirely or partially masking colors on a lighter, typically white background.
The CMYK model gets its subtractive tag because it removes blue, green, and red from white light. Hence, white minus blue gives you yellow, white minus green produces magenta and white minus red leaves cyan.
White is the natural background color when using this model, with black shades resulting from a complete combination of colored inks. Notably, you can utilize black ink instead of cyan, magenta, and yellow to generate dark and unsaturated colors. These shades enable you to create deeper black tones more affordable, helping you save cost on ink.
A UV printer can feature CMYK plus clear varnish and white inks to help you form glossy or matt finishes. Placing a white base coat and overprinting the surface with CMYK allows the colors to pop for a brilliant, high-resolution image. You can also switch the strength of the UV curing system and utilize the clear option to highlight your desired sections. Additionally, clear ink can aid you in producing unique tactile effects such as 3D textures, Braille, and simulated embossing (20).
How Efficient is UV Printer System?
Various UV printer models deliver different operating speeds, enabling you to find a system that best suits your printing requirements. For instance, certain UV printers have an ergonomic design to seal beverages such as canned beans, soda, or beer. Smaller, manual UV printers generally have a lower production capacity, delivering one can at a time. These models are suitable when you work in a small office or at home with minimal printing demands.
Nevertheless, you can find some larger and automatic types that have higher production rates. These printers are typically available in industrial-size models to support factory usage. You can get machines that can produce anywhere between 500 to 1,800 cans each hour, making them highly efficient for busy industries (21).
What is the Purpose of Using UV Printer?
A UV printer uses advanced technology to ensure you can achieve high-quality printing effects in minimal time. The integrated UV LED lighting system immediately follows the print heads, curing the ink drops, providing a completely dry sheet without streaks on the image. This machine also safely enables you to work because it features quality inks free of volatile organic compounds.
Furthermore, the printing quality and technology mean an image created by a UV printer does not easily crack or flake, even when printed on flexible materials like canvas. A study also shows that UV ink increases a paper’s tear resistance for longevity (22). Therefore, using this machine enables you to enjoy long-lasting and high-resolution results efficiently, boosting productivity and convenience.
Outro
With the information offered above, you can conveniently know what to look for and accurately select a UV printer most fitting for your desired applications.
Resource:
Resource:
1. https://www.formaxprinting.com/blog/2018/08/printing-lingo-what-is-uv-printing
2. https://www.ist-uv.com/en/applications/inkjet/basics-of-uv-inkjet-printing
3. https://www.agfa.com/printing/paper/the-benefits-of-uv-led-print-technology/
4.https://www.heraeus.com/en/hng/light_is_more/how_does_it_work/uv_curing/uv_curing.html
5. https://www.bbpress.co.uk/news/what-is-uv-curing-and-how-is-it-used-in-printing
6. https://www.rolanddg.eu/en/blog/2018/10/02/uv-textures-and-effects
7. http://www.atlanticgraphicsystems.com/blog/advantages-disadvantages-uv-inks/
8. https://www.kornit.com/blog/glossary-item/cmyk-definition/
9. https://graphics-pro.com/education/how-to-take-care-of-and-maintain-your-uv-printer/
10. http://blog.multisys.me/uv-printing-vs-sublimation-printing/
11.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/315468723_Analysis_of_Print_Quality_of_UV_Flatbed_Inkjet_Printer
12.https://www.sgs.ph/en/sustainability/social-sustainability/audit-certification-and-verification/ohsas-18001-occupational-health-and-safety-management-systems
13. https://www.analog.com/en/technical-articles/iec-61010-1-edition-3.html
14.https://www.iso.org/standard/60857.html#:~:text=ISO%2014001%3A2015%20specifies%20the,to%20enhance%20its%20environmental%20performance.&text=ISO%2014001%3A2015%20can%20be,to%20systematically%20improve%20environmental%20management.
15.https://www.polycase.com/techtalk/electronics-tips/rohs-compliance.html#:~:text=RoHS%20compliance%20means%20that%20a,Hexavalent%20chromium
16. https://www.intertek.com/blog/2020-02-25-iec-61010/
17. https://webstore.iec.ch/publication/62793
18. https://www.osha.gov/cadmium
19. https://itnh.com/blog/large-format-flatbed-printer/
20. https://www.bbpress.co.uk/news/the-ins-and-outs-of-an-led-uv-printing-system
YOSUN has 10 years of experience on UV flatbed printers & rotary UV printers development, manufacturing, and service. YOSUN is dedicated to making the best UV Printer. Not just any UV Printer, but the best.
