Application Spotlight: UV Printer for Golf Balls

Key Takeaways

• A single X5-T print cycle can decorate 231 golf balls at once using a custom tooling fixture that holds the balls securely in place.
• The all-digital process lets operators change artwork instantly, making it easy to personalize balls individually or print large batches with the same design.
• Inkcups’ S1 UV ink is built for durability, withstanding high abrasion and repeated outdoor use.

Golf balls are the perfect application for a UV printer despite their unique, curved shape, especially since customization in the golf industry has always been popular. Add a brand, name, or event to golf balls, and the possibilities are endless. UV flatbed printers make for an excellent golf ball printer when paired with custom tooling that keeps the balls secure during printing.

UV Printer for Personalized Golf Balls

This particular application was printed on our X5-T UV flatbed printer. The X5-T allows the operator to print in full-color graphics and varnish. Customization is easy because it is an all-digital process, allowing the operator to change the artwork on the fly. The X5-T gives the flexibility to print a single golf-ball or hundreds. In this particular application, the X5-T was able to print 231 golf balls in a single print cycle. Print multiple golf balls at once, or additional sporting goods like golf tees.

A special tooling fixture was created to house the golf balls. This traveling fixture sits on the table of the X5-T UV flatbed printer and securely holds the parts as they travel into the machine and back out again. Tooling fixtures are often customized to the specifications of the part.

Personalized golf balls create a great branding opportunity or unique promotional product for those within the industry and UV ink creates a bond that will last countless whacks on the turf. The ink used was our S1 series UV ink. S1 is a durable UV ink that can withstand high abrasion and outdoor usage. S1 ink is vibrant offering stunning CMYK+W prints.

For more information, check out our UV Inkjet Printer Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can UV printers print on curved surfaces like golf balls?

A: Yes. UV flatbed printers such as the X5-T can print on curved objects like golf balls when paired with a custom tooling fixture that holds the parts securely and consistently during printing.

Q: How many golf balls can be printed in one cycle?

A: In this application, the X5-T UV flatbed printer decorated 231 golf balls in a single print cycle using a custom fixture, though capacity depends on the specific fixture design.

Q: Is UV ink durable enough for golf balls?

A: Yes. Inkcups’ S1 series UV ink is formulated for high abrasion resistance and outdoor durability, making it well suited to the repeated impact golf balls experience.