Considering a UV inkjet printer for your line? This guide walks you through everything you need to know about UV inkjet printing: what it is, how it works, and what it can print. Plus you’ll find answers on benefits and limitations required inks/primers/fixtures, typical costs, and when rotary or flatbed setups make sense.
A UV inkjet printer uses a UV digital printing process to apply a 2D digital image to a 3D object. UV inkjet systems propel microscopic droplets from a printhead to form an exact digital image on paper, plastic, glass, metal, and more.
The “UV” refers to ultra-violet light and is how the ink is cured. UV inkjet printing operations are used in a wide variety of industries, most prominently: promotional, electronic, industrial, and drinkware.
The digital artwork file (vector or picture) is sent to the UV inkjet printer, its delivery system (the printhead) fires each color (often CMYK) inks in a specific order, and UV light cures the droplets instantly to prevent bleed and lock in detail.
The printhead delivers ink to the part; its design, standoff, and droplet size (measured in picoliters) drive detail and coverage. Printheads are available in a variety of formation and color combinations. Ink is effectively dropped onto the part from the printhead in incredibly small amounts that can only be measured in picoliters (pL).
Additional information about print headsThe ink storage system contains either a cartridge or bottle system that will hold the ink and release it when it is necessary for the printing of the part. The number of ink storage containers will link directly to the number of colors that can be printed at the same time; most UV inkjet printers run CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) + White.
Learn more about UV Inkjet Printer storage systemsThe print bed transports parts through a UV printer; the three primary types are flatbed, cylindrical (rotary), or conveyor based on geometry and throughput:
Check out our blog post to compare the different types of print beds and figure out which digital print bed is right for you.
Find the right fixture for your print bedThe advantages of inkjet printers are endless as the applications allow for printing on almost any size and shape part. With new inkjet direct-to-object printer capabilities, there are fewer hurdles that were once common in printing direct to shape. The ability to print-on-demand, change graphics and utilize diversified substrates are some of the most unique benefits of UV printing no matter the application.
Read: Moving from Traditional Printing Methods to UV Inkjet PrintingInkjet printing requires less set-up time and allows for faster print cycles and less curing time. Inkjet printing allows you to print multiple items at once, whereas other printing methods are often restricted to one part at a time.
Inkjet printing allows you to change graphics on the fly, quickly and easily. Most digital printing software utilizes a template system to allow the import of new graphics instantly, provided it fit within the job parameters.
Once an item has been printed, the job can easily be repeated at any time. No need to store plates or screens, simply save your artwork and print again at your convenience.
UV Inkjet printer applications can be used for both short and long production runs giving businesses the flexibility to meet customer demand. Be it a sample job for a potential client or a large manufacturing facility printing thousands of parts a day, inkjet printing is capable of both.
With the ability to use specialized inks to match the substrates to improve adhesion, you will be able to use inkjet printing for any type of business application your company may need. A direct to substrate printer can be configured to print on nearly any type of substrate, as well as wide variety of shapes and sizes.
Conveyor and assembly line capability allow the inkjet printing process to become automated which can increase productivity and lower labor costs.
UV inkjet printing requires the use of various consumables that enable or aid in the print process. The most common supplies are UV inkjet printer ink, primers, fixtures, and replacement parts, all of which help ensure consistent adhesion, color accuracy, and long-term print quality.
Check out some of our UV Inkjet printer suppliesUV inkjet printer ink is jetted out of the print head in the form of CMYK (and more) to create your image and cure it onto the part. To ensure proper adhesion qualities are met, direct to shape digital printers can utilize a wide variety of ink, each with their own unique properties. The most common ink used for direct to shape inkjet printing include:
Unlike UV inkjet printer ink, primer is used on the part to be printed in order to increase adhesion. Often, primer will alter the surface of the part on a molecular level in order to assist the ink in adhering.
Primer is available in many forms, each with unique properties. There is a primer for nearly every substrate.
Read our informative blog post: UV Jettable Primer Perks
Check out our primersUV inkjet printing equipment requires many moving parts. Over time parts may wear down and need to be replaced. Rather than replacing the entire machine, spare parts are often available to quickly get the inkjet printer back up and running.
Check Out Our UV Inkjet Printing Spare PartsThe part fixture of an inkjet printer will house the part that you are printing on in a secure fashion and deliver it to the print head to deliver ink accurately. There are three primary types of part fixturing a machine will have:
When it comes to flexibility and print quality, UV inkjet printers stand out for their unique capabilities:
While UV inkjet printing offers exceptional versatility, there are still some practical limitations to consider:
With continuous innovation in the inkjet printing industry, the limitations of what a machine can accomplish are diminishing day by day.
Inkjet printing is widely used across nearly every industry, serving as an essential tool for business operations and branding. From packaging designs to personalized products, its applications are virtually limitless.
One of the most popular uses lies within the promotional products market, where businesses leverage inkjet printing to reinforce their brand and share their message through giveaways and sales materials. Industries that rely most heavily on UV inkjet printing include:
Find more UV Inkjet Printer ApplicationsPrinting on totes, pens, flash drives, and other consumables is a common way to promote a company or event.
Printing on iPhone Cases with the XJET Industrial Inkjet Printer
Find moreFrom signs to serial markings to branding, the industrial sector has seen an increase in inkjet printed materials that demand higher quality graphics.
Find moreCustomized printed tumblers and other drinkware are used for gift giving or company promotion making inkjet printing a common application in the drinkware industry.
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find moreLogos, team names, and custom designs are common inkjet applications for many sporting goods manufacturers.
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Find moreInkjet printing is used for image designs for toys as well as the packaging that the items come in.
find moreWith the ability to print materials up to 360 degrees, inkjet printing on water bottles and other cylindrical items has become a commonly used application.
Application Spotlight: Printing on Candle Holders
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find moreWith inkjet printing, you can customize everything from cakes to candy, allowing personalization for any event.
find moreElectronics are becoming increasingly important in a consumer’s everyday life and even with odd-sized or shaped electronics, direct to shape inkjet printing allows companies to print logos and customized designs on almost any piece.
find moreThe cosmetic industry employs inkjet printing in many of their product containers as well as the packaging that accompanies it.
find moreInkjet printing on tote bags alleviates all of the obstacles that other printing methods encounter when it comes to decorating tote bags. Achieve vibrant full-color prints on cotton, canvas, polyester, PVC, and more with inkjet printing.
Learn MoreFrom flatbeds to rotary, Inkcups has the right machine for the job!
UV PrintersThe Helix® line of cylindrical printers is joined by the compact Helix ONE®. This UV printer combines a number of state-of-the-art features, unparalleled print quality, and high speeds into a smaller footprint, perfect for introducing into cramped production floors.
Learn more about the Helix ONE®The Helix® rotary inkjet printer is designed to print superior quality full-color (CMYKWW + varnish) images on straight-walled and tapered cylinders.
Learn more about the Helix Rotary Inkjet Printer
The Helix®+ cylindrical printer is unique in design as it is able to grow alongside your operations. Starting as a single-tunnel machine, the Helix®+ is field upgradable to a double tunnel machine when demand grows.
Learn more about the Helix®+Equipped with two print fixtures the Double Helix® produces twice the volume of high-quality, full color prints on cylindrical items. Decorate a wide variety of drinkware vessels with the hottest print innovation available.
Learn more about the Double Helix®For high-speed, medium to high volume runs look to the Revolution® to meet your needs. With 12 stations, integrated pre-treatment, and automatic load and unload the Revolution® grants unapparelled print quality.
Learn more about the Revolution®The X5-T flatbed UV digital printer is a high-performance flatbed that can print a full 43.3″ x 24″ (1,100 x 610 mm) area in two minutes (uni- or bi-directional). The X5-T is designed for heavy-duty industrial printing and promotional products and features a rugged design that can handle near-constant use
The XJET800 UV flatbed inkjet printer for industrial applications can print a 31.5″ x 24.4″ area in under 2.5 minutes with exceptional print quality – including full-color CMYK-WW + optional varnish – thanks to the latest in print head technology.
More about the XJET 800 UV Flatbed Inkjet PrinterThe XJET800-T tall UV inkjet printer for industrial applications can print a 31.5″ x 24.4″ area in under 2.5 minutes with exceptional print quality – including full-color CMYK-WW + optional varnish – thanks to the latest in print head technology. The XJET800-T is also flexible – able to handle parts up to 20″ tall.
More about the XJET800-T Tall UV Inkjet PrinterFirst of its kind, the XJET Switch UV digital printer is specialized with two rotating platens, two-up for digitally decorating tote bags.
Learn about the XJET SwitchInkcups fully supports all digital UV printing equipment installations with experienced technicians who assist with customer training, process troubleshooting, and ink recommendations.
Learn more about technical support
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