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UV Inkjet Printer – The Ultimate Guide

Considering a UV inkjet printer for your line? Below you’ll find concise answers on how it works, what it can print, required inks/primers/fixtures, typical costs, and when rotary or flatbed setups make sense.

What is a UV Inkjet Printer?

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” in UV inkjet printer 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.

Popular Applications: Pens, flash drives, saw blades, injection molded items, tote bags, and tumblers.

How Does A UV Inkjet Printer Work?

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.

  • Not all printheads are created equal. Each head is uniquely designed, and a variety of digital printers are available that can be used to print on nearly any substrate. 
  • In ultraviolet printing, the tiny ink droplets form an image on the part. A UV light then shines to instantly cure the ink. 
  • Instant curing prevents the droplets of ink from spreading (or bleeding) and provides a sharper image..

What is a printhead?

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 heads

What is an ink storage system?

The 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 systems

What is a print bed?

The print bed transports parts through a UV printer; the three primary types are flatbed, cylindrical (rotary), or conveyor based on geometry and throughput:

  • Flatbed
    A flatbed printer system is used for flat substrates that feed straight through the machine for printing a single side of the part. The parts travel into the machine on a traveling fixture and back out. Manual loading and unloading of the fixture is required.
  • Cylindrical
    Rotary printing is used to print on cylindrical parts, such as cans, cups, and bottles. Cylindrical UV inkjet printers are able to print an item, including tapered and straight-walled cylinders, up to 360 degrees, allowing for more application versatility.
  • Conveyor
    A conveyor system allows the user to print and load the UV inkjet printer at the same time. Similar to a flatbed printer, a continuous feed inkjet printer conveyor system delivers the part to the print head, however, instead of returning the parts to the operator, they are further fed through the machine and removed from the other side. These are great for high volumes, providing a continuous feed to where the print head will imprint it. Conveyor systems typically only send the part through the machine without a traveling fixture, allowing the user to continuously load the machine.

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 bed
Additional Resources:

3 Things to Know About Small Format Printing

5 Things to Know About Large Format Printing

What is In-line Digital Printing?

Industrial Inkjet Printer – The XJET

What is rotary printing?

 

 

What are the benefits of UV Inkjet Printing?

The benefits of inkjet printing 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 Printing

Speed

Inkjet 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.

Change Graphics On-Demand

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.

Repeatability

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.

Volume Flexibility

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.

Versatility in Application

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.

Automation Ready

Conveyor and assembly line capability allow the inkjet printing process to become automated which can increase productivity and lower labor costs.

What UV Inkjet Printer Supplies Do I Need?

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.

Check out some of our UV Inkjet printer supplies

What is UV inkjet printer ink?

UV 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:

  • Hard Inks
    Hard ink refers to the flexibility of the ink and true to its name, hard ink is not flexible. However, hard ink works well for both indoor and outdoor pieces due to its high resistance to abrasion.
  • Flexible Inks
    Flexible inks are used on materials that will need to retain their flexibility after printing such as soft packaging material and fabric promotional items. Flexible inks can be washed without damage if the proper instructions are followed.
  • Edible Inks
    Edible ink can be used to print custom designs on pieces that will be used for human consumption such as custom cakes. Edible inks are considered food grade and are safe for ingestion at any age.
  • Specialty Inks
    There is a wide variety of specialty inks that can be used when printing on material that may have a different surface texture. You can find specialized inks to print on substrates such as glass, metal, and plastic. These inks are specifically designed for products to ensure they last with regular use and adhere well to the surface.
Additional Resources:

ALL ABOUT INK SERIES: HARD INK

ALL ABOUT INK SERIES: EDIBLE INK

What is UV inkjet printer primer?

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 primers

What are UV inkjet printer spare parts?

UV 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 Parts

What is a UV Inkjet printer part fixture?

The 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:

  • Flatbed System
    A flatbed system is used for flat substrates that feed straight through the machine for printing a single side of the part. The parts travel into the machine on the fixture and back out. Manual loading and unloading of the fixture is required. The flatbed delivery system is typical for both large and small format pieces.
  • Cylindrical Fixture
    A cylindrical fixture is used for cylindrical parts, such as cups. With these types of printers, you will be able to print an item, including tapered and straight cylinders, up to 360 degrees, allowing for more versatility in your applications.
  • Conveyor Systems
    An inkjet printer equipped with a conveyor belt is great for high volumes, as they will provide a continuous feed to where the printhead will imprint it. Conveyor systems typically only send the part through the machine without a traveling fixture, allowing the user to continuously load the fixture as the machine prints and removes the parts through the rear of the machine.
What kind of part fixture do you need?

What are a UV Inkjet Printer’s Capabilities?

Inkjet printing equipment can print full-color images at incredible detail direct from a digital image. Inkjet printing gives the operator the flexibility to change over artwork on the fly. In addition, inkjet printing is great for product sampling, short-runs, and personalization. While a wide variety of inkjet printing equipment exists, some utilize an ink cartridge system, however, most offer a bulk ink system that allows for longer, continuous printing. Printing large images is best suited on an inkjet printing machine because of the extremely large print area. Fine detailed images and text are also best suited for inkjet printing because a machine can print up to 1200 dots per inch (dpi).

What are a UV Inkjet Printer’s Limitations?

An inkjet printer is best suited for flat or slightly-curved parts. The reason is due to the print head’s distance away from the part, the closer the head is to the substrate, the greater the detail. Speed is also a factor when it comes to industrial production runs. Other types of printing equipment may be best suited if speed over quality is required. With continuous innovation in the inkjet printing industry, the limitations of what a machine can accomplish are diminishing day by day.

What are common UV Inkjet Printer Applications

Inkjet printing is so widely used in nearly every industry as an integral part of a business. Inkjet printing can be used for anything from packaging designs to personalized items, the applications are endless. Perhaps the most popular applications for inkjet printing resides in the promotional market. Now, more than ever before, companies are attempting to reinforce their brand and spread their advertising message through giveaways and sales pieces. Industries that see the highest use of UV printing applications include:

Find more UV Inkjet Printer Applications

Promotional

Printing on totes, pens, flash drives, and other consumables is a common way to promote a company or event.

Additional Resources:

Printing on iPhone Cases with the XJET Industrial Inkjet Printer

Find more

Industrial

From signs to serial markings to branding, the industrial sector has seen an increase in inkjet printed materials that demand higher quality graphics.

Find more

Drinkware

Customized printed tumblers and other drinkware are used for gift giving or company promotion making inkjet printing a common application in the drinkware industry.

Additional Resources:

12 Reusable Tumblers We Love

108 Ways you Can Print with the Helix

find more

Sporting Goods

Logos, team names, and custom designs are common inkjet applications for many sporting goods manufacturers.

Additional Resources:

What Type of Printing Do you Need for Your Sporting Goods?

Find more

Toys

Inkjet printing is used for image designs for toys as well as the packaging that the items come in.

find more

Cylinders

With the ability to print materials up to 360 degrees, inkjet printing on water bottles and other cylindrical items has become a commonly used application.

Additional Resources:

Application Spotlight: Printing on Candle Holders

The Ultimate Guide to Candle Printing

find more

Edibles

With inkjet printing, you can customize everything from cakes to candy, allowing personalization for any event.

find more

Electronics

Electronics 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 more

Cosmetics

The cosmetic industry employs inkjet printing in many of their product containers as well as the packaging that accompanies it.

find more

Tote Bags

Inkjet 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 More
Additional Resources:

Check out our full line of UV Inkjet Printers

From flatbeds to rotary, Inkcups has the right machine for the job!

UV Printers

Helix ONE®

Benchtop Cylindrical Printer

The 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®

Helix® UV Inkjet Printer

The Helix® rotary inkjet printer is designed to print superior quality full-color (CMYKWW + varnish) images on straight-walled and tapered cylinders.

Resources:

The Helix’s Impressive Digital Direct-to-Container Prints Make a Lasting Impression in Promotional Markets

 

Learn more about the Helix Rotary Inkjet Printer

Helix®+

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®+

Double 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®

Revolution®

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®

X5-T UV Inkjet Printer

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

Resources:

Inkcups Ready for NPE 2018

more about the X5-T Flatbed UV Digital Printer

XJET 800 UV Inkjet Printer

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 Printer

XJET800-T Tall UV Inkjet Printer

The 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 Printer

XJET Switch Direct-To-Bag Inkjet Printer

First 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 Switch

Additional Resources:

UV Inkjet Printer Support

Inkcups 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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