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Benefits and Uses Of UV Direct-To-Object Full-Color Printing

Direct-To-Object printing (or DTO printing) is a distinct form of digital print that uses ultraviolet (UV), light to cure and dry ink almost as quickly as it is applied on a substrate. The UV printing process is unique. It can be used with flat and cylindrical objects. It can be made of metals, acrylics, plastic, glass and canvas. The UV ink is applied onto the substrate using specialized ultraviolet lamps. Once dry, they are adhered to the substrate with adhesive.

Initially, UV printing was used to create gel nail polishes. The gel polish is then applied to the nails using a UV light. It results in a fast-drying, flawless manicure. However, eventually, the benefits of using ultraviolet light began to be recognized and started being used in industrial and commercial markets. This is the basis 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. The process of UV printing is similar to that of traditional printing. The inks used, as well as the drying and curing process, are different. This is in addition to the distinct nature of the printing technology itself.

Traditional printing involves the application of solvent inks to a substrate. Heat is used to cure them. Solvent-based solvent inks can evaporate, spread onto the substrate and then release volatile organic compound (VOCs). The heat used to cure the solvent ink to the substrate produces an unpleasant odor. Furthermore, the solvent inks are absorbed into the substrate, which can result in faded colors. Additionally, spray powders prevent the offsetting and drying of ink, and the whole process can take several days. Due to the nature of the printing press, traditional printing can only be done on paper and other similar materials. It cannot be used on other materials such as 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. The ink will dry immediately regardless of the substrate. Because the ink is dry almost immediately, it doesn't evaporate and cannot spread onto the printed material.

The UV printing method can be used with a variety of materials. This includes paper, foil and acrylic. There are no VOCs or ozone emissions into the atmosphere. This feature will interest companies that prize sustainability in their printing processes.

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.
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