UV 1160 GH

The main advantages of UV printing:

• Versatility of Substrates: works on plastic, metal, wood, glass, paper…
• Instant Drying: the ink hardens immediately under UV light, reducing smudges and allowing for quick use.
• Quality and Precision: excellent definition, fine details, and vibrant colors.
• Possible Special Effects: varnish, embossing, textures, or translucent inks.
• Environmental Friendliness: inks are often solvent-free and have low VOC emissions.
• Direct Printing: no need for intermediate films or plates, even for small runs.
• Production Flexibility: UV printing allows for both single-unit printing and the production of small or large series, without additional costs for intermediate plates or films.

The 4-step UV printing process:

• Setup/Alignment: Placing objects on the plate. Using custom jigs allows for precise positioning of multiple pieces for serial production.
• File Preparation: The visual (created in Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.) is processed by RIP software, which refines color management, resolution, and print data formatting.
• Configuration and Launch: After adjusting the pattern, the file is sent to the machine. The machine automatically adapts its settings to the thickness of the piece.
• Immediate Finishing: As the ink polymerizes instantly, products are ready immediately after exiting the machine and can be handled without interrupting the printing cycle.

The main limitations of UV printing:

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• Limited Substrate : although versatile, certain very flexible, very rough, or porous materials can pose problems.

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• Layer Thickness : the UV ink layer remains thin, which can limit coverage or the relief effect.

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• Variable Durability : scratch or chemical resistance can sometimes be lower than that of other processes (except for specialized inks).

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• Cost : UV equipment and inks are more expensive than traditional printing (inkjet or screen printing).

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• Print Speed : for very large series, production can be slower than with conventional processes.

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• Odor and Safety : some UV inks require ventilation or precautions, especially for industrial applications.

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• Substrate Preparation : certain materials require prior application of an adhesion primer (primer) to ensure good adhesion and print durability.

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• Relief Constraints : substrates with significant reliefs, pronounced hollows, or irregular surfaces can limit print quality and marking precision.

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The great strength of this process is that it can be applied to a very wide variety of substrates, whether rigid or flexible, transparent or opaque.

• Plastics: acrylic, PVC, polycarbonate, ABS, PETG…
• Wood and MDF: raw or varnished panels, wood veneer…
• Metals: aluminum, steel, stainless steel, brass (with prior application of an adhesion primer)
• Glass and Ceramics: bottles, jars, plates, tiles
• Plastic Films: polypropylene, PET
• Cylindrical Objects: thanks to the rotary attachment option, it is possible to print directly on bottles, water bottles, mugs, tubes, vials, and other cylindrically shaped objects.

Productivity and Profitability: What You Need to Know:

• Custom Production Rate: printing time varies depending on the resolution, visual size, and pattern (empty areas are automatically ignored).
• Cost Control: our RIP software precisely calculates the amount of ink and the cost of each print.
• UV Speed: variable depending on the substrate and level of detail, ranging from slow production for complex markings to a sustained pace for simple prints.
• Cost per m²: generally higher than solvent, variable depending on the options chosen (white ink printing, varnish application, etc.).
• Cylindrical Objects: UV printing allows direct marking of cylindrical objects using the rotary tool; however, the production rate may be slightly reduced when using this option.
• Profitability: ideal for small and medium series with high-quality and durable results.