Questions You Should Know about uv printing service

Don: A lot of people don't understand what UV is about. We think of UV as being digital, but it's been around for a while. It's a great method of printing especially when you need things to be quickly set.

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Basically, what UV printing is, is inkjet printing with a specialty ink. The UV inks dry via a photochemical/photomechanical process. What happens is you inkjet onto the substrate and the UV light changes the ink ' turning them from a liquid to a solid.

It's not like when we print onto t-shirts or paper where the ink is absorbed in. These inks 'exist' and this is also why with UV printing we can play with textures.

Where does it differ from what we're used to? It's used in a lot of cases to print onto finished goods, dimensional type of items, things that have depth.

You'll look at printers on the marketplace in the small to mid-format range. They range from a couple of inches to a standard of about a foot in depth.

Our machines go from 11.8 inches tall and you can get options for up to 18 inches tall. That's one of the areas where it's different.

We say UV LED too. The early UV printers and some still on the market used a type of mercury vapor lamp. While they're very effective, very high curing, they're very high maintenance. They have a max life of about 2,000 hours of exposure. They're also very expensive. And they get very hot, so you must let them cool down before starting them back up.

The LED's they're either on or off. Run at a very low temperature and use very little energy. Ours are rated at 20,000 hours of illumination. Remember they're not on continuously, only when the head is scanning.

We use flatbeds. It means we can transfer the items through the machine. Our larger machine has the ability to cure 133lbs. We've put an entire truck tire on it and stretched over a tire cover to print on.

Don: We all know the days of identifying ourselves as 'a screen printer,' 'an embroiderer,' 'a trophy guy' are fading. I always use the Walmart analogy. You can go into Walmart, pick up some toilet paper, get some eggs and milk, there's probably a McDonalds in there. It's one-stop shopping.

It's just logical that we would get it all done in one place. You have customers that are coming into you for t-shirts or hats. They have other needs in most cases.

Very rarely if someone is buying shirts that they can't add something. That's where the opportunities are for traditional t-shirt guys.

If you go back into the sign industry 15-18 years ago, it was the people who were leading edge who had large formats. Now if you don't have a large format eco-solvent printer you are not in the sign industry.

More and more screen printers are now bringing in the large format technology to do signage. Back in the day, all you could do was put magnets on cars, now you can wrap a car to make it look like a pizza.

We're seeing more and more companies being full-service. You've already done the graphics work, that's the thread that goes through all of this. Why not take those graphics and put them out in every direction and method you can?

Sublimate it and put in on coffee mugs. Put it on a mouse pad. Print it on a t-shirt. Print it on a banner. Let's give them promotional items ' thumb drives, pens, signage for their operations.

Everyone you're dealing with has more to their business and graphic than just the t-shirt you're printing. Those are the areas that are low hanging fruit.

Your existing customers are buying this somewhere. You've already spent the sweat equity and marketing money to build the relationship. It's always easier for me to sell a customer their second machine. All I've had to do is take care of them for that period.

You must put money and effort into new customers. This is an add-on that you can start selling immediately to your other customers.

The other side of the coin is that the word gets out and you start marketing this new product. You're also going to find customers that need your core business ' t-shirts, hats, etc.

Those are the applications where it fits in. And getting out of the mindset that 'I am screen printer.' You can go broad and say I'm an apparel decorator. Or you're solutions people.

We're here to get ideas out to people. That's what this is about ' expanding your reach to your customers and giving them the opportunity to be as creative as they can. Using their logos to grow their business.

Tell us a little bit about some of the markets and market segments this technology is growing in. How's it replacing some other printing technologies?

Don: I see the most potential in, is easy to get into, and has a ton of business is the Coroplast sign market. Down here in Florida we call them bandit signs.

There are lawn service companies who have signs with stakes in the ground with all their information right on the sign. The process is you take your eco-solvent and print out the sign, which must be gassed out (which is usually an overnight process). Then if you want it to have an extended outdoor life you need to laminate it. Then you must mount it on each side of the Coroplast.

With UV, you're printing right onto the sign blank, it's immediately dry, it's immediately deliverable. Your ink costs are about the same on UV as they are on the eco-solvent per square foot. You don't have the cost of the vinyl. You don't have the cost of the laminate. And you don't have the cost of labor.

That's just a huge marketplace where you can step up with this piece of equipment. Whether you're a t-shirt guy, signs, trophies and awards, anybody, and they're immediately making money and giving the customer a quick turnaround.

I went up to one of the major large-format company's sites to get an estimate for printing ' two-sided 18x24'. It was about $2-3 for vinyl and ink. That sign in our estimate was $0.72 per side.

That was a savings of $1.50 just in materials. You don't have the labor or the cost of lamination.

There are other opportunities as well. Etsy is crazy. A lot of the stuff up there you'll see customization.

A lot of it is hand painted/decorated and it can be easily simulated on a UV Printer.

You can print on wood or metal, which can give an antique look to items. That is another area where we're starting to see growth, especially wood decoration.

One of the more common ones is in the ad specialty marketplace. If you have a small business you don't want a thousand pens printed, you can get 50 ' full-color, no set-up fees.

We have one of our customers we're working with who has a multipurpose tool of sorts that's flat and the size of a credit card. He's making them his business cards.

It's replacing pad printing and traditional sign printing. I didn't even touch on how you can do metal signs and outdoor signs as well.

Don: Six years is a long time. The inks are different, they've matured in the last few years. They're not as obnoxious as water-based.

With UV if it was flushed out, there's more opportunity. The challenge with UV is, even though they're not solvent they're not water-based either. They don't set up as bad as water-based ones. They're not as obnoxious on the rubber and plastic as an eco-solvent would be. But they still have a lifetime and the print heads, dampers, cap heads, wiper blades you use are not traditional water-based.

Their print head prices are roughly triple. Dampers are about the same. Lines are a little bit more expensive. Capping stations are about 30-40% more expensive.

If you're getting a machine that's been hibernated, you're probably going to have to replace all those things. That's the trade-off.

Also, getting the software to drive it. If it's still a current model, you'll probably be able to get some follow through with that.

It really comes down to the price. If they're giving it to you for $2,000, that's a good gamble. You're probably going to throw $4-5,000 at it for all the plumbing, to update the software, and buy the inks. Inks typically have a shelf life of a year.

The price for inks is anywhere from $200-500/liter.

You're likely going to be $5,000 into the project to find out if it works.

If it doesn't print, you have to start with the head. By the time you work yourself back, you may find it's the motherboard. At that point, you have to make end-of-life decisions about the machine.

Don: I think the changes in the technology, more and more are going to be in the ink side. There's not a ton of stuff we're seeing right now in the hardware.

It's just like when you look at the large format for the sign industry. There haven't been any radical changes. It might be a little bit faster.

However, I think we're going to see some changes in the ink technology. Probably one of the biggest challenges we face is the trade-off between rigid printing and flexible printing.

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If you have something that flexes a lot, think of binders or leather goods, there is a trade-off between flexibility and rigid printing. Most of the items that people want printed on are rigid.

However, there are applications where you need flexibility. It's different ink sets.

I know several of the ink companies I'm interfacing with are trying to work on this hybrid solution. One that is flexible yet performs well on some of the more difficult types of plastics.

Whereas now if you use flexible you're going to have marginal performance. When you use flexible it tends to almost have a slimy feel for 12-24 hours as it finishes drying out.

I think that the next major step we're going to see in the market is chemistry. The good news is that the chemistry is going to be plug and play. It's not going to change the hardware.

We're working on some things that will help us in the non-flat technology. What I mean by that are the rotary things.

That's a huge growth market I think you're going to see over the next few years. More and better solutions for cylindrical or conical shaped items. To give you better performance.

If you go back three years ago, you had Yeti and a couple of wannabes. Now, in the room I'm in, I'm looking at 5-6 manufacturers of tumblers.

We're seeing sexier contours which are more challenging for being able to do embellishment. We're going to see more and better processes for handling these types of items.

UV DTF printing is no doubt one of the most popular and profitable technology in printing industry. It offers excellent versatility, vibrant colors, and durable effects. However, as with any emerging printing process, questions arise. Here are the 15 most commonly asked questions!

1. What is the difference between DTF and UV DTF?

DTF and UV DTF may seem to be alike but are not. Normal DTF involves printing designs, primarily for fabrics, using heat.

UV DTF, on the other hand, uses UV-cured adhesive and a laminate film to stick designs onto hard surfaces like glass, metal, and plastic'no heat is required. The biggest advantages of UV DTF include:

• No heat press required ' Works on non-fabric materials without the risk of heat damage.
• Stronger adhesion ' More durable than water or heat transfer methods.
• Vibrant colors with texture ' UV ink creates a slight 3D effect, making designs pop.

2. Is UV DTF Easy for Beginners? What's the Cost of Equipment?

UV DTF printing is extremely easy to learn, even if you're a total beginner. Just print, laminate, peel, and apply'no heat pressing, no tricky setup.

Ease of Use

If you're able to operate a standard printer, you'll be able to manage UV DTF. The procedure is simple, so you can concentrate on designing rather than fighting with technology.

Equipment Cost

A UV DTF printer setup costs between $4,000 and $20,000, depending on the brand and functionality. While this is a cost, it's still much lower than conventional UV printing setups.

Operation & Maintenance

Routine operation is straightforward enough, but occasional maintenance'like cleaning heads and monitoring ink levels'keeps all things running properly. For anything more serious, having a tech support number or service agreement will spare you aggravation and time.

3. What material or surface can UV DTF decal or sticker be applied to?

Examples of materials where the UV DTF decals and stickers can be used include but are not limited to:

• Plastic

• Metal

• Glass

• Ceramic

• Wood

• Coated paper and cardboard surfaces.

4. How long do UV DTF decals, and cup wrap stickers last?

UV DTF decals and cup wrap stickers are made to be extremely durable, and with a proper application, can endure for many years'commonly 3-5 years indoors and up to 1-2 years outdoors, depending on exposure to elements like sunlight, moisture, and wear.

5. Are UV DTF decals/stickers waterproof?

In most instances, UV DTF decals/stickers are waterproof to the point of using them even on mugs, bottles, and outdoor exposures. UV Printing process helps it get resistant to water, this ensure long-term durability.

6. What is a gang sheet?

A gang sheet is a design that holds several images or stickers on one sheet, allowing maximum utilization of space and efficiency in printing. It is an economical method of printing many designs at one time, particularly for orders placed by customers.

7. What are UV DTF cup wraps?

UV DTF cup wraps involve customized decals, which one can use as a wrap onto a cup or tumbler. These wraps are printed by using UV DTF technology, which will allow full vibrant, durable designs that cover the whole circumference of the cup. A UV process ensures that the design is long-lasting and will not fade.

8. What UV DTF Products Make the Most Money?

The most profitable UV DTF products are high-demand, customizable items like:

• Custom tumblers and glassware (great for small businesses and gifts)

• Branded promotional products (logos on keychains, pens, and metal signs)

• Acrylic signage (wedding decor, business nameplates, home decor)

• cases and accessories (trendy and always in demand)

In addition to these, you can also sell UV DTF stickers directly, which are perfect for providing decorative materials for holiday events or store promotions. This is another excellent option to boost your revenue!

9. Are There Hidden Costs in UV DTF Printing?

Other than the UV DTF printer itself, here are some consumable costs you have to take note of:

• Ink: Good UV quality ink is essential for long-lasting and vivid prints.
• Transfer Film (A film and B film): A good transfer film can make a lot of difference in adhesion and the overall quality of your print.
• Laminating Rolls or extra lamination machine if needed: These are highly important in the lamination of prints to ensure they last.
• Varnish: Varnish is often applied to add extra protection to make prints more resistant to wear and tear.

Choosing InkSonic UV DTF Consumables for the right balance of price and quality.

Other minor expenses include electricity that the printer will use, cleaning materials, and the few unavoidable accidents or misprints that lead to the wastage of materials. Knowing these likely day-to-day expenses well in advance can make all the difference when planning for your Budget.

10. How Do You Transfer UV DTF Prints?

Transferring UV DTF is simple:

11. How to store UV ink and AB transfer film

12. How to Get Perfect Color Accuracy with UV DTF?

To achieve professional-quality prints, consider:

• Color Management: Use ICC profiles tailored to your printer and ink.
• Proper Curing: UV lamps must cure ink correctly to maintain vibrant, accurate colors.
• High-Quality Ink & Film: Cheap materials can lead to dull colors and poor adhesion.

13. Will New Tech Make My UV DTF Setup Obsolete?

14. How to Choose a Small UV DTF Printer for Your Small Business'

15. How to Remove UV DTF from Glass?

Be it for some temporary event for which the sticker was used, or you just put it incorrectly, or perhaps it's damaged; here's a comprehensive guide in order to help you get it off easily:

Method 1: Hot Water

• Step 1: Soak the glass with a UV DTF sticker in hot water at about 80° C for 5 to 10 minutes; this can warm up the adhesive and weaken its bond with the glass.
• Step 2: With the help of a plastic scraper, peel the whole UV DTF sticker from the glass and avoid scratching.
• Step 3: Spray any remaining adhesives on the glass with isopropyl alcohol or even an adhesive remover until it becomes dissolved.
• Step 4: Clean the glass well and let air dry with a clean dry cloth.

Method 2: Hair dryer / Heat Gun

• Step 1: Gently warm up the UV DTF sticker with the heat gun in use; avoid overheating the glass.
• Step 2: While softening the adhesive, carefully take it off with a plastic scraper.
• Step 3: Apply isopropyl alcohol or adhesive remover to any remaining residue.
• Step 4: Using a soft, dry cloth, clean the glass. For more detailed knowledge on how to maintain a UV DTF printer, refer to this blog.

Conclusion

UV DTF printing is a technology with limitless customization potential. If you're starting out or seeking to expand, knowing its benefits, price, and best practices can ensure you get the most out of your investment return. Ready to start? With the proper configuration, UV DTF can be a game-changer for your print business! Shop the InkSonic 2-in-1 UV DTF Printer, which combines both printing and lamination in one device. It not only saves money and space but also simplifies your workflow and boosts efficiency.

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