UV Printing

The performance of a UV printer depends not only on the machine itself but also on the compatibility and quality of its components. Accessories such as printheads, inks, and ink tubes play a critical role in the printing process. Today, we’ll introduce the main types of UV ink, essential accessories, and how these components help users make better choices, ensure stable operation, and improve print quality.

1. UV Printing Components

01丨Core Components

(1) Printhead — The printhead is the core component of a UV printer, responsible for spraying ink onto the substrate to create images. Commonly used printhead brands include Epson, Ricoh, Toshiba, and others, depending on specific printing needs and machine configurations.

(2) Mainboard — Often considered the “brain” of the UV printer, the mainboard controls printer operations and print quality. Well-known brands include HOSON and Wellprint.

(3) Servo Motor — The servo motor drives the carriage movement, ensuring printing precision and stability.

(4) Guide Rail — The guide rail supports and directs the movement of the printhead. Its quality directly affects flatness and print accuracy.

(5) LED Curing Lamp — This component cures the ink immediately after printing, enabling it to dry quickly and adhere to the surface.

(6) Print Bed — The print platform holds the substrate. It often features a vacuum suction system to prevent material warping or shifting during printing.

02丨Ink Supply System

(1) Ink Tanks and Tubes — This includes the main ink tank, sub-tank, ink tubes, filters, and other parts that store and transport the ink.

(2) UV Ink — UV printers use specially formulated UV ink. Different types and colors can be selected based on printing requirements.

(3) Cleaning Solution — Used to clean the printhead and prevent nozzle clogging.

03丨Auxiliary Accessories

(1) Vacuum Table — Holds the substrate in place to prevent shifting during printing.

(2) Trays and Jigs — Used to position objects with specific shapes, such as golf balls or bottles.

(3) Sensors — Includes height sensors, ink tank sensors, and more to monitor and control the printing process.

04丨Other Consumables

UV Coating and Varnish — Enhances the printed finish and protects the image from damage.

2. Types of UV Ink and Compatible Materials

01丨Hard UV Ink

Designed for rigid materials such as tiles, metal, wood, hard plastics, acrylic, and glass. It offers excellent adhesion and high hardness once cured. However, it is not suitable for flexible or bendable materials.

02丨Soft UV Ink

Ideal for soft materials like PVC film, canvas, wallpaper, car wraps, leather, and fabric. Soft ink has great stretchability and won’t crack even when the material is bent or folded.

03丨Neutral UV Ink

Suitable for medium-hardness materials like acrylic, PS board, PVC foam board, and KT board. Its adhesion and hardness fall between those of rigid and flexible inks.

3. The Process of UV Printing

01丨Preparation Stage

Design pattern — Material preparation — Equipment inspection

02丨Print Settings

Material placement — Parameter adjustment — Ink inspection

03丨Printing Process

Start printing — Ink jet — Instant curing — Multi-layer printing (optional)

For complex designs or cases requiring higher color saturation, the printer may perform multi-layer printing, with each layer of ink being cured instantly.

04丨Completion and Inspection

Print complete — Check quality — Equipment maintenance

Through this article, we’ve gained a deeper understanding of the core components of UV printing and the different types of UV ink. For more exciting content, stay tuned! If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment or send us a message directly.