UV-LED printing is a relatively new printing technology for small and mid-size businesses. However, businesses of every size can take advantage of the one-step UV-LED printing process. It involves applying UV-sensitive ink directly to a substrate surface and curing it instantly using an LED ultraviolet (UV) light, taking less time than traditional heat transfer and sublimation printing methods. The UV-LED printing process reduces labor and time associated with conventional printing methods and delivers to customers ready-to-use products right off the printer.
This blog will explore what UV printing is and which industries and applications use it to improve their product offerings and profitability. This can help you determine if UV printing services are the ideal solution for your specific project.
What Is UV Printing?
UV printing is a digital printing method that relies on ultraviolet light to dry, cure, and adhere UV-sensitive ink almost instantaneously as the printer applies it to the substrate. UV printing is suitable for various materials, including:
- Paper
- Acrylic
- Aluminum
- Foam boards
- Glass
- Wood
- Metals
- Plastics
Some UV-LED printers can print on cylindrical objects as well as flat surfaces. Furthermore, UV prints can be easily layered to create different textures, including those for Braille and other ADA-compliant signage.
Applications of UV Printing
Here is an overview of some of the most common UV printing applications.
Tile Walls
The increasing demand for tile walls in various real estate projects has made UV printing a preferred option for eye-catching wall decorations. Rather than conventional wallpaper and whitewashing, UV printing can cost-effectively create interior tile walls printed with unique designs or artwork. Tile manufacturers rely on UV flatbed printers to replicate the colors of digital designs with photo-quality detail, and the printers can print convex, concave, and 3D effects.
Tile manufacturers can profit from the appealing designs UV printing can offer. For example, they can sell premium wall tiles at over $50 per piece and produce them at a fraction of the cost.
Clothing and Footwear
UV printing is suitable for printing on leather products like shoes. Young consumers make up a large portion of the market for leather shoes, demanding fresh and modern patterns. UV printing services can produce textured, 3D patterns to meet this market demand, allowing shoe manufacturers to stay ahead of dynamic fashion trends.
Advertisements
The advertisement industry has traditionally relied on inkjet and photo printers. The print quality of these methods is good when printing on soft materials, but they cannot achieve the same effect on hard, flat materials like glass, acrylic, and wooden boards. A growing number of advertising companies are adopting UV printing services to print high-quality images on these common advertisement substrates.
Customization and Logo Printing
UV printing is a popular method for printing striking logos on glass, wood, plastic, and other substrates for marketing purposes. This digital printing technology also allows easy personalization or customization of promotional products, from business cards to mugs to bags.
Art Glass
Many applications use printed art glass, including glass background walls, porches, process glass, stationery items, photo frames, and decorations. The art glass industry relies on UV printers to print appealing, photo-quality images and designs on glass.
UV Printing Services From Teca-Print
UV-LED printing is a unique one-step printing method that produces photo-quality digital images and designs on various surfaces. At Teca-Print, our custom UV-LED digital printing services allow you to print your design directly onto the desired surface, including raised and flat substrates. The instant curing capabilities of this printing process quickly create items with texture and dimension, ideal for applications such as creating Braille signage.
Contact us to speak with a specialist about your UV-LED printing needs.