In recent years, UV printing has become one of the most versatile printing processes. It prints on materials where conventional inks fail. The prints are dry instantly and particularly durable. Here is how UV printing works, what benefits it offers and where it is used.
UV printing uses special inks that cure under ultraviolet light. Immediately after application, UV lamps irradiate them and they harden within a fraction of a second. So the ink does not need to dry or soak into the material. Instead, it forms a solid layer on the surface. The UV principle exists in offset, digital and screen printing.
The terms are often confused. UV printing means printing with UV-curing inks. UV coating is a finishing technique: a glossy varnish is applied all over or only to parts of a finished print. This creates, for example, a glossy logo on a matt surface. Read more in our article Finishing that works.
Not every UV ink is suitable for every application. Food packaging has special requirements for printing inks, for example regarding migration. This needs suitable ink systems and careful planning. More in our article on food packaging. Very flexible materials also need suitable inks so that the print does not crack when bent.
UV printing is ideal if you want to print on unusual materials, need a particularly durable surface or want fast further processing. Read how it compares with offset, digital and screen printing in our article The most important printing processes at a glance.
We offer UV printing alongside offset, digital and screen printing from our own production. Send us the material, dimensions, quantity and design. We will be happy to advise you and send you a binding quote within 24 hours.
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