A UV printer is a digital printer that uses ultraviolet (UV) light to cure, or instantly dry, special UV-curable ink as it is printed. Because the ink hardens under UV light instead of soaking into the material, it sits on the surface and can be printed on a wide range of materials.
How UV printing works
The print head jets UV-curable ink onto the material. UV lamps mounted next to the print head then cure the ink straight away. The result is a dry, durable print that is ready to handle without waiting for it to dry.
What can you print on?
- Acrylic, glass and metal
- Wood and MDF
- Ceramic tiles
- PVC, foam board and plastics
- Flexible media such as vinyl and banners (on roll-to-roll or hybrid machines)
Common types of UV printers
UV flatbed printers print on rigid boards, UV roll-to-roll printers handle flexible rolls, and UV hybrid printers can do both. UV DTF printers produce transfer stickers.
Want help choosing the right machine? Contact True Colors for guidance.