Knowledge Center
What Is UV Ink and How Does It Cure?
UV ink is a system that polymerizes into a solid film the instant it's exposed to UV light after leaving the print head; because it doesn't need to penetrate the material, it can be used on rigid surfaces like cardboard, PVC, wood and metal.
The Curing Mechanism
In UV ink, pigment sits in a carrier containing a light-sensitive component (a photoinitiator); the moment the ink leaving the print head is exposed to the machine's UV lamp or UV LED light, it polymerizes into a solid film.
The Difference from Evaporative Systems
In systems like eco-solvent, fixation happens as the solvent gradually evaporates; in UV ink, fixation happens the instant it's exposed to light. Because of this, the print stays as a thin film on the surface without needing to penetrate the material.
Why It Works on Rigid Surfaces
Since the ink doesn't need to penetrate the material, UV systems can also be used on non-absorbent or low-absorbency rigid and semi-rigid surfaces such as cardboard, PVC, wood and metal; the suitable surface type varies by product.
What to Consider When Choosing
The real question when evaluating UV ink is whether the print goes on a rigid or semi-rigid non-textile material, and whether that material can sit flat in the print area; these two conditions determine whether UV is a suitable choice.