Printing Systems
UV Printing System
A UV printing system prints ink that cures under UV light onto different surface and media types. The surfaces that can be printed vary with the product type and the system configuration.
01 / About the System
What is UV Printing System
UV inks are built to cure chemically under UV light. Because the curing step takes place during printing, a separate waiting time for the ink to dry may not be needed.
Systems can come as a flatbed for printing on flat surfaces or in other configurations for roll media. The suitability of surfaces such as cardboard, PVC, wood and metal depends on the product type and the ink series.
Adhesion varies with the ink and material pairing, and some surfaces may need preparation or a primer. A test print on the target material is therefore made before application.
02 / Applications
Areas of use
- 01
Rigid boards and signage
Signage and graphic prints on board-type materials.
- 02
Packaging and prototypes
Sample and prototype prints on cardboard and packaging materials.
- 03
Promotional products
Logo and pattern printing on promotional products with flat surfaces.
- 04
Flexible media
Banner and graphic prints on roll media, depending on the system configuration.
Adhesion is confirmed with a test print on each material.
03 / System Structure
Process flow
- 01Media Preparation
Material preparation
The surface is cleaned and, if needed, prepared to support adhesion.
- 02Printer
Printing
The image is printed onto the material with UV-curing ink.
- 03UV Curing
UV curing
The ink hardens under UV light during printing.
- 04Finishing
Finishing
Steps such as cutting, mounting or packing are applied according to the product.
Surface preparation and curing conditions vary with the material and the ink series.
04 / Process
Supply and Commissioning Process
In a UV system the configuration is set by the material type to be printed, the product dimensions and site conditions. The need for material loading and handling is considered when the supply scope is set.
- 01
Needs assessment
The material types to be printed, the product dimensions and the expected production pattern are identified.
- 02
System configuration
The printer, the material handling setup and the ink series are defined according to the material to be printed and the production pattern.
- 03
Supply
It is clarified whether the supply scope covers only the printer or also the material handling setup.
- 04
Installation
The layout of the UV curing unit and the material loading area, and the ventilation need, are addressed in the installation plan.
- 05
Commissioning
Test prints on the target materials are used to confirm adhesion, colour and curing results.
- 06
Technical support
After commissioning, a technical service request can be created for adhesion or curing issues.
05 / Related Ink
TrueHue UV inks
The ink for this system can be selected from the TrueHue UV family. Compatibility is not determined by the ink alone; the machine configuration, the print head, the material being printed and the curing conditions are assessed together.