Introduction
UV printing technology has been around since the early 1970s. It has since evolved into a versatile and advanced method for all-around printing.
Its advancements have bred new techniques complimented by equally respected methods like DTF. The fusion of UV and direct-to-film methods has led to the development of UV DTF printing.
Read on to learn more about UV printing and UV DTF printing and how they differ.
What is UV Printing?
The technology first appeared in the 1970s through UV inkjet printers. These printers are often used to print bar codes and other package labels.
Only in the mid-2000s did UV printing catch interest for bigger commercial applications. Back then, a UV-curable gel nail polish revealed how UV light could be used for faster printing.
UV printing is still one of the fastest printing techniques in the market. UV printing harnesses ultraviolet light and UV-curable inks for instant results.
The process remains unchanged to this day. UV printers spray UV inks on any substrate, and a UV light rolls over to dry it instantly. Besides its speed, UV printing also has superb versatility. You can use it on papers, metals, and fabrics– it works with hard and soft substrates.
What is UV DTF Printing?
UV DTF printing is a fusion of the working principles and processes of UV and DTF printing, hence its name. It uses UV printers to imprint designs on transfer sheets central to DTF printing.
The critical step in UV DTF printing is not directly spraying the ink on the substrate. You will need two transfer sheets, A and B, which you will print on and laminate later.
First, you feed the A film on the UV DTF printer for design printing. The B film is the adhesive transfer sheet. Using a laminating machine, you will marry the A and B films. You must peel the A film next and paste the B film on the substrate. The final step is to peel off the B film, and your design will stick to the surface.
But, unlike DTF or UV printing, this technique does not print on soft substrates. UV DTF is exclusive for rigid substrates like metal sheets, glass, or ceramics.
Similarities of UV Printing and UV DTF Printing
UV and UV DTF printing share several similarities; they are based on UV technology. Here are their most common shared distinctions.
- Based on UV technology
The two methods’ reliance on UV light and inks is the most obvious similarity. Both use UV-curable inks and UV light for instant design curing.
- Printing speed
Since both methods are based on UV light curing, they share the same degree of production speed. UV and UV DTF printing both use flatbed UV printers, which are among the fastest printers on the market. In minutes, you’ll have your substrate/film printed and dried.
- Hard substrate application
UV printing is one of the most versatile methods, working with soft and rigid substrates. On the other hand, UV DTF is exclusive to hard surface applications. UV and UV DTF printing are the common go-to techniques for printing materials like metal sheets and glass.
- Varnish application
Both techniques also welcome varnish application. This extra layer improves durability and produces a gloss finish. UV prints have shiny and smooth textures that are likely due to varnish.
Differences Between UV Printing and UV DTF Printing
The main contrast between these two methods is their printing process and versatility. Further explanation is below.
- Printing process
UV printing is a more straightforward process. It involves directly spraying UV inks on a surface and rolling UV light over it.
In contrast, UV DTF printing involves two transfer films and lamination. After printing, you must laminate the A and B films and peel off each one at every step. These extra steps create significant differences in design transfer speed.
- Versatility
UV printing works with more substrates, including soft ones. Unlike UV DTF, it is not limited to printing exclusively on rigid surfaces. Roll-to-roll UV printers can print on fabrics. Rotary UV printers are also available for printing on curved surfaces like cans or jars.
UV DTF may cater to uneven surfaces but remains exclusive to rigid substrates.
Which Technology is Right for Your Business?
UV printing and UV DTF printing are broadly similar methods. However, you must inform yourself of their nuanced differences to choose the best for your business. Here are some tips to help you determine which method will be better for you.
Choose Based on the Application
The application is the best aspect that should influence your decision. Many techniques are versatile and reliable, but not all suit your application.
UV and UV DTF printing are not very distant in substrate versatility. But, if your business is relatively focused on printing on a rigid substrate, you can go with UV DTF. Despite this exclusivity, you still have wide applications on different materials and products.
But if you want more substrate flexibility, you can use UV direct printing.
Cost-Benefit Analysis
It is essential to consider the cost-benefit aspect. You must aim to produce more products with the least production cost.
UV printing is efficient because it has a fast and simple production process. The work is direct and inexpensive and does not need an additional printing process. UV DTF is different because it needs extra films and a lamination machine.
Transfer films can be more costly than ink, so you’ll have higher production costs. Additionally, running an extra lamination machine bumps your sum further.
Future Trends
Looking ahead to the present market should be a reasonable consideration. You must be aware of industry forecasts and trends to keep your business afloat.
UV direct printing has been around for quite some time. It’s a tested method that still endures and performs today. Choosing it for your business has very minimal risks.
In comparison, UV DTF printing only gained fame in the last few years. It’s a fresh technique that quickly gained interest for its practicality.
In general, both UV DTF and UV printing are future-proof investments. High design-customization and durability remain two of the most prominent factors consumers seek. In this regard, both methods will remain formidable contenders.
