With the evolution of technology, the printing industry developed new, innovative digital printers to meet the demands of the modern world. Have you heard about the famous advanced form of DTF printer, the UV DTF printer? This has driven people nuts as they are confused about the difference between ordinary and modern DTF printing methods.

If you are also one of those, it’s alright! This article solves all your confusion because we will discuss UV DTF printing in complete detail, covering from its basics to working principles, advantages, disadvantages, and many more. So keep learning! 

What is UV DTF printing?

“Ultraviolet DTF ( Direct to Film) printers are a modern form of traditional DTF printers in which artwork is directly printed onto the film and cured instantly through UV light. Then transferred to the object without using any heating press.”

UV DTF printing is a mix-up of UV printing technology and the direct-to-print method, which is a revolutionary step in the printing industry.

The clever point of UV DTF printing is that you can store these designed stickers for a long time. So, whenever you require printing, place the film onto the object ( no need for heat or pressure ) and peel off the upper file, leaving behind the design. 

Moreover, UV DTF printing uses special UV inks that are cured ( dried/ dehydrated) with ultraviolet light. These inks dry much faster than ordinary ink used in UV DTF printing, giving more sharper, vibrant, and attractive printing photos.

Working mechanism of UV DTF printing

Let’s break all the aspects involved in the working mechanism of UV DTF printing into understandable, simple steps:

• Step 1) First of all, use the graphic designing software and design the artwork you want to print.
• Step 2) As you know, UV DTF printing involves two films, A & B. Well, now, with the help of special UV printers, designed artwork is printed onto film A.
• Step 3) With the help of an LED cold light source, UV light is bombarded onto film A and let it get set.
• Step 4) Well, after the printing is finished. Take out film A ( on which the design is printed ) from the printer and then paste film B onto the design topside. 
• Step 5) Alright! Here’s the turn to transfer the designed sticker to the object ( fabric, glass, wood, plastic, metal, etc.). To do this, peel off film A from the backside of the design and then paste the design onto the object > press the whole surface with your hand or something else and finally, peel off film B from the topside of the design. That’s it; the design will stay with the object. 

Potential benefits of UV DTF Vs. Traditional DTF printers?

The list of benefits of UV DFT printers is very long. Except for the high quality and sharpness of the print, there are several plus points of UV printers worth discussing. Let’s discuss the most important ones.

Accuracy: UV DFT printing gives more accurate and precise results ( in the positioning of print and colour richness) than traditional DFT printing due to special UV inks and advanced UV DTF printer technology. Moreover, it is exciting to hear that UV printing is so sophisticated and precise that it is being used to print 3D effects and different types of complex and pattern layers.
Versatile materials: DTF prints are best for only fabric ( soft surface materials ), while UV DTF prints are best for hard surface materials like wood, acrylic, metal, plastic, glass, ceramic tile, etc.
Greener method: UV DTF printers have better software than traditional DTF, so there is no wastage of ink. Apart from this, UV DTF printing doesn’t emit any volatile gas, noise, or something, providing a neat and decent working process.
Faster and durable curing:  UV light cures the prints instantly, so they are resistant to peeling, cracking, and damage. In contrast, DTF printers need external heat curing and take some time to cure the prints, leaving more risk of environmental damage.

What are the applications of UV DTF printing?

UV DFT printing has a wide range of applications in different fields. Some of the most important ones are discussed below:

Home decor: UV DTF printing creates appealing home decor items such as wall sheets and scenery.
To print advertisements: UV DFT printing is used to print promotion items ( flexes, pamphlets, business cards, ads posters, etc.) to grab people's attention.
Customized gift items: Due to high efficiency and decent prints, UV DFT printing is used to customize different designs ( names, photos, logos, etc.) on different items like a mug, glass bottles, watch dials, photo frames, couch cushions, etc.

What are the limitations of UV DTF printing?

Although UV DTF printing doesn’t have potential drawbacks, there are still some weak points of UV printing, which we consider essential to discuss with you, such as:

Price and maintenance: UV DTF printers are pricer than normal DTF printers, plus their UV parts need frequent maintenance, which adds additional costs.
Slow printing speed: UV printers work on the voltage ink spraying principle, so their speed is lower than that of traditional or offset printing methods.
Poisonous UV ink: Direct contact with UV ink can cause skin irritation, and if someone inhales its airborne particles, it can cause respiratory tract problems.

Conclusion

After going through all the above discussions, there’s no hesitation in saying that UV DTF printers are a breeze for the professional printing industry. If you are running a printing industry, a printing shop, or any other department involved in printing tasks. In that case, you can confidently try UV DTF printers to get rid of annoying and time-consuming old printing methods and enhance the quality of your prints. 

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Our company has over 30 models of printers with independent intellectual property rights and patents. Marketed under the esteemed brands of Skycolor, Stormjet, and Fedar brands, these printers cover a wide range, including digital textile printers, UV printers, eco-solvent printers and more. Known for their exceptional quality and performance.