Fact or Fiction? Debunking 6 UV Printing Myths

Editor's Note: This article was written for Promo Impressions. For more content on promotional products decoration, be sure to subscribe to the biweekly newsletter at PromoImpressions.com.

With its high-quality output and ability to print directly on a wide variety of substrates and objects, UV printing has become an increasingly popular way to customize promotional products. As with any printing technology, however, there are some misconceptions surrounding UV printing, and some concerns that have been addressed by newer UV inks and printing equipment.

Here we’ll debunk some of the most common UV printing myths and shed some light on the truth about this versatile customization technology.

Myth 1: UV Inks are Harmful to the Environment

Some people believe UV inks are toxic and contribute to air pollution. However, this is far from the truth.

UV printing actually offers several environmental benefits compared to other printing technologies. UV inks are free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and do not release harmful fumes into the air during the curing process. Additionally, newer ink formulations are specifically designed to be CPSIA and toy safety compliant. Additionally, because UV printers utilize eco-friendly UV/LED lamps for curing, they consume less energy overall compared to other print processes.

Myth 2: UV Printing Can Only Be Used on Certain Surfaces and Objects

Another common misconception is that UV printing is limited to specific materials, such as flat surfaces or rigid substrates. This myth may have originated from the early days of UV printing when the technology was primarily used on flat materials.

However, UV printing has come a long way since then. Modern UV printers can print on a broad range of materials, including glass, metal, wood, plastic, fabric, and three-dimensional objects like pens, bottles, balls, phone cases, and even hockey pucks. Manufacturers have developed accessories to facilitate printing on cylindrical items like water bottles, and jigs are available to print multiple objects simultaneously.

Credit: Roland DGA

There are also aerosol and wipe-on adhesion promoters for non-porous and low surface energy surfaces that are commercially available. UV DTF extends UV printing’s range even further. This process uses white and gloss inks to create a decal that can be applied to hard-to-print objects like curved-edge and clear glass objects.

The versatility of UV printing makes it a preferred choice for promotional products personalization and customization.

Myth 3: UV Printing Yields Inferior Image Quality

Some skeptics claim UV printing inks do not provide the same level of color vibrancy and sharpness as traditional printing inks. However, this myth does not hold up under scrutiny. For example, Roland DG’s color gamut for its EUV5 inks enables users to achieve the same level of rich color and vibrancy that can be obtained with its eco-solvent inks.

Credit: Roland DGA

Additionally, all UV inks are cured instantly using ultraviolet light. This curing process ensures the inks do not bleed or spread, and results in sharp, vibrant, and high-resolution prints. UV printing also allows for precise dot placement, which enhances overall image clarity and detail.

Lastly, UV inks allow for special textural effects such as simulated embossing and matte or gloss finishes that enhance your customized products.

Myth 4: UV Printing Promotional Products is Slow

The myth that UV printing is a slower process used to be true. Today’s UV printers have overcome that challenge. Newer flatbed printers offer increased print speeds, software that improves workflow productivity, and advanced white and gloss ink formulations that lay down denser layers to improve efficiency.  These features make UV printing an excellent option for quickly producing consumer-ready products.

Myth 5: UV Printing is Expensive

There is a common misconception that UV printing is prohibitively expensive, making it an impractical choice for many businesses. While it's true that UV printers may have a higher upfront cost compared to some traditional digital print methods, they offer significantly reduced running costs.

Credit: Roland DGA

UV printing also eliminates the need for additional finishing processes like lamination or varnishing, which are often required with traditional printing methods — saving time and money. Instant curing also reduces production time and increases overall productivity. UV printing works for on-demand printing, eliminating the need for large print runs and reducing waste.

Myth 6: UV Printing is Complicated

In the past, some RIP software programs for UV printers had been described as expensive and difficult to use. While some RIP software products may be expensive if purchased separately, some manufacturers' print devices come with the RIP software included. That's something to consider when investing in UV printing technology.

Ongoing support is another factor to consider when finding the right equipment partner. Whether you need assistance with aspects of printing, tiling, nesting, variable data printing, color profiling, or print queues, you want the right support when you need it. In addition to online and in-person technical services, Roland offers a video series for users called Roland TV.

Credit: Roland DGA

Today’s UV inks and printers have proven that many myths and misconceptions circulating about these technologies are flat-out wrong. UV printing technology has established itself as a game-changer in the printing industry. Its environmental benefits, versatility, excellent image quality, and cost-effectiveness make UV printing a preferred choice for many promotional products businesses.

As with any technology, it's important to separate fact from fiction and stay informed about the capabilities and advantages of UV printing. Now that we've debunked common myths, you can make an informed decision on whether a UV printer is the right choice for your promotional product printing needs.