Should You Be Using UV Printers and UV Ink?
In 2018, UV-curable ink has the highest market share in the digital ink industry.
According to Allied Market Research, the digital ink market has reached $2.8 billion in 2018 and is expected to grow to $4.3 billion in 2026. Digital ink market or the market of ink used in digital printing is expected to have a CAGR of 6.1% from 2019 to 2026.
For ink companies, the incoming demand of UV-curable ink in 2020 deserves a healthy consideration.
With its quality print results and promising earth-friendly process, UV ink is slowly becoming more popular in the printing business.
Why People Are Turning to UV Printing
UV printing uses ultra-violet light to dry or cure ink during the printing process. As the printerhead applies ink on the material, UV light emitters follow to dry or cure ink in an instant.
- UV Printing Produces Sharper Images
The photomechanical process dehydrates ink to solid, preventing it from spreading. This produces sharper images. Dried UV-curable ink doesn’t smudge, scratch or scuff. It also resists fading. Solvent ink, on the other hand, needs to get absorbed in the paper, which dilutes and clouds its colors.
- UV Ink Can Be Printed On Anything
Because they dry with little evaporation and have no need to be absorbed by the material, UV-curable ink can be printed on plastic, foil, acrylics and virtually whatever substrate you want.
- UV Ink Is More Eco-Friendly
Conventional ink evaporates, releasing VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Since UV-curable inks dry through UV light, they release 0.5% VOCs -creating a safer environment to printing business employees. It also leaves minimal carbon footprint.
- UV Ink Increases Efficiency
Because of sharper, brighter images and its ability to dry quickly, rejection rate decreases. There is also no need to buy spraying powder to aid in solvent ink drying. Because UV ink has crisp and more professional finish, its prints don’t require coating. 100% of the ink is also used up each time because the ink only dries during UV light exposure.
What UV Ink Is Made Of
UV-curable ink consists of four main components: monomers, oligomers, pigments and photoinitiators.
- Monomers: building blocks of the ink that control ink viscosity and ink softness/hardness upon drying.
- Oligomers: the “glue” of the ink that adheres to the substrate.
- Pigments: color particles of less than 200 nanometers. Each particle is coated to prevent clumping and clogging the nozzles.
- Photoinitiators: acts as the “chain” whenever exposed to UV light, causing oligomers and monomers to cross-link.
Disadvantages of UV Ink
- Susceptible to Stray UV Light
Even ambient light can cause premature cross-linking that would lead to nozzle clogging. UV-curing printers are designed to avoid stray light.
- Hard to Clean Spills
UV-curable ink does not dry without curing, making it a challenge to clean.
- UV-Curable Ink Can Be Hazardous
UV-curable ink can react with skin or eyes upon contact. Eye and skin protection gear are required upon its handling.
Some people have sensitivity to its low level of vapors and can cause breathing problems unless it’s completely cured.
Growing Applications of UV Printing
Years ago, UV printing was limited to paper, card and acrylics. Now it can be used on metals and ceramic tiles without the need of expensive coating. This discovery has expand the number of items that can be UV-printed such as metal signs and ceramic decor.
The industry is heading towards smaller customizable items such as sports balls, trophies and mobile phone, tablet and laptop cases. Especially with the rise of Cylindrical UV Printers.
With the rising demand of UV-curable ink this 2020, it’s best for ink sellers to consider adding it to their inventory.
