Today, with the increasing development of printing technology, UV DTF printing presses and traditional printing methods each have their unique advantages and scope of application. This article will compare the two printing technologies from multiple dimensions so that readers can better understand the differences and choices between them.
- Technical principle and work flow
UV DTF Printers:
UV DTF printing is a new type of crystal label printing method, which combines UV printing technology and transfer technology. Its workflow mainly includes:
Design pattern: Make a printing template on the computer to determine the data type and layout of the required printing.
Preparation for printing: Prepare UV DTF AB film (A film with glue, B film for covering protection) and print the design pattern on A film.
Transfer: The printed pattern is transferred to the target material through the transfer film, such as glass, metal, plastic and other hard materials. At present, the development of technology is gradually mature, some soft materials can also be transferred, such as leather, PVC, EVA material items.
Finished product processing: cut the pattern, tear off the B film, paste the design image on the surface of the product, and then tear off the A film to complete the printing.
Traditional printing method:
There are many kinds of traditional printing methods, including letterpress printing, offset printing, gravure printing, screen printing and so on. Taking screen printing as an example, its workflow is roughly as follows:
Plate making: Making film plates according to design patterns is costly and complicated.
Printing: Printing ink onto paper or other materials by screen printing.
Drying: Traditional inks require a longer time to dry naturally or accelerate drying by heating.
Finished product: The dried printed matter is the finished product.
- Printing effect and scope of application
UV DTF Printers:
High resolution and detail performance: UV DTF presses usually have high resolution and can print fine and clear patterns, which is suitable for high-precision printing needs.
Strong three-dimensional sense: Because UV DTF printing uses advanced multi-layer printing technology, the printing pattern has a three-dimensional sense and crystal texture, and the appearance is beautiful.
Wide range of applicable materials: it can be printed on almost all hard materials, such as glass, metal, plastic, etc., with high flexibility.
Traditional printing method:
Rich color: Traditional printing methods can use a variety of colors of ink, color performance is richer.
Suitable for mass printing: Under the needs of large-scale printing, traditional printing methods have cost advantages and high production efficiency.
Limitations: Higher requirements for printing materials, not as flexible as UV DTF printing, especially on non-paper materials with limited printing effect.
- Speed and efficiency
UV DTF Printer:
Fast production: UV DTF printing machine realizes fast printing and transfer through digital technology, and the overall production efficiency is high.
Short printing: suitable for small batch, personalized printing needs, reducing the cost and time of plate making.
Traditional printing method:
Long production cycle: traditional printing methods require plate making, printing, drying and other steps, and the overall production cycle is long.
Suitable for mass production: Under the needs of large-scale printing, traditional printing methods have higher production efficiency.
- Environmental protection
UV DTF Printer:
Good environmental protection: UV ink does not contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), less pollution to the environment.
Traditional printing method:
Environmental issues: Inks used in some traditional printing methods may contain VOCs, which causes a certain pressure on the environment.
- Cost and investment
UV DTF Printer:
Low equipment cost: The purchase cost of UV DTF printing machine is low and the maintenance cost is relatively low, and the requirements for investment are moderate.
Ink cost: UV ink is more expensive than traditional ink, increasing the cost of each printing.
High single value: UV DTF produces a high net value, not only suitable for high-end products, ordinary products can also be customized and small batch models are supported, flexible printing, destocking. Facilitate capital flow and turnover.
Traditional printing method:
High equipment cost: The relative price of traditional printing equipment is higher, suitable for large-scale production, so that the cost of a single product will be reduced, with scale effect. However, it should be noted that excessive printing should be avoided, resulting in unnecessary inventory.
Ink cost: Traditional ink cost is low, suitable for mass printing.
Vi. Conclusion
UV DTF printing presses and traditional printing methods each have their own unique advantages and scope of application. UV DTF printing machine has advantages in printing effect, applicable material, speed and environmental protection, suitable for small batch, personalized printing needs, especially in the case of high image detail and accuracy requirements. The traditional printing method has advantages in cost and color performance, and is suitable for large-scale and standardized printing needs. When choosing printing technology, the pros and cons of all aspects should be weighed according to the specific needs, and the most suitable printing method should be selected.
With the development of science and technology, UV DTF printing technology is expected to show its potential in more areas and become a highlight of the printing industry. At the same time, traditional printing methods are constantly improving and innovating to adapt to changing market needs.
