Recently, there has been a great interest in offset printers that use UV printers to print special effects that were previously done using the screen printing technique. In offset drives, the most popular model is 60 x 90 cm because it is compatible with their production in B2 format.
Using digital printing today can easily achieve results that were technically unfeasible or too expensive for classical processes. When using UV inks, there is no need to make additional tools, preparation costs are low, and each copy can be different. This improved printing can be easier to place on the market and achieve better sales results. The creative potential and possibilities of this technology are really great.
When printing with UV inks, due to the fast drying, the ink application remains above the surface of the substrate. With larger coats of paint, this results in the effect of sandpaper, ie a relief structure is obtained, this phenomenon can be turned into an advantage.
To date, the drying technology and composition of UV inks has advanced so much that it is possible to achieve different levels of smoothness on one print – from high gloss to surfaces with a matte effect. If we want to achieve a matte effect, the surface of our print should be as similar as possible to sandpaper. On such a surface, the light is scattered unevenly, it returns less to the eye of the observer and a dimmed or matte print is achieved. If we print the same design to smooth our surface, the light will be reflected from the print axis and we will get the so-called glossy print. The better we smooth the surface of our print, the smoother and stronger the gloss will be and we will get a high gloss print.
How is a 3D print obtained?
UV inks dry almost instantly and it is relatively easy to achieve printing in the same place. Layer by layer, the print can rise above the printed surface and give it a whole new, tactile dimension. Although customers perceive this type of print as a 3D print, it would be more accurately called a relief print. This print ennobles all the surfaces on which it is found. It is used for commercial purposes, for making business cards, invitations or exclusive printed products. In packaging it is used for decoration or Braille. By combining varnish as a base and a color finish, this print looks very exclusive and will beautify cheap surfaces to look luxurious.
Some more effects that are achieved by UV printing
In recent months, more and more work has been done on gold printing using classic CMYK. Many substrates are not suitable for the use of foils, and we can easily get them with UV inks as a print with a golden effect. The color used should be well pigmented, which ensures high brilliance, and on the other hand, the use of varnish can achieve a high gloss.
Luxury brochures, corporate annual reports, book covers, wine labels or diplomas are unthinkable without the additional effects that make them unique.
When using UV inks, there is no need to make special tools, preparation costs are low, and each copy can be different. This look of the print can certainly easily win the heart of the consumer. The creative potential and potential of this technology is really great.