The Future is Bright for UV Inkjet

With the massive personalization and customization trend showing no sign of slowing down, neither is the growth in the UV printed products market. In fact, according to Allied Market Research, the global UV curable ink market was valued at $1.1 billion in 2021, and is expected to reach $4.5 billion by 2031, yielding a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.68%. 

UV printing technology offers today’s print service providers (PSPs) several important advantages: First, the ability to print directly on a wide range of natural and synthetic media, and on thicker, curved, and cylindrical objects, making it an extraordinarily versatile customization and personalization platform. Also, when compared to other production methods, the simplified setup and swift ink curing of UV presses saves time, while low VOC emissions make them more environmentally friendly. In addition, UV presses and their specially formulated inks produce prints that are incredibly durable, flexible, and scratch resistant.

With expanded ink sets and the ability to print on a wide range of unique substrates, UV is heating up. | Credit: Roland DGA

Inkjet manufacturers are responding to the surging demand for UV print with a suite of press options, ranging from desktop presses to five-meter grand-format presses. New ink sets, accessories, and software complete the offerings, making UV printing more accessible and versatile than ever before.

Let’s explore a few of the benefits offered by today’s UV presses.

Efficiency and Profitability

With rapid setup and quick curing, UV presses offer PSPs a simplified and efficient workflow — helping shops meet increasingly tight deadlines. Enhanced ink gamuts and the latest color management software make it easier than ever to incorporate UV print into marketing campaigns that include multiple types of printing and packaging. All these advantages make UV print an easy alternative on busy production days.

Digital print technology, like the Roland DG VersaUV S-Series flatbed press, is able to print on external hard drives. | Credit: Roland DGA

In addition, today’s UV inkjets can print precise, professional full-color graphics directly on an ever-widening variety of substrates and objects. Some can print on objects up to 7.87" thick, and bed sizes range from desktop versions measuring 12x13" to flatbeds measuring 64x144". Some models even offer belt-driven hybrid features that can print on both roll-to-roll media and flat printable objects, handling foam pads, pile carpet, and other flexible, printable surfaces without being limited to the length of the flatbed. 

Using a UV press, shops can produce products that maintain a marketing purpose — either promoting a brand or concept, or just making the product unique. Studies show that printed customization increases a product’s perceived value, allowing shops to profit from offering this sought-after service. Along with color, graphic, or typographic enhancement, a UV presses’s gloss and white specialty inks can produce unique dimensional and textural effects that add pop and style to any customized print. 

Wider Market Appeal

In addition to more traditional graphics and marketing clients, PSPs are receiving requests for UV print from clients in other markets, including light industrial manufacturers and interior design. The direct-print capability is being used to customize and brand products for clients in the automotive industry, as well as for industrial parts and other manufacturing businesses. Interior designers are also seeking out UV printing to produce colorful graphics on canvas, rice paper, wood, vegan leather, metal, glass, and tile that enhance and personalize interior décor for their clients.

The Roland DG VersaUV S-Series flatbed press is also able to print on phone and earbuds cases. | Credit: Roland DGA

Many of today’s print business startups are also targeting the personalization market, applying UV print’s crisp graphics to everyday products like air fresheners, license plate holders, toys, personal electronics, and custom photo frames. 

Recent innovations have made more ink set options available for UV print than ever before. In addition to expanded color gamut ink sets, there are versatile and affordable options on the market that offer excellent adhesion, vibrant color, and outstanding durability. 

Large or Small, UV Does it All

Personalization and customization are here to stay, and UV’s “print-on-almost-anything” capability allows shop owners to capitalize on this mega-trend with easy, colorful customized print. Today’s wider range of press sizes and print bed options, together with the newest software, print accessories, and ink sets, means there are UV printing solutions available that can help businesses of all sizes successfully reap the benefits of this versatile technology.