UV Printing VS Conventional Printing: What’s the difference?

The printing industry is thriving more than ever as technological advances reinvent the market. Today, businesses are developing new ways to put concepts on print and enhance collaterals, demonstrations, and other forms of media. 

One of the latest technologies that revolutionised the way businesses print ideas is UV printing, which takes centre stage in several industries as the next best choice compared to conventional printing. 

What is UV Printing?

Unlike conventional ink, which uses printing methods that rely on heat to harden evaporating solvents, pigments, and binders, UV ink uses ultraviolet light to dry ink as soon as it applies to the material you’re using for the prints. Whether you’re using paper, aluminium, acrylic, a foam board, or any other material that can fit a UV printer, the UV light gives your printing process an edge in more ways than one. 

Breaking down the chemical composition of UV ink, it uses pigments, binders, and photoinitiators, which creates a cross-linking chain effect once the ultraviolet light hits it at a certain wavelength. This process causes the UV ink to harden, making it the newest method of printing for many businesses using graphic overlays in their print materials. 

What Makes UV Printing Better Today? 

Using UV ink isn’t just an improvement designed to make printers more sophisticated but pave the way for better printing techniques and practices as a whole since it uses less energy to cure the ink. Not only does it optimise your energy consumption, but it also doesn’t release solvents into the air, making it a significantly environmentally-friendly option. 

UV printing also cures ink faster, so businesses can deliver faster output without compromising quality. The lack of solvents also means that the output will not fade in time, making it great for long-lasting projects. 

When It Makes Sense to Switch to UV Printing 

1. When You Need to Print in a Rush 

UV ink is known for its quick turnaround times since the ink can harden as soon as it hits the paper, which means they lack of evaporation process you get from conventional printing makes UV printing the best choice for rush jobs! 

2. When You Need a Specific Look 

Not only does UV ink dry quickly, but it can also print different graphics without any risk of smudging. Adding a UV coating can mitigate abrasions, making projects that require crisp graphics or a satin look come out perfectly every time. 

The Bottom Line: Exploring the Benefits of UV Printing 

Printers play a pivotal role in business from different industries, so it’s only right to invest in the highest quality technology that can meet all your printing needs. 

Are You Looking for the Best UV Printing Companies in the UK?

We offer some of the best printing solutions in the UK— from access to hardware to inkjet training and other services. Whether you’re using inkjet printers, distributors, importers, or developers, we got you covered! Enquire with us today and see what we can do to take your print business to the next level.