UV printer is a high-tech digital inkjet machine that does not require plate making, full color, and multi process performance, and is not limited by materials. It can perform image level color printing on surfaces such as cardboard, metal, wooden boards, acrylic, glass, PVC, leather, etc, with fast printing speed, instant drying, bright colors, rich image layers, simple and convenient operation, and the ability to achieve small batch production. It is the preferred process for printing graphics and text on products in various fields.
However, sometimes the colors of the patterns printed by the printers may deviate from those produced by the designers. What is the reason for this?
In addition to the visual color differences caused by different brands, models, and individual color value settings of computer monitors, there are several other reasons for this:
Reasons of Image
Before using the UV printer, the operator will process the printed images to achieve the desired effect for the customer before starting printing
In the process of image processing, we need to pay attention to the following points:
The lightest color value during color production should not be less than 8%, otherwise it may not be printed out;
When the image color on the design manuscript is RGB, not CMYK; Please do not use four color black or four color gray, as it may cause serious color difference after printing. Generally, we require customers to provide printed four color curved files;
Avoid using special colors. When non professionals choose images, if the image is purchased or provided through online channels, and sometimes no description file containing special colors is found, it may cause the overall printing color to change color. The resulting color difference is the overall comprehensiveness of the color difference;
Therefore, printer operators need to check the pattern before printing, and then conduct sample testing until the desired effect is achieved before proceeding with formal printing. This can not only save materials, but also print products that satisfy customers in the shortest possible time.
Reasons of Inks
UV ink is divided into hard ink, neutral ink, and soft ink, and different materials need to be matched with different types of ink. Moreover, the quality of printing ink directly reflects the final effect of the image presentation. If the ink quality used in UV printers is too poor, it will be difficult to achieve the desired effect for customers, and it is also easy to block the nozzle, causing serious damage to the equipment. In order to ensure worry free production for users when using the machine, manufacturers have dedicated ink that matches the machine, which can ensure printing image quality and effectively ensure smooth production of printing nozzles.
The saturation, brightness, and color gamut of different types of UV ink from the same brand vary. Therefore, before replacing different types of ink on the machine, it is necessary to thoroughly clean the ink path system, remake color curves, and then print test charts to observe the status of the inkjet holes, ensuring smooth ink output and consistent color on the screen.
In addition, there is another situation where UV ink may precipitate if not used for a long time, and it needs to be thoroughly stirred before use. If condensation or bonding occurs, it indicates that the UV ink has solidified or expired and needs to be replaced, The shelf life of UV ink is usually one year.
Reasons of Environment
Environmental factors can also affect color differences in printing, including printing time, temperature, humidity, material characteristics, and other factors controlled by human operation, all of which can lead to color differences. For example, when the humidity in the working environment of a UV flatbed printer is too high, there may be residual moisture on the substrate or surface. In this case, UV printing is not easy to completely dry, which affects the quality of printing; When the working environment temperature of the UV printer is too low, it can affect the smoothness of the UV ink. Thick ink can easily cause problems such as floating ink, unclear printing, and incorrect color. The printed image may also have dry cracks, peeling, and other issues.
Therefore, in special climates, it is necessary to carry out appropriate dehumidification or drying to maintain indoor air humidity between 30% and 70%; The indoor temperature should be kept between 20 ℃ and 28 ℃ as much as possible to reduce the impact of environmental factors on the printing effect.
Reasons of Materials
Printing media can also affect color difference. Each material has a different coating and background color, which will have a certain effect on ink adhesion. If designers can grasp the characteristics of materials, the use of colors in design will take into account the factors of materials. It should be noted that materials with darker backgrounds are more likely to produce color differences.
Flexible UV materials generally include cardboard, 3M inkjet cloth UV mesh free fabric, double spray fabric (with black cloth) PET chips PVC sheets, soft films, leather, etc; Hard UV materials generally include metal, glass, wood, acrylic, stone, etc.
In addition to the above reasons, The UV printer operator is also an important factor. Machine operation is a very simple task. Both men and women can easily get started. The key lies in putting one's heart into it. I once saw a little girl in a company who was making samples, and the products she made even felt inferior to those of boys. The works printed by excellent and meticulous UV printer operators are sure to be addictive to customers. Doing any job is the same, and the level of dedication is directly proportional to your product, which is also the most crucial factor in retaining customers.
