UV printing material guide

Surface energy, absorption, coatings and end-use conditions all affect adhesion. This guide groups the testing priorities from our application notes.

Test cleaning, pretreatment, adhesion and durability for every new material or batch before production.

Glass & ceramic

Smooth non-absorbent surfaces; test cleaning, primer, white ink and adhesion.

Selection logic: Smooth non-absorbent surfaces; test cleaning, primer, white ink and adhesion.
Verify during sampling: Test cleaning, pretreatment, adhesion and durability for every new material or batch before production.

Aluminium, steel, iron and copper coatings vary; test adhesion and durability separately.

Selection logic: Aluminium, steel, iron and copper coatings vary; test adhesion and durability separately.
Verify during sampling: Test cleaning, pretreatment, adhesion and durability for every new material or batch before production.

Porosity, coating and moisture affect ink and colour; sealing may be required.

Selection logic: Porosity, coating and moisture affect ink and colour; sealing may be required.
Verify during sampling: Test cleaning, pretreatment, adhesion and durability for every new material or batch before production.

Resins and coatings differ; PP, PE and silicone especially need pretreatment trials.

Selection logic: Resins and coatings differ; PP, PE and silicone especially need pretreatment trials.
Verify during sampling: Test cleaning, pretreatment, adhesion and durability for every new material or batch before production.

Flexing, texture and absorption affect the ink layer; test feel, cracking and rub resistance.

Selection logic: Flexing, texture and absorption affect the ink layer; test feel, cracking and rub resistance.
Verify during sampling: Test cleaning, pretreatment, adhesion and durability for every new material or batch before production.

Paper, card and corrugated media require checks for absorption, warp, holding and end use.

Selection logic: Paper, card and corrugated media require checks for absorption, warp, holding and end use.
Verify during sampling: Test cleaning, pretreatment, adhesion and durability for every new material or batch before production.

Shape, reflection, placement and fixtures determine positioning; test a real batch.

Selection logic: Shape, reflection, placement and fixtures determine positioning; test a real batch.
Verify during sampling: Test cleaning, pretreatment, adhesion and durability for every new material or batch before production.

Mixed materials, curves and durability require end-use-specific acceptance tests.

Selection logic: Mixed materials, curves and durability require end-use-specific acceptance tests.
Verify during sampling: Test cleaning, pretreatment, adhesion and durability for every new material or batch before production.

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Include photos, maximum size, thickness, batch quantity, target finish and daily output.