Diversify with decoration

Decorating small objects is a low-cost way of adding value to all sorts of substrates and products.

Many printers are facing challenging trading conditions as customers look to tighten their spending to deal with the prevailing economic winds. So, for many print businesses it is logical to diversify their portfolio and attract a broader range of customers. One way to do that is to invest in small format machines for decorating small objects, such as hats, smartphone cases and so on. The key is to add chargeable value at relatively low cost.

Of course, one obvious way to do this is through direct-to-film (DtF). The recent FESPA Global Print Expo in Berlin highlighted a variation on the more usual DtF approach, called UV DtF, which uses UV-curable ink instead of water-based ink. It applies a similar principle but is meant for rigid objects. It’s a very cost-effective way of producing small decorated objects such as tiles or coasters.

The process involves two separate rolls of clear film. One has an adhesive layer on top, and the ink is laid down directly on top of this. After printing, the second film, which is essentially a laminate layer is pressed on to it, using nothing but pressure. This allows the graphic to be handled and, for example, to be posted to a customer. To apply the graphic, you peel the top layer off to expose the adhesive, press the graphic against the object you want to decorate and then just rub it to force the ink in the graphic to transfer. There’s no need for heat, though some surfaces might require a primer.

Mimaki demonstrated this approach on its new UV DtF printer, the UJV300 DtF 75. It prints CMYK plus two white channels and two clear ink channels. This takes rolls up to 650mm wide, but with a maximum print width of 640mm. Mimaki offers a choice of different films depending on the intended application, such as mugs, with the process capable of being put through a dishwasher.

RS Pro took this principle a stage further. Its Ultimate UV DtF printer comes with CMYK plus white and varnish but with an option for a second clear ink to pick up metallic foils, which greatly enhances the overall graphics. It takes 650mm wide films and comes with a Caldera RIP.

RS…