Features of Inks

This machine prints using ECO-UV (EUV5) inks and primers. This section explains their respective features.

Features of ECO-UV (EUV5) Inks

This printer uses ECO-UV (EUV5) inks. ECO-UV (EUV5) inks are fixed to the object instantly by ultraviolet light. This makes it possible to print on materials*1 that are difficult to print on using conventional inks.

This machine uses the following two types of ink.
  • Five colors (cyan, magenta, yellow, black, and white) and primer
  • Five colors (cyan, magenta, yellow, black, and white) and gloss

Features of Primer

The primer is a colorless and transparent coating agent used as an ink base. Ink adhesion may be improved even on materials that are difficult to print on with EUV5 ink.

Materials that are generally difficult for ink to adhere to include the following.
  • Metal
  • PET (polyethylene terephthalate)
  • PP (polypropylene)
  • PE (polyethylene)
  • Silicone
  • Acrylic
  • Glass

Of these, inks adhere better to metals, PET, acrylics, and glass when a primer is used. However, if the surface is coated or painted with a glass coating, water repellent treatment, stain resistant treatment, or similar, it will be difficult to improve adhesion.

It is difficult to identify any processing or treatment to the surface of a material, even if it seems to be a material for which primer would be effective. Be sure to test print on the actual object to check ink adhesion. Do not proceed with actual printing without first confirming the efficacy of the primer.

Features of Gloss

The special gloss ink used in this printer is colorless and transparent, and can impart a glossy feel to the printed item, as well as enhance weatherability and robustness. Also, depending on the printing settings, you can even deliberately eliminate glossiness and produce a matte finish, or perform fill overprinting using gloss ink to raise the printed surface and create an embossed finish.
MEMO

Use the following link to view a reference video for glossy printing.

https://vimeo.com/1017752394/cb79e2bcf6

Gloss-finish Printing

This printing method imparts a glossy finish to the printed item.
PrintSample_gross

Matte-finish Printing

This printing method eliminates glossiness and produces a restful matte finish.
PrintSample_matt

Embossed-finish Printing

This printing method can produce items that have a three-dimensional feel by performing fill overprinting of the item using gloss ink. After performing fill-overprinting using gloss ink, the item is overprinted one last time using gloss ink to produce a gloss finish.
MEMO

To perform overprinting, configure the settings in VersaWorks.

You can select Embossing for Print parameters in FlexiDESIGNER, but this results in gloss-finish printing with only a single layer of gloss ink.

PrintSample_emboss