This document compares UV printers and UV DTF printers, highlighting that while both use UV heat and ink, the UV DTF printer can print on various fabrics and has a more complex printing process. It discusses the different workflows, applications, and advantages and disadvantages of each printer type, emphasizing the UV DTF printer's suitability for challenging surfaces. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on specific business needs and requirements.

1. What’s the Difference Between UV Printer and UV DTF Printer?

2. While UV printers and UV DTF printers both use UV heat and UV ink to produce prints, the UV DTF printer has
gained popularity recently due to a novel printing technique that allows it to print on nearly any fabric,
surpassing the capabilities of UV printers.
But more clients and printing industry owners are asking questions like, "Is it necessary to switch from my UV
printer to a UV DTF printer?" and "What is the difference between a UV printer and a UV DTF printer?" The
answer is given by the detail comparisons. (Click to Compare Table to Learn Quickly.)
Definition of UV printer, UV DTF printer
Different Workflow of UV printer and UV DTF printer
Differences between UV printer and UV DTF Printer
Print Method
Printing Ink
Applicable Substrate and Type
Main Applications
Pros and Cons of UV printer and UV DTF Printer
UV Printer vs. UV DTF Printer, Which is Really Better?

3. Definition of UV printer, UV DTF printer
Even though both "UV printer" and "UV DTF printer" contain the word "UV printer," they are not exactly the
same. Let's first clarify what is meant by the definition.
What is UV printer?
A device that can be used for UV printing is a UV printer. Ultraviolet rays are denoted by the letter "UV," and
UV curing printing is essentially a form of piezoelectric inkjet printing. The drying principle of printing states that
the UV ink in the pigment molecules will be cured on the material's surface as a result of the reaction between
the UV waves emitted by the LED cold light source lamp and the UV curing agent. This reaction will finish the
printing activity.
What is UV DTF printer?
A novel technique for creating crystal labels is UV DTF printing. Glue, UV varnish, white UV DTF ink, etc. are
required for this technology. to print different designs by overlaying it on a release UV DTF film, then
transferring it to a transfer film. The printed design patterns can be applied to the object's surface using this
method. It is sometimes referred to as a crystal sticker because of its three-dimensional, crystal-like look.
Stickers with UV DTF printing can be applied to a variety of hard surfaces, removed, and reused without the
need for additional steps.

4. UV Printer vs. UV DTF Printer: Different Process
Though it involves more processes to determine its benefits, UV DTF printing is actually one of the UV printing
techniques. In contrast, UV printers operate in a more direct manner.
How does UV printer work?
Both flatbed and 3D relief printing are possible with a UV printer. Generally speaking, there are four processes
involved in the entire printing process: First, use computer photo print software to modify and draw the
embossed color area. Second, give print control software the ability to incorporate white ink jet hit. Third,
arrange the material on the platform of the UV printer. To begin printing, click the device at the end. When the
created pattern is printed, the process will be complete.
How does UV DTF printer work?
At the moment, UV DTF offers two different printing techniques: roll-to-roll and flatbed printing.
The conventional way of printing is with a UV DTF flatbed printer.
Step 1: Peel off the A film, which is often A4 or A3 in size and is not rolled up.
Step 2: Tear the A film's surface off to reveal the glue surface. Next, position the glue surface on the printer's
flatbed and secure the four corners.
Step 3: Print in black and white first, then in CMYK color.
Step 4: Cover and laminate the B-film using a laminating machine.

5. Step 5: Trim the image by hand or with scissors, or use a cutting tool.
Step 6: Select an image, remove the A film, adhere the design image to the product surface, press it firmly
with your fingers a few times, and then remove the B film. The printing procedure is complete.
UV DTF flatbed printing is a laborious, multi-step printing process. You can use this printer for printing or
creating personalized little items, as well as for off-season sales. But it will be challenging to meet market
demand after the order increase or the peak season.
UV DTF roll-to-roll printing has far fewer processes, does not require a laminating machine, and does not
require removing the A-film's surface.
Step 1: Sketch the spot color area and design the pattern.
Step 2: Print straight onto A film using a UV DTF printer. Rolls of this A film are available.
Step 3: The film is automatically laminated once the design pattern is printed.
Step 4: Transfer the pattern to different hard material surfaces by hand or by cutting it by hand. Comparing the
efficiency to flatbed type printing, it is higher.
Differences between UV Printer and UV DTF Printer
While the two types of printers share many similarities—for example, both UV printers and UV DTF printers
require the use of ultraviolet heat in order to print—there are also some clear distinctions.

6. Print Method
A UV DTF printer prints on AB films first, then attaches to the substrate, whereas a UV printer prints directly
on substrates. This is the difference in the print methods of the two types of printers: UV DTF and UV printers.
Printing Ink
While UV DTF printers require one additional ink—special glue—to retain the printed image on the media
(substrate—UV printers employ C/M/Y/BK/W and Varnish.
Applicable Substrate and Type
To compensate for the drawbacks of UV printing, UV DTF printer is an extension of UV printer. Direct printing
onto mirrors and other smooth surfaces is challenging for UV printers. Moreover, there is very little adherence
of the UV ink, which reduces the overall printing impact. Despite further advancements in technology, a UV
printer is still limited to printing on specific coated substrates, such as metal, ABS, leather, silicon, glass, PC,
and so on. However, because of the printing plane's or surface's constraints, some items require built-in
device painting, which is challenging to accomplish.
The purpose of the UV DTF printer was to enable printing on more challenging surfaces, like windows, walls,
floors, and the interior of cups. It is resistant to wear and scratches once it has been transferred onto the hard
material surface. This is a highly practical and affordable way to print unique items.

7. Main Applications
Paper packaging and gift boxes, glass products
(either inside or on the outside, like personalized
dinner plates for pets), acrylic products, metal,
plastic, leather, and other materials are the principal
applications for UV DTF printers.
The industries that deal with gifts, banners,
advertising, signage, and logos, as well as
decoration and personalized printing, can all benefit
from the widespread usage of UV printers.

8. Comparison Table: UV Printer vs. UV DTF Printer

9. Pros & cons of UV Printer
Pros of UV Printer:
Simple single-color patterns, vibrant patterns, or
patterns with an abundance of color can all be printed
in one session using a UV printer. It is going to be dry
once printed. The printed image has a 3D relief
impression and is full of convex sentiments because of
the unique properties of UV ink. This printer is
economical, quick, and suitable for both small and
single batches! It is applicable to numerous groups and
sectors.
Pros & Cons of UV printer and UV DTF printer

10. Cons of UV Printer:
Curved items are not suited for printing with a UV printer. The result of printing is not optimal; it is the same as
not printing. Ink will fly and come free when printing objects with concave and convex drops larger than 7 mm.
Thus, attempt to produce an effect that is 7 mm or smaller.
Pros & cons of UV DTF printer
Pros of UV DTF Printer:
Widely applicable to all types of hard material surfaces, the UV DTF printer can transfer data to smooth or
frosted surfaces. It is clear that customisation has benefits. Glass products, leather, wood products, metal,
acrylic, paper packaging, and other materials can all be easily patterned. Order taking is flexible and easy to
transfer. Small requests can be finished fast.
Cons of UV DTF Printer:
The printing efficiency is not as great as with a UV printer, and there are too many printing processes.The
product is still relatively new, and the cost is expensive.

11. UV Printer vs. UV DTF Printer, Which is Really Better?
While some have stated that UV DTF printing is not a viable option for businesses, this isn't entirely accurate.
The advantages of the UV printer include less printing steps (direct printing), faster print times, lower costs,
and excellent and robust adhesion. Nevertheless, the UV printer is not suitable for surfaces that are not flat or
have a bevel face with a noticeable slope; in these cases, the UV DTF printer excels.

12. However, the UV DTF printer-produced stickers are resistant to fading and scratches, and the printed pattern
dries out as soon as it is removed from the press.
Which is better, a UV printer or a UV DTF printer? The ideal suit for your printing company's needs is a better
one, is the response. It is evident that each UV (DTF) printer offers unique benefits to a printing company.
Even if the page that follows discusses many printer types, our printing experts advise that you read the
section titled "Select printer according to market & business requirement" in order to gain a thorough
understanding.
Are you trying to find a better approach to support your successful printing company? Send a message or give
the team of expert printing consultants a call; Sublistar is prepared to offer additional helpful suggestions.
If you need more information about UV printer or a UV DTF printer, please feel freetocontact us!
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