FAQ

Most frequent questions and answers

General

Are you a manufacturer or a distributor?

We are manufacturers. Keditec was founded in 2010 , Nanjing Keditec Technology Co., Ltd. has been committed to R & D and production of durable, advanced and affordable professional digital printers (DTF, UV, sublimation and new eco-friendly ones). The company has obtained ISO 9001 :2015 certification, with a modern production line, a complete quality control system and testing machines.

Please select the product you are interested in on our official website’s product page and leave your email address, mobile phone number, company name and information about various product specifications.

We promise that once we receive your inquiry, we will respond to your email or WhatsApp message within 12-24 hours.

What is the DHL shipping procedure?

The following is a detailed transportation procedure:

1) We first send the item to our shipping company.

2) Then our shipping company will send it to Hong Kong.

3) Then DHL Hong Kong will collect the items.

4) Then we will provide you with a tracking number.

Do you provide any warranty for the machine?

1) The warranty period for the machine is 12 months.

2) The warranty period for laser tubes, chillers, air pumps, exhaust systems, air compressors, and water separators is 6 months.

3) The warranty period for lenses and mirrors is one week after receiving the machine.

4) During the warranty period, we will send the parts to you for repair/replacement.

5) After the warranty period ends, we will charge a replacement fee.

6) The warranty period is the date of manufacture.

7) Continuous technical support can be obtained through email/phone/Skype. Technical documentation can be used to solve any problem.

What is your payment method?

We accept T/T, PayPal, Western Union, etc.

Can you tell me the purchasing process?

1) You pay us a 30% deposit

2) After receiving your money, we will prepare the machine for you.

3) After the machine is ready, we will take photos/videos for you.

4) You pay us 70% of the balance before shipping.

5) We will deliver the machine to your port by sea (or directly to your doorstep via DHL according to your needs)

6) We will send you all the files to clear customs and obtain the machine.

7) When the machine arrives at your port, the shipping company will contact you. You contact the transportation company and request their assistance in clearing customs. Then have them find a carrier to deliver the machine to your doorstep.

8) Everything is now completed.

We promise that once we receive your inquiry, we will respond to your email or WhatsApp message within 12-24 hours.

What is sea freight like?

1) The preparation time for the machine is about 7-10 days,

2) We will send the machine to the transportation company and the machine will stay in their warehouse for about a week. This is called the LCL period.

3) The time from Shanghai Port or Guangzhou Port to your port is about 15-45 days.

What's going on with air freight?

Air freight is usual, and we need about 7-10 days to prepare the order after receiving payment.

If shipped by DHL air freight, it will take approximately 7 days to arrive at you.

Therefore, if you choose DHL air freight to your doorstep, it will take approximately 14-17 days in total. What’s going on?

What time did you make the sample?

Usually we need about 3-7 days to make samples.

thermal transfer

What is heat transfer printing?

Thermal transfer is a new method of decorating. With thermal transfer, also known as digital transfer, your custom logo or design will be printed on transfer paper, which then uses heat and pressure to heat transfer ink from the paper to your fabric.

We promise that once we receive your inquiry, we will respond to your email or WhatsApp message within 12-24 hours.

What is a hot press machine?

Hot pressing is a machine that presses transfer materials onto printable substrates. By applying high temperature and high pressure for a period of time, the transfer will be permanently embedded in the product.

How does heat transfer printing work?

Thermal transfer can be done in many different ways. There are inkjet transfer, dye sublimation transfer, digital decal transfer and vinyl transfer.

What items can be hot pressed?

Here are some of the more common items, usually hot-pressed. The list goes beyond that.
Fabrics, T-shirts, hats, mouse pads, tote bags, ceramic plates, tiles, cups, wood/metal, etc. Miscellaneous items.

What is the time and temperature for heat transfer?

Standard transmission requires anywhere from 375° to 425° F and requires a great deal of force during pressing, usually between 40-80 psi. These temperatures and pressures are simply not achievable by other heating equipment.

We promise that once we receive your inquiry, we will respond to your email or WhatsApp message within 12-24 hours.

What equipment and consumables are required for heat transfer printing?

You will need an inkjet printer, inkjet ink, thermal transfer paper, or a vinyl or thermopress. You can also use a cutter, thermal pad, heat-resistant sheet, or substrate.

Is there a quality issue with heat transfer printing images?

Reasons:

The temperature of heat transfer is too high or the time is too long, which leads to excessive diffusion of the ink and makes the edges of the image blurred.
The resolution of the original image is too low to clearly present the details during the transfer process.
The surface of the transfer paper or fabric is uneven, which affects the transfer effect of the image.

Solutions:

Adjust the temperature and time parameters of the heat transfer equipment. Generally speaking, different transfer materials have their appropriate temperature and time ranges, and precise settings need to be made according to the material specifications. For example, for cotton T-shirts, the heat transfer temperature is usually between 180 – 200 degrees Celsius, and the time is about 15 – 30 seconds.
Ensure that the resolution of the original image is high enough. It is recommended to be at least 300dpi (dots per inch) to ensure clear image details.
Before transfer, carefully check the surfaces of the transfer paper and fabric, and place them flat in the transfer equipment to avoid wrinkles.

Color deviation in heat transfer printing images?

Reasons:

The quality of heat transfer ink is poor and its compatibility with the target materials is not good, resulting in color changes.
The color management settings of the heat transfer equipment are incorrect, making it impossible to accurately reproduce the colors of the image.
Different batches of transfer materials (such as different batches of fabrics) have different effects on color absorption and presentation.

Solutions:

Select heat transfer inks that are of reliable quality and have good compatibility with transfer materials. When purchasing ink, you can consult the supplier about which materials it is applicable to and check the evaluations of other users.
Calibrate the color management system of the heat transfer equipment. Some advanced heat transfer equipment allows users to customize color configuration files. You can use color calibration tools or software to set them according to the color characteristics of the target materials.
For different batches of transfer materials, it is advisable to conduct small-area test transfers first, adjust the ink usage or color settings to ensure color consistency

Poor adhesion of heat transfer images?

Reasons:

The transfer temperature is insufficient, so the ink does not fully penetrate into the interior of the material but just adheres to the surface.
The pretreatment of the transfer material is improper. For example, there are impurities such as oil stains and dust on the surface of the fabric, which affects the adhesion of the ink.
The quality of the heat transfer glue or coating used is poor.

Solutions:

Appropriately increase the heat transfer temperature, but be careful to avoid damaging the material due to excessive temperature. Meanwhile, make sure that the transfer time is sufficient so that the ink can combine with the material better.
Before transfer, clean the transfer material. For fabric, it can be washed with a mild detergent and then dried thoroughly.
Select high-quality heat transfer glue or coating products. Before use, apply and dry them according to the requirements of the product instructions.

Deformation and damage of transfer material?

Material Deformation

Reasons:

The heat transfer temperature is too high, causing the transfer materials (such as fabrics, plastics, etc.) to undergo thermal deformation.
The transfer materials themselves have poor heat resistance and cannot withstand the high temperature during the heat transfer process.

Solutions:

Reduce the heat transfer temperature or shorten the transfer time. If the material is very sensitive to temperature, you can try a transfer strategy with a low temperature for a long time, but it is necessary to conduct tests first.
When selecting transfer materials, consider their heat resistance. For materials with poor heat resistance, you can first conduct tests on small pieces of materials or look for materials specifically suitable for low heat transfer temperatures.

Material Damage (Such as Scorching)

Reasons:

The heat transfer temperature is too high or the time is too long, exceeding the tolerance range of the materials.
The heating of the heat transfer equipment is uneven, resulting in excessively high local temperatures.

Solutions:

Immediately adjust the temperature and time parameters of the heat transfer equipment and operate according to the recommended parameters of the materials.
Check whether the heating elements of the heat transfer equipment are working properly. If the heating is uneven, the equipment can be repaired or calibrated to ensure that the heat is evenly distributed.

Thermal sublimation transfer printing

What is sublimation transfer printing?

Using sublimation printing, you can print logos or designs on various items made of any processed or polymer-coated material or clothing made of polyester. Sublimation requires special ink, paper, and a specific substrate with a polymer coating to function.

We promise that once we receive your inquiry, we will respond to your email or WhatsApp message within 12-24 hours.

What items can be sublimated by hot pressing?

Here are some of the more common items that are often hot pressed. This list is by no means more than that. T-shirts, hats, ceramic plates, tiles, mugs, mouse pads, paper memo cubes, tote bags, jigsaw puzzles, letters, numbers, rhinestones/crystals, wood/metal other miscellaneous fabrics and materials.
When hot-pressing sublimation is transferred to a non-natural fabric substrate, it is important to ensure that the material has an appropriate polyester synthetic coating.

What are sublimation transfer time and temperature?

Standard transmission requires a large amount of pressing force anywhere from 180° to 260° F and usually takes 25 to 36 seconds.

Can I use the principle of sublimation transfer printing on pure cotton fabric?

No. Sublimation doesn’t work on cotton. Heat sublimation requires polyester-based products. You can sublimate onto a 50/50 T-shirt and get a slightly faded/vintage look. We recommend transferring onto fabrics with a polyester content of not less than 60%. It works best on 100% polyester.

What type of printer can perform thermal sublimation?

Due to the type of ink used, you can only use the type of printer that can be used for printing.

We promise that once we receive your inquiry, we will respond to your email or WhatsApp message within 12-24 hours.

What kind of ink can be sublimated?

The ink used in the sublimation transfer printing process is a special mixture of water-based dyes and thermally reactive dyes.

What can sublimation do and what cannot it do?

Printed cotton shirts: Thermal sublimation requires polyester to complete the transfer process. Use only 100% polyester shirts for best sublimation results. For cotton shirts, we recommend using thermal transfer paper.
Print brightly coloured 65/35 and 50/50 shirts: Since part of the shirt is still cotton, the thermally sublimated ink does not have enough polyester to produce a vivid transfer effect. The image will eventually take on a dull colour, especially after washing. Again, using thermal transfer for cotton shirts is really the best option.
Print a colored shirt: Any colored background will drastically change the color of the imprint. Since sublimation will be part of the shirt, any color already on the garment will overwhelm the transferred image.
Printing non-polymer coated goods: Remember that thermal sublimation prints on the coating, not the object.

Is there a problem with the printing quality and color accuracy of sublimation?

Reasons:

Ink Quality: Different brands and batches of sublimation inks may vary in color performance. Low-quality inks may not be able to accurately reproduce colors, resulting in color deviations.

Color Management: Incorrect color management settings of the printer are a common cause. If a suitable color configuration file has not been configured for sublimation printing, or there are problems with the color matching between the printer and the software, inaccurate colors will occur.

Transfer Conditions: The transfer temperature and time of sublimation have a crucial impact on the final presentation of colors. If the temperature is too high or the time is too long, it may lead to excessive sublimation of colors, making the colors lighter or causing deviations; conversely, if the temperature is too low or the time is too short, the colors may not be fully sublimated, and thus the colors will not be vivid enough.

Solutions:

Select reliable ink brands and try to use inks of the same batch to ensure color consistency. Before purchasing ink, you can refer to the evaluations of other users and professional printing reviews.

Properly configure the color management of the printer. Many printers have built-in color calibration tools, and you can use these tools for color calibration. In addition, professional color management software can also be used to create or adjust color configuration files to make them suitable for sublimation printing.

Strictly follow the recommended temperature and time by transfer materials and ink suppliers for transfer operations. Before large-scale printing, it is advisable to conduct small sample tests first and find the optimal transfer conditions by adjusting the temperature and time.

The issue of image clarity in sublimation?

Reasons:

Image Resolution: A low resolution of the original image is one of the main reasons for image blurring. If the resolution of the image is lower than the printer’s requirements, details will be lost during the printing process, resulting in an unclear image.
Print Head Condition: A clogged or damaged print head will affect the precision of ink ejection, causing the image to have streaks, be blurry, or have some details missing.
Transfer Process Interference: During the transfer process, if the transfer paper and the target material are not in close contact, or if there is movement during the transfer, it will lead to a blurry image or ghosting.

Solutions:

Ensure that the original image has a sufficiently high resolution. Generally, it is recommended to use a resolution of 300dpi (dots per inch) or higher. Before printing, you can use image – editing software to check and adjust the image resolution.
Regularly clean and maintain the print head. Follow the printer’s user manual and use appropriate cleaning tools and cleaning fluids to clean the print head. If the print head is damaged, promptly contact the printer manufacturer or professional maintenance personnel for replacement.
During transfer, use suitable clamps or pressure – applying equipment to ensure that the transfer paper and the target material are in close contact. Also, keep the transfer environment stable and avoid shaking or material movement during the transfer process.

Is there a problem with the adhesion of sublimation ink?

Reasons:

Transfer Material Surface Treatment: Some transfer materials require special surface treatment to ensure good ink adhesion. If there is oil, dust, or other impurities on the material’s surface, or if the material’s surface energy is not conducive to ink adhesion, poor ink adhesion will occur.
Inappropriate Transfer Parameters: Inappropriate transfer temperature and time can also affect ink adhesion. A too – low temperature may lead to the ink not fully sublimating and adhering to the material’s surface, while a too – high temperature may cause the ink to sublimate excessively and not adhere effectively.

Solutions:

Conduct appropriate pretreatment on the transfer material, such as cleaning the material’s surface to remove oil and dust, or using some specialized pretreatment agents to improve the material’s surface energy and enhance ink adhesion.
Adjust the transfer temperature and time to ensure that the ink can sublimate and adhere firmly to the material’s surface under appropriate conditions. Similarly, before formal printing, small – sample tests can be carried out to determine the optimal transfer parameters.

DTF printing

What is DTF transfer printing?

The DTF (direct to film) process is as simple as the name suggests – printed on film and transferred directly to fabric. The most prominent factor that makes this process valuable to more people is the freedom to choose almost any fabric. Whether it’s polyester, cotton, silk or synthetic fibers like rayon or terry cloth, the DTF printing process will definitely work magic on them.

We promise that once we receive your inquiry, we will respond to your email or WhatsApp message within 12-24 hours.

What items can DTF print?

Suitable for various fabrics, leather, bags, shoes, hats, socks, gloves, umbrellas, plush toys, knitted underwear, swimwear, handicrafts, T-shirts, hoodies, cushions, pillows, bags, denim/jeans and many other industries

What type of ink does a DTF printer use?

It uses DTF ink dedicated to transfer film for dark and light-colored clothing, such as 100% cotton, polyester, blended fabric, spandex, elastic fabric, and leather.

Do I need transfer film or can it be any paper?

Yes, you need DTF transfer film so that DTF ink can be printed and stay on it. DTF transfer film has a coated surface.

Do I need powder?

Yes, without DTF powder, you would not be able to complete and press your design.

We promise that once we receive your inquiry, we will respond to your email or WhatsApp message within 12-24 hours.

Do I need a hot press?

Yes, it can be designed.

Can I use DTG ink to print on DTF film?

No, DTF printing requires special DTF inks. Printing with DTG inks on DTF film causes the ink to flow and mix with white and CMYK.

What is the washability of DTF?

If you use high-quality dtf powder and follow the correct application, the washability is very good. It is definitely better than laser white toner transfer. The recommended washing temperature is 40°C.

White ink nozzle malfunction (such as nozzle blockage or nozzle damage)?

The failure of the white ink print head is a relatively common and tricky problem in the printing process. The following are the detailed situations and solutions regarding print head clogging and print head damage:

I. Print Head Clogging

Reasons：

Ink Characteristics: White ink usually contains more pigment particles and is more prone to precipitation compared to colored ink. These particles may accumulate inside the print head, leading to clogging.
Long-Term Non-Use: If the printer has not been used for a long time, the solvent in the white ink will evaporate, and the pigment particles will dry and clog the tiny channels inside the print head.
Ink Quality Issues: Low-quality white ink may contain impurities or have an unreasonable ink formula, which can cause chemical reactions inside the print head, generating precipitates and thus clogging the print head.
Temperature and Humidity Effects: Extreme temperature and humidity environments can affect the fluidity of white ink. For example, in a high-temperature environment, the ink solvent evaporates too quickly; in a high-humidity environment, the ink may absorb excessive moisture. These situations may contribute to print head clogging.

Solutions

Printer’s Built-in Cleaning Function: Most printers have an automatic print head cleaning program. Through the printer’s operation panel or software, start the cleaning program to let the printer automatically clean the print head. Generally, this program will spray cleaning fluid through the print head to dredge the clogged channels.
Manual Cleaning of the Print Head:
- First, make sure the printer is turned off and the power plug is unplugged to avoid the risk of electric shock.
- Remove the ink cartridge or ink bottle and then locate the print head. The positions of print heads vary among different printers, so it is necessary to refer to the printer’s user manual.
- Use specialized print head cleaning fluid and cleaning tools, such as cleaning needles and cleaning brushes. Drop the cleaning fluid onto the print head and let it soak for a period of time, usually 5 – 10 minutes, to soften the clogged pigment particles.
- Gently unclog the small holes of the print head with the cleaning needle, but be very careful to avoid damaging the print head. Then, gently wipe the surface of the print head with the cleaning brush to remove the loosened impurities.
- After cleaning, let the print head dry naturally for a while, then reinstall the ink cartridge or ink bottle, turn on the printer, and conduct print head calibration and test printing.
Ultrasonic Cleaning: For relatively stubborn clogs, an ultrasonic cleaning device can be used. Carefully remove the print head from the printer (note that some printer print heads are not allowed to be disassembled by users on their own, otherwise the warranty will be voided. It is necessary to consult the manufacturer first), put it into the ultrasonic cleaning machine, add an appropriate amount of specialized cleaning fluid, and turn on the ultrasonic cleaning mode. The high-frequency vibration generated by the ultrasonic waves can effectively remove the clogging substances deep inside the print head. After cleaning, reinstall the print head onto the printer according to the correct installation steps.

II. Print Head Damage

Reasons

Physical Impact: During the transportation of the printer, the print head may be subject to vibration or collision. Or inside the printer, the print head may accidentally come into contact with other components, such as when paper forcibly passes through the print head area during a paper jam, which may lead to print head damage.
Chemical Corrosion: If inappropriate cleaning fluid or ink is used, the chemical components therein may corrode the internal structure of the print head. For example, cleaning fluid containing strong acid or alkali components will damage the metal or plastic parts of the print head.
Overuse and Wear: Long-term and high-intensity printing tasks will cause wear and tear on the print head. Especially for white ink print heads, due to the friction of pigment particles, the nozzles of the print head may be worn and deformed, affecting the precision of ink ejection.

Solutions

Check the Degree of Damage: If you suspect that the print head is damaged, you can use the printer’s self-test program to check the status of the print head. Some printers allow you to view the test pattern of the print head in the software, and you can judge whether there are problems such as clogging, missing lines, or uneven ink ejection by looking at the pattern.
Contact the Manufacturer or Professional Maintenance Personnel: If the print head is seriously damaged, such as nozzle breakage or internal circuit damage, it is generally necessary to contact the printer’s manufacturer or professional maintenance service provider. They have professional tools and technologies to replace the print head or conduct more complex repairs. During the warranty period, the manufacturer may replace the damaged print head for free; if it is out of the warranty period, the corresponding maintenance costs need to be paid.
Prevent Print Head Damage: To avoid print head damage, be careful during the transportation of the printer to avoid severe vibration. Use ink and cleaning fluid that meet the requirements of the printer. Do not use uncertified products at will. Meanwhile, reasonably arrange printing tasks to avoid overusing the print head, and conduct regular maintenance on the print head.

Is there a problem with incomplete transfer printing or damaged patterns?

Reasons:

The transfer temperature and time are not proper. If the temperature is too low or the time is too short, the ink cannot be completely transferred onto the fabric; if the temperature is too high or the time is too long, it may damage the fabric or deform the pattern.

The transfer pressure is uneven. If the pressure of the transfer equipment is uneven, it will result in the incomplete transfer of some patterns.

The surface of the fabric is uneven or there are impurities on it. This will affect the contact between the ink and the fabric, thus leading to incomplete transfer.

Solutions:

Determine the appropriate transfer temperature and time according to the types of transfer film, ink and fabric. Generally speaking, the transfer temperature is between 160 – 180 °C and the transfer time is around 10 – 30 seconds. However, it is necessary to conduct tests to find the optimal parameters.

Check the pressure system of the transfer equipment to ensure that the pressure is evenly distributed. A pressure testing tool can be used to check whether the pressure meets the requirements.

Before transfer, pre-treat the fabric, such as cleaning and ironing it, to remove surface impurities and make the fabric flat.

UV printing

What are UV printing and UV DTF printing?

UV Printing Principle

UV printing is a digital printing technology that cures ink through ultraviolet (UV) light. During the printing process, the print head sprays UV ink onto the surface of the printing medium. Then, the UV light immediately irradiates it, causing the photo – initiator in the ink to be excited by ultraviolet rays and generate free radicals. These free radicals trigger the monomers and oligomers in the ink to undergo a polymerization reaction, which then cures rapidly. This curing process is almost instantaneous, enabling the ink to adhere firmly to the surfaces of various materials, such as plastics, glass, metals, wood, and many other materials.

UV – DTF Printing Principle

UV – DTF (Direct – to – Film) printing is first carried out on a special PET film. It also uses UV ink. The ink is sprayed onto the film through the print head and then cured by a UV lamp. Different from ordinary UV printing, the printed film needs to go through a transfer process. During transfer, through a hot – pressing method, the patterns and ink on the film are transferred together onto the target object (such as textiles). In this process, the glue layer on the film is closely bonded with the target object, so that the pattern is completely transferred.

We promise that once we receive your inquiry, we will respond to your email or WhatsApp message within 12-24 hours.

What are the possible projects for UV printing?

Advertising and Promotion Category

Posters and Display Boards: UV printers can print vivid and high-definition posters and display boards on various boards. They can be used for commercial advertisements, event promotions, exhibitions and displays, etc. The printed images have the characteristics of being waterproof, sun-proof and scratch-resistant, and can maintain good visual effects for a long time. They are not easy to fade even in outdoor environments.
Signs and Plaques: Whether it’s indoor or outdoor signs, such as company nameplates, department signs, direction signs, billboards, etc., they can all be made by UV printing. It can achieve precise pattern and text printing on different materials, making the signs more eye-catching and beautiful, and enhancing the brand image and the identifiability of the place.

Decoration and Renovation Category

Glass Decoration: Various patterns, such as flowers, landscapes, abstract art, etc., can be printed on glass for home decoration, commercial space partitions, glass curtain walls, etc. The printed glass not only has decorative properties but also can play a certain role in privacy protection. Meanwhile, the good adhesion of UV ink to glass ensures the durability of the patterns.
Tile Printing: UV printing can realize personalized pattern designs on the surface of tiles, such as imitation marble patterns, wood patterns, geometric patterns, etc., to meet the needs of different decoration styles. These printed tiles are widely used in the floor and wall decoration of kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms and other places, adding a unique artistic atmosphere to the space.
Wood Processing: UV printing on wooden boards can be used to make artistic decorative paintings, screens, furniture panels, etc. It can combine exquisite patterns with the natural texture of wood to show a unique texture and beauty, and increase the added value of wooden products.

Digital Products and Accessories Category

Mobile Phone Cases: Consumers’ demand for personalized mobile phone cases is growing day by day. UV printing can meet this demand by printing various photos, cartoon images, creative patterns, etc. on mobile phone cases, adding a personalized touch to mobile phones. Meanwhile, the wear resistance of UV ink can ensure that the patterns are not easily worn out.
Computer Peripherals: For computer peripherals such as mouse pads, keyboard membranes, computer host casings, etc., UV printing can achieve personalized customization to match the personality and preferences of users, increasing the fun and uniqueness of the products.

Cultural and Creative Products Category

Artwork Reproduction: UV printing technology can reproduce artworks such as oil paintings, watercolor paintings, calligraphy, etc. with high precision, making the replicas have similar colors and textures to the original works. It can be used in art exhibitions, cultural exchanges, art sales and other fields, allowing more people to appreciate excellent artworks.
Personalized Gifts: For example, customized photo books, calendars, albums, postcards, gift boxes, etc. By presenting precious photos or unique design patterns on gifts through UV printing, they become more commemorative and emotionally valuable, and are suitable as birthday gifts, wedding gifts, holiday gifts, etc. to be given to relatives and friends.

Garment and Textile Category

T-shirt Printing: UV printers can directly print various patterns and texts on T-shirts without plate making, which greatly shortens the production cycle and improves production efficiency. Moreover, the printed patterns have rich colors and high firmness, and can still remain as vivid as new after being washed many times.
Fabric Labels and Patches: UV printing on clothing labels, patches and other parts can realize personalized brand logos, patterns or texts, increasing the brand identifiability and fashion sense of clothing.
Home Textile Products: For home textile products such as bed sheets, quilt covers, pillowcases, curtains, etc., UV printing can create home textile products with personalized patterns to meet the personalized needs of different consumers for home decoration and create a unique bedroom atmosphere.

Packaging Printing Category

Paper Boxes and Cartons: UV printing can achieve high-quality color printing on the surfaces of paper boxes and cartons, which is used for product packaging, gift packaging, etc. It can quickly change printing patterns and texts to meet the packaging needs of small batches and multiple varieties, and at the same time improve the aesthetics and attractiveness of packaging and increase the added value of products.
Plastic Packaging: For packaging materials such as plastic films, plastic bags, plastic containers, etc., UV printing can achieve exquisite pattern and text printing, enhancing the visual effect of packaging and promoting product sales. In addition, the good adhesion of UV ink on the plastic surface can also ensure the integrity of the patterns on the packaging during transportation and storage.

Industrial Manufacturing Category

Electronic Component Identification: Printing QR codes, serial numbers, production dates and other information on the surfaces of electronic components for the convenience of production management and quality traceability. The high precision and high definition of UV printing can ensure the accuracy and readability of the identification, meeting the strict requirements of industrial production.
Automotive Parts: Automotive interior parts, instrument panels, body stickers, etc. can all adopt UV printing technology for decoration and identification. It can achieve personalized design and printing on automotive parts of different shapes and materials, enhancing the overall aesthetics and brand characteristics of automobiles.

What type of ink does a UV printer use?

UV Curing Ink

Principle

UV printers mainly use UV curing ink. This kind of ink is a type of ink that cures rapidly upon exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. It contains photoinitiators. When irradiated by UV light, the photoinitiators will trigger the polymerization reaction of monomers and oligomers in the ink, thus enabling the ink to quickly change from a liquid state to a solid state and form a tough and glossy ink layer on the surface of the medium.

Advantages

Fast Curing Speed: Under the irradiation of UV lamps, it can cure in just a few seconds, which greatly improves the printing efficiency. For example, on high-speed production lines, it can quickly complete pattern printing and curing to achieve mass production.
Strong Adhesion: It can firmly adhere to the surfaces of many different materials, such as glass, metal, plastic, leather, etc. Taking printing on glass products as an example, the patterns cured by UV can withstand daily wiping and a certain degree of wear.
Vivid Colors: UV curing ink can provide rich and saturated colors with a wide color gamut. It performs excellently in printing advertising posters, reproducing artworks, etc., and can accurately reproduce the color details of images.
Good Weather Resistance: It can resist the influence of environmental factors such as ultraviolet rays, humidity, and temperature changes. In the printing of outdoor billboards, the patterns printed with UV ink can maintain vivid colors for a long time and will not fade or be damaged easily.

Classification

By Color: There are CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) four-color inks, which are the most basic color combinations and are used for general color printing. In addition, there are ink sets with added white and clear varnish inks. White ink is used for printing on dark or transparent materials to provide a background color; clear varnish ink can increase the glossiness and three-dimensional effect of patterns and is used for making printed products with special effects.
By Application Field: There is ink suitable for printing on hard materials (such as ceramic tiles, wooden boards). This kind of ink pays more attention to adhesion and wear resistance; there is also ink for printing on soft materials (such as fabrics, leather). It has better flexibility and will not crack when the materials deform.

Do I need powder?

The UV DTF (UV Direct to Film) printing technology generally requires the use of powder.

In the UV DTF printing process, powder needs to be sprinkled on the printed patterns. This is because the powder can help absorb the ink, play a role in protecting the colors of the patterns and enhancing the adhesion of the patterns. After that, through processes such as heating for curing, the patterns can be better transferred onto the surfaces of various materials.

We promise that once we receive your inquiry, we will respond to your email or WhatsApp message within 12-24 hours.

Is there a quality issue with UV printing?

Blurred Image or Ghosting

Reasons:
- Inaccurate Print Head Calibration: If the position of the print head is offset or the spacing between print heads is not calibrated properly, it will lead to deviations in the ink ejection position, thus resulting in a blurred image or ghosting.
- Excessive Printing Speed: When the printing speed exceeds the limit at which the print head can accurately eject ink, the ink may not land on the target position accurately, causing a decline in image quality.
- Platform Vibration: If the working platform of the printer is not stable enough and vibrates during the printing process, the ink ejected from the print head will deviate from the predetermined position.
Solutions:
- Recalibrate the Print Head: Use the print head calibration program that comes with the printer to adjust the position and spacing of the print heads to ensure that they can eject ink precisely. Generally, it is necessary to print the print head calibration pattern and adjust the print head parameters according to the pattern.
- Reduce the Printing Speed Appropriately: While ensuring printing efficiency, find a suitable printing speed so that the print head has enough time to accurately eject ink onto the medium.
- Check the Stability of the Printer’s Working Platform: Make sure that the printer is placed on a stable surface and avoid having equipment around that generates vibrations. If there is a problem with the platform itself, consider strengthening or repairing it.
Color Deviation

Reasons:
- Ink Quality Issues: Different brands or batches of UV inks may have differences in color performance. Low-quality inks have poor color accuracy and stability.
- Incorrect Configuration of the Color Management System: The color configuration file of the printer may not be accurately set according to the ink and printing medium used, resulting in inaccurate color reproduction.
- Print Head Clogging or Failure: If some nozzles of the print head are clogged, it will affect the normal ejection of ink, making the amount of ejected ink uneven and thus leading to color deviation.
Solutions:
- Choose Reliable UV Ink Brands with Stable Colors and Try to Use Inks of the Same Batch: When purchasing ink, you can refer to the evaluations of other users and professional ink reviews.
- Calibrate the Printer’s Color Management System: Use professional color calibration tools, such as color calibrators, and combine the characteristics of the printing medium and ink to recreate or adjust the color configuration file.
- Check Whether the Print Head is Clogged: If you find that the print head is clogged, clean the print head according to the printer’s operation manual, such as using cleaning fluid to clean the print head or starting the print head cleaning program that comes with the printer. If the print head fails, you may need to contact the manufacturer or professional maintenance personnel for repair.
Uneven Surface of the Printed Pattern (With Protrusions or Depressions)

Reasons:
- Incomplete Ink Curing: UV printers cure ink through ultraviolet light. If the power of the ultraviolet lamp is insufficient, the curing time is too short, or the ink layer is too thick, it may lead to incomplete curing of the ink, thus making the surface of the printed pattern uneven.
- Surface Problems of the Printing Medium: If the surface of the printing medium itself is uneven or its ink absorbability is uneven, it will also affect the flatness of the printed pattern.
Solutions:
- Check the Working Status of the Ultraviolet Lamp: Ensure that the power of the ultraviolet lamp is normal and there is no aging or damage. If necessary, extend the ink curing time or adjust the curing parameters of the printer, such as increasing the irradiation intensity of the ultraviolet lamp.
- Choose a Printing Medium with a Flat Surface and Good Quality: Before printing, pre-treat the printing medium, such as cleaning and grinding it, to improve its surface quality and ink absorbability.

UV nozzle problem?

Print Head Clogging
Reasons:

Ink Drying Up. If the printer is not used for a long time or is in a high-temperature and low-humidity environment, the solvent in the ink tends to evaporate easily, causing the pigment particles to dry and clog inside the print head.

Ink Impurities. If the ink used contains impurities, these impurities may accumulate inside the print head and result in clogging.

Failure to Clean the Print Head in a Timely Manner. During the printing process, if the residual ink is not cleaned promptly, it will gradually accumulate and clog the print head.

Solutions:

Use the printer regularly and avoid leaving it idle for a long time. If it won’t be used for a long period, perform print head maintenance according to the printer’s operation manual, such as running the print head cleaning program or using a moisture cap.

Use high-quality and pure ink and avoid ink contamination. When adding ink, make sure the operating environment is clean.

Clean the print head in a timely manner. After completing a printing task, start the print head cleaning program as recommended by the printer to remove the residual ink inside the print head. For clogged print heads, you can use specialized print head cleaning fluid and cleaning tools, such as cleaning needles and cleaning brushes, for manual cleaning. However, be careful during the operation to avoid damaging the print head.

Print Head Wear or Damage
Reasons:

Physical Impact. During the transportation of the printer, if it experiences vibration or collision, or if the print head comes into contact with foreign objects, it may lead to print head wear or damage.

Overuse. Long-term and high-intensity printing tasks will accelerate the wear of the print head. Especially when printing high-resolution and complex patterns, the print head ejects ink frequently, which easily causes wear.

Chemical Corrosion. If ink or cleaning fluid that does not meet the requirements is used, the chemical components therein may corrode the internal structure of the print head.

Solutions:

Be careful during the transportation of the printer to avoid severe vibration. Clean the working area of the printer to prevent foreign objects from entering the print head area.

Arrange printing tasks reasonably and avoid overusing the print head. You can reduce the working intensity of the print head by optimizing the printing mode and reducing the printing resolution.

Use ink and cleaning fluid that meet the printer’s requirements and avoid using products containing corrosive components such as strong acids and alkalis. If the print head is seriously worn or damaged, it is necessary to contact the manufacturer or professional maintenance personnel for replacement or repair.

喷头堵塞还有哪些原因？

提供一些常见的打印机喷头型号。

如何判断打印机喷头是否需要清洗？

Software and operational issues?

Print tasks cannot be sent or printing is interrupted.

Reasons:

Connection issues: Unstable USB or network connections between the printer and the computer may lead to the inability to send print tasks normally.
Print queue congestion: There may be conflicts among multiple tasks in the computer’s print queue, or previous print tasks that failed were not cleared, resulting in the inability to send new print tasks.
Software conflicts: Conflicts between the printer driver and other software on the computer, or damage to the driver, can also affect the normal progress of print tasks.

Solutions:

Check the connection between the printer and the computer: Ensure that the USB cable is firmly connected or that the network connection is normal. If it is a network connection, you can try reconnecting to the network or changing the network interface.
Clear the print queue: In the “Printers and Faxes” (for Windows systems) or “Printers” (for Mac systems) option on the computer, find the printer icon, open the print queue, clear all the waiting print tasks, and then resend the print task.
Reinstall the printer driver: Uninstall the existing printer driver, then download the latest version of the driver from the manufacturer’s official website and install it. During the installation process, follow the prompts to ensure that the driver is installed correctly.

Lack of familiarity with the operation of printing software

Reasons:

The printing software of UV printers usually has complex functions, such as color adjustment, print head control, print mode selection, etc. Users may need some time to become familiar with these functions.

Solutions:

Read the printer’s user manual carefully, which will introduce in detail the operation methods of the printing software and the uses of various functions.
The manufacturer’s official website usually also provides software operation tutorials and videos. You can learn online how to use the printing software.
Contact the manufacturer’s customer service staff, who can provide users with technical support and operation guidance.

Hardware malfunction issue?

Ultraviolet Lamp Failure

Reasons:

Lamp Aging: After long-term use, the luminous efficiency of the ultraviolet lamp tube will decline, and it may even stop emitting light.
Power Supply Problems: If there are faults in the power supply circuit of the ultraviolet lamp, such as a blown fuse or a damaged power supply module, the ultraviolet lamp will not be able to work normally.

Solutions:

Check the usage time of the ultraviolet lamp. If the lamp tube has been used for a long time, consider replacing it with a new one. When replacing the lamp tube, follow the operation manual of the printer to ensure that the lamp tube is installed correctly.
Check the power supply circuit of the ultraviolet lamp. If the fuse is blown, find and replace it with a fuse of the same specification. If the power supply module is damaged, it may be necessary to contact the manufacturer or professional maintenance personnel for repair.

Paper Feeding Mechanism Failure (Such as Paper Jam, Unsmooth Paper Feeding)

Reasons:

Incompatible Paper Size or Type: If the paper used is too thick, too thin, or its size does not match the printer settings, it is prone to cause paper jams or unsmooth paper feeding.
Foreign Objects in the Paper Feeding Channel: Foreign objects such as dust and paper scraps entering the paper feeding channel will hinder the normal conveyance of paper.
Wear or Damage of Paper Feeding Components: Components such as paper feeding rollers and pressure rollers will wear out after long-term use, affecting the stability of paper feeding.

Solutions:

Ensure that the paper used meets the requirements of the printer. Carefully check the size and thickness of the paper before printing. If a paper jam occurs, carefully remove the jammed paper according to the printer’s operation manual to avoid damaging the internal parts of the printer.
Regularly clean the paper feeding channel. Use a compressed air can or a soft-bristled brush to remove foreign objects.
Check the wear condition of the paper feeding components. If components such as paper feeding rollers are severely worn, new components need to be replaced. You can contact the manufacturer or purchase compatible components from formal channels for replacement.

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