Product Overview: V10 UV vs VF13 UV DTF

Product Overview
V10 UV vs VF13 UV DTF

UV and UV DTF printing are two methods that people often confuse. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at their similarities and differences by focusing on one specific product from each category: the V10 Pro UV printer vs. the VF13 Pro Panda UV DTF printer.

Written by Procolored - Published on Sept 2, 2024

8 minutes read

Written by Procolored - Published on Sept 2, 2024

PASSAGE SUMMARY

1. General Review: UV vs UV DTF
2. V10 UV vs VF13 UV DTF: printing process
3. V10 UV vs VF13 UV DTF: applicable objects
4. V10 UV vs VF13 UV DTF: consumable & equipment

Title

1. General Review: UV vs UV DTF

UV and UV DTF printing are two digital printing methods that people frequently confuse. Generally, they do share some commonalities:

They both apply ultraviolet lights, or UV lights as we usually say.

They can both be applied on surfaces of rigid objects, but not suitable for fabrics.

They both exhibit strong resistance to abrasion, scratching and water.

Yet, one thing that sets them apart is the DTF (Direct-to-Film) technology used in UV DTF printing, which leads to their applications in different areas:

UV Printing: Easy but Limited

UV printing is typically a 'direct-to-object' process, allowing for printing directly onto the surface of an object, completing the job in just one step. However, this single-step process has high requirements for the object: it must be made of specific materials and fall within a certain height range. Additionally, the object should ideally be flat rather than cylindrical or beveled.

UV DTF Printing: Learning Curve but Creative

One key advantage of UV DTF printing is that it produces decals similar to the crystal stickers found in most decal stores. These decals are easy to apply: simply cut out the desired part, stick it onto the surface, peel off the protective layer, and you’re done! They can be applied to a wide range of objects, including boxes, tumblers, mugs, or any other items with irregular shapes. However, UV DTF printing involves not only printing but also a laminating function performed by an additional laminator. Compared to UV printing, these multiple steps can present a learning curve for newcomers to the field.

Sounds informative but still confused? No worries, we’ll go on diving deep into that in the following passage, combining two specific products.

Product

Comparison

Printer Style#

V10 Pro UV printer

VF13 Pro Panda UV DTF printer

Printable Size

11.6" ×16.5" (297×420mm)

Printing process

directly on object,

uv lamps cure

directly on film,

uv lamps cure, laminate

Applicable objects

flat surface;

height limit: 0-5.51" (0-140mm)

(ir)regular surface;

no height limit

Consumable needed

UV inks, varnish ink(optional)

UV DTF inks, varnish ink, A&B films

2. V10 UV vs VF13 UV DTF: printing process

Known: Both UV and UV DTF printing use UV lamps (ultraviolet lamps). Now, what are UV lamps and how do they affect printing?

UV lamps are devices built into UV and UV DTF printers. They emit ultraviolet light to activate the photoinitiators present in both UV and UV DTF inks. Through this chemical reaction, the liquid inks on the medium solidify almost instantly.

However, as we’ve mentioned, UV DTF printing also employs DTF (Direct-to-Film) technology. So, when it comes to specific printers like the V10 UV and the VF13 UV DTF, how do they actually proceed with the printing process?

V10 UV printer

The printer will directly deposit inks on the desired object, at the same time UV lamps cure the inks instantly. When the printing platform finally delivers the object, the printed graphic has already been cured and solid - everything’s done!

VF13 UV DTF printer

UV DTF directly prints on film, and the inks will also get cured by UV lamps at once. But the solid inks on film have to be laminated with another film to be endowed with viscosity. (Films involved will be discussed in 4. consumable & equipment)

3. V10 UV vs VF13 UV DTF: applicable objects

Known: Both UV and UV DTF printing can be applied to most rigid materials, such as metal, acrylic, glass, plastic, and wood, but they are not suitable for fabrics.

However, when it comes to the applicable object surfaces or shapes, UV printing is more limited in the following dimensions. Taking the V10 UV and VF13 UV DTF as examples:

Height limit:

The V10 UV printer proceeds with printing on a platform that accommodates objects with heights ranging from 0 to 5.51 inches (0 to 140 mm) only. In contrast, UV DTF stickers can be applied to objects of any height, provided they are made of suitable materials.

Object surface limit:

UV printing excels on flat surfaces, as the print heads are designed on a horizontal plane and cannot accommodate any unevenness. While UV printing on cylindrical or beveled objects is possible, it requires extra object fixtures.

In contrast, UV DTF printing achieves prints on irregular objects without needing additional fixtures, as the output takes the form of stickers.

UV DTF printiing applied as stickers

4. V10 UV vs VF13 UV DTF: consumable & equipment

Known: UV printing is a one-step printing process; UV DTF printing involves different types of films and multiple steps to produce sticky printings. So with what consumable and equipment can they achieve the corresponding printing effect?

V10 UV: UV printing applies UV inks and varnish ink.
UV inks: V10 UV printer is configured with hard UV inks by default. Hard inks tend to exhibit harder coatings and performs best on flat surfaces.
Varnish ink: Normally varnish ink deposits on top of UV color inks, creating a glossy surface of printings and at the same time highlighting the printing colors. Varnish ink is optional for V10 UV printer, using it or not, the printer can both create durable and striking UV printings.

VF13 UV DTF: UV DTF printing normally requires UV DTF inks, varnish ink, A film, B film and an extra laminator (except for VF13 UV DTF printer, which has already integrated printing and laminating functions together).
UV DTF inks: Unlike UV inks, UV DTF inks tend to be softer to better accommodate any contours or unevenness.
Varnish ink: Varnish ink is a must option for VF13 UV DTF printer, yet user can adjust the ink level in operation software. Sprayed on top of every printing, varnish ink is essential in enhancing the whole graphic colors and protecting the soft UV DTF inks beneath.
A film: A film is also called base film. A film is equipped with glue on it.
B film: B film is also called backing film, it's a transparent film that will later get laminated and transferred.
Laminator: An extra laminator is needed for all Procolored UV DTF printers but this VF13, since it has been upgraded with integration of both printing and laminating functions.
How does VF13 UV DTF work:

A brief procedure introduction might help you better understand the UV DTF printing workflow:

VF13 UV DTF printer directly prints on A film, and the inks will get cured by UV lamps at once. The solid inks on A film will be laminated with B film when they’re going through the heating bar, transferring the printing from A film to B film and endowing it with viscosity. Then a crystal sticker is successfully made and ready to be applied.

VF13 UV DTF printer workflow

About the Author - Joyce

Joyce has worked with Procolored since the first day she joined inkjet printing career. Through continual training courses and years of working experiences, Joyce has formed a comprehensive understanding over Procolored products and a thorough knowledge of printing technologies.

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Product OverviewV10 UV vs VF13 UV DTF

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Product Overview
V10 UV vs VF13 UV DTF