In the modern printing and signage industry, crystal labels have become the first choice of more and more enterprises because of their unique visual effects and wide application fields. In the production technology of crystal labels, UV DTF (UV Direct to Film Transfer) printing crystal labels and traditional screen laser crystal labels are the two main process methods. This paper will discuss in detail the differences between the two crystal label manufacturing processes from the aspects of technical principle, material use, production efficiency, cost effectiveness and application fields.
1. Technical principles
UV DTF prints crystal labels
UV DTF is a new type of crystal label printing technology, which is mainly used in the advertising sign industry. Its working principle is to transfer the designed pattern to the UV DTF printer through the computer, and use UV ink to print directly on the A film with special glue. A film comes with a glue layer, which is also an ink absorbing layer. After printing, the machine automatically covers B film, which plays a role of protection and transfer. The whole process does not require plate making, engraving and waste discharge, and directly realizes the integrated production from design to finished product. UV ink in the printing process, through the UV light irradiation to achieve instant color fixation, to ensure the brightness of the pattern and color stability.
screen laser crystal label
screen laser crystal marks are realized through the traditional screen printing process combined with laser cutting technology. It first requires the production of film and screen plates, and then the ink is printed on the substrate by hand or mechanically. The screen printing process has a long history and mature technology, which can achieve high-precision printing of complex patterns and colors. Laser cutting is the use of laser beam to fine cut the crystal mark to form a specific shape and pattern. Laser cutting technology makes the crystal mark more delicate in the detail expression and edge treatment.
2. Use of materials
UV DTF prints crystal labels
The materials used for UV DTF printing crystal labels mainly include A film (printing film), B film (transfer film) and UV ink. A film comes with a glue layer, which is combined with B film after printing to form a complete crystal label. UV ink has good adhesion and weather resistance, so that the printed crystal label has bright color and lasting stability. In addition, UV DTF printing technology also supports a variety of inks with special effects such as transparent and metallic colors, providing more possibilities for crystal logo design.
screen laser crystal label
The materials used in screen laser crystal labels are more diverse, including ink, substrate (such as PET, PVC, etc.), film, screen plate, etc. The choice of ink directly affects the color effect and durability of the crystal mark. The substrate determines the crystal substrate, and different substrates have different requirements for the adhesion and printing effect of the ink. In addition, the laser cutting process also needs to use laser cutting machines and cutting blades and other consumables.
3. Production efficiency
UV DTF prints crystal labels
UV DTF printing technology is known for its efficient and flexible production methods. Because there is no need for complicated processes such as plate making, engraving and waste discharge, UV DTF printing can achieve true “one piece printing”, which greatly reduces the production threshold and inventory costs. At the same time, the instant color fixation characteristics of UV ink also make the printing speed greatly improved, and the production efficiency significantly improved.
screen laser crystal label
In contrast, the production efficiency of screen laser crystal is relatively low. The production of film and screen requires a certain amount of time and cost, and each change of pattern or color requires a new plate. In addition, laser cutting also takes a certain amount of time to complete, especially when dealing with complex patterns and a large number of orders, the bottleneck problem of production efficiency is more prominent.
4. Cost-effectiveness
UV DTF prints crystal labels
From a cost-effectiveness point of view, UV DTF printing crystal labels has significant advantages. First of all, UV DTF printing technology does not need to make plates, engraving and other preparatory work, saving a lot of time and cost. Secondly, the utilization rate of UV ink is high, which reduces the waste of ink. Third, UV DTF printing technology can achieve a true “one piece printing”, reducing the production threshold and inventory costs. Finally, because the UV ink has good adhesion and weather resistance, the printed crystal label has a long service life, reducing the customer’s later maintenance costs.
screen laser crystal label
The cost effectiveness of screen laser crystal is relatively low. First, the production of film and screen version requires a certain cost and time investment. Secondly, the utilization rate of ink is relatively low, and each change of pattern or color needs to be re-made, increasing the cost. Again, laser cutting also takes a certain amount of time and cost to complete. Finally, due to the high requirements of the screen printing process on the substrate, different substrates require different inks and printing parameters, increasing the complexity and cost of production.
5. Application Fields
UV DTF prints crystal labels
UV DTF printing crystal label with its efficient, flexible, environmental protection characteristics, widely used in advertising signs, gift customization, packaging and printing and other fields. Especially in terms of small batch customization and personalized customization, UV DTF printing technology has shown unparalleled advantages. UV DTF printing crystal labels can be affixed to a variety of hard items, such as glass, metal, acrylic, wood, ceramics, plastics, etc., and has good adhesion and weather resistance, can meet the needs of a variety of complex environments.
screen laser crystal label
screen laser crystal label with its high precision, high texture characteristics, in high-end gifts, crafts, decoration and other fields have a wide range of applications. The screen process can achieve high-precision printing of complex patterns and colors, and laser cutting can fine handle the edge and shape of the crystal mark, making the crystal mark more excellent in detail and visual effects. However, due to the high requirements of the screen printing process for substrates and inks, and the relatively low production efficiency, there are certain limitations in mass production and rapid delivery of screen printing laser crystal labels.
6. Conclusion
In summary, there are significant differences between UV DTF printing crystal labels and screen laser crystal labels in terms of technical principles, material use, production efficiency, cost effectiveness and application fields. UV DTF printing technology with its high efficiency, flexibility, environmental protection characteristics, in small batch customization and personalized customization has shown great advantages; The screen laser crystal label with its high precision, high texture characteristics, in high-end gifts and crafts and other fields have a wide range of applications. In the choice of crystal label production process, customers should be based on their own needs and actual conditions for comprehensive consideration, choose the most suitable for their own process.
With the continuous progress of science and technology and the continuous development of the market, it is believed that there will be more innovative crystal label production processes emerging in the future, providing more choices and possibilities for the brand publicity and image building of enterprises. At the same time, we also look forward to these new processes to continue to promote the development and progress of the industry, to bring consumers more high-quality, efficient, environmentally friendly products and services.