Digital print has revolutionised the way we create visual communications, offering vibrant colours, sharp details, and quick turnaround times. At Ash Plastics, we utilize digital printing to enhance our plastic products, and we often receive questions about the process. This FAQ aims to answer your common queries about digital printing on plastics.
General Digital Printing Questions:
Q: What is digital printing?
A: Digital printing is a process that transfers digital images directly onto a variety of substrates, including plastics, without the need for printing plates. It uses technologies like inkjet and UV printing to create high-quality prints.
Q: What are the advantages of digital printing?
A: Digital printing offers several benefits:
- High quality: Produces sharp images with vibrant colours and fine details.
- Fast turnaround: No need for plate setup, allowing for quicker production times.
- Cost-effective for short runs: Ideal for smaller quantities where traditional printing methods might be too expensive.
- Personalization: Enables variable data printing, allowing for customized prints.
- Variety of substrates: Can be used on a wide range of materials, including plastics.
Q: What is UV printing?
A: UV printing is a digital printing method that uses ultraviolet (UV) light to cure or dry the ink as it’s printed. This results in a durable, scratch-resistant print with a vibrant finish.
Q: What are the advantages of UV printing on plastics?
A: UV printing on plastics offers:
- Durability: Creates a long-lasting, scratch-resistant print.
- Vibrant colours: Produces rich, eye-catching colours.
- Versatility: Can be used on a variety of plastic types and thicknesses.
- Faster drying times: UV curing dries the ink instantly, speeding up the production process.
Printing on Plastics:
Q: What types of plastics can be digitally printed on?
A: A wide range of plastics, including:
- Acrylic: Offers excellent clarity and a smooth surface for printing.
- PVC: Versatile and cost-effective, suitable for various applications.
- PETG: Good clarity and impact resistance.
- Polycarbonate: High impact resistance and durability.
- ABS: Tough and rigid.
Q: What are the applications of digital printing on plastics?
A: Digital printing on plastics is used in a variety of applications, such as:
- Signage: Creating eye-catching signs and displays.
- Retail displays: Producing attractive product displays.
- Point-of-sale materials: Printing brochures, flyers, and other marketing materials.
- Personalized gifts: Creating custom-printed items.
- Industrial parts: Adding labels, markings, and graphics to plastic components.
Q: Can you print in full colour on plastics?
A: Yes, digital printing allows for full-colour printing on plastics, including complex images, photographs, and gradients.
Q: What about white ink?
A: Many digital printers, especially UV printers, can print with white ink. This is essential for printing on dark or coloured plastics, as it allows for vibrant colours and sharp text.
Q: How durable is digital printing on plastics?
A: The durability of digital printing on plastics depends on several factors, including the type of ink used, the plastic substrate, and the environmental conditions. UV printing generally offers excellent durability and scratch resistance.
Working with Ash Plastics:
Q: Can Ash Plastics help me with my digital printing project?
A: Absolutely! We offer high-quality digital printing services on a variety of plastics. Our experienced team can help you choose the right materials and printing techniques for your project.
Q: What information should I provide when requesting a quote for digital printing?
A: To get an accurate quote, please provide:
- The type of plastic you want to print on.
- The dimensions of the item.
- The artwork or design you want to print (preferably in vector format).
- The number of items you need.
- Any specific or special requirements.
Q: What is your process for digital printing?
A: Our process typically involves:
- Consultation: Discussing your project requirements and artwork.
- Artwork preparation: Ensuring your artwork is suitable for printing.
- Printing: Printing your design onto the chosen plastic substrate.
- Quality control: Inspecting the printed items for quality and accuracy.
- Delivery: Your items can be delivered by freight carriers or our own transport. We also you to collect should that be your preferred method of receiving your items.
We hope this FAQ has been helpful. If you have any further questions about digital printing on plastics, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re experts in retail displays, plastics and printing, and we’re here to help you create stunning visual communications and high-quality advertising, marketing materials, point of sale items and retail display solutions!
Tel: 01902 450 300
Email: Hello@ashplastics.co.uk
