Digital printing can make glass printing much more versatile than traditional methods. The technique can be used to produce images with multiple hues within the design. It also can help achieve intricate designs that span multiple elevations. It can help eliminate some of the barriers that have traditionally hindered glass printing. It is best used as a complement to conventional screen-printing processes and should not be used as a substitute for them.
Digital printing
Expanding the Digital Printing on Glass is a new method for creating bespoke images that combine multiple colors and textures on one surface. It also offers the ability to add micro-lines and dots to the design, and even dual images on the same surface. The process also offers a wide range of flexibility in terms of re-use and replacement, with design files stored for years to come. However, there are a few limitations to the process and it is important to choose the right image file for your application.
Screen printing
When designing a glass canvas, there are two primary printing methods: screen printing and digital printing. Screen printing is the most labor-intensive of these two methods, requiring extensive setup prior to each printing round. It is also the most expensive method of printing on glass, especially for high-volume applications. Pad printing, on the other hand, transfers a 2D image onto a 3D physical object. This high-speed process typically uses 1-2 colors, but more advanced machines can use up to 6 colors.
Pad printing
Digital printing on architectural glass offers many advantages. For one, it allows for custom images that use multiple colors. The process also allows for micro-dots and lines, and it can even print two images on the same piece of glass. Additionally, once the design has been created, the design can be stored, making it easy to reproduce the design years later. However, digital printing does have some limitations. In particular, it can be difficult to calculate the performance data across a facade.
Drop-on-demand technology
Drop-on-demand technology for glass canvas is a digital printing process that utilises a flatbed digital printer that jets a special ink onto a glass canvas. This ink contains pigments, elements and ultra-fine ceramic particles that adhere permanently to the surface. The printer is typically located in a glass fabrication facility. In this case, it is important to maintain a clean room, as airborne particles can potentially contaminate the printed image. Typical digital printing processes make use of organic ultraviolet (UV) cured inks or inorganic ceramic inks. They can also employ specialized inks for interlayer printing.
Inorganic ceramic inks
The main concern with ceramic ink systems is the content of lead. Lead is used to enhance color range and improve the firing properties of ceramics, but legislation states that lead content must be minimal or none at all. Similarly, other heavy metals must be present in the ceramic colors in extremely small amounts. In addition, the firing process plays an important role in the final appearance of the colors, since temperature, atmospheric conditions and time influence the chemical interactions.
UV-cured inks
UV-cured inks for digital printing onto glass canvas are available in a variety of types. They are rigid or flexible, free radical or specially formulated to print on glass. The type of glass to be printed on and the environment will determine which method of UV-curing is best for your project. You should consider all the options before you commit to using direct digital printing on glass.
Sustainability
Many consumers are aware of the environmental issues in our world, and they are doing their part to reduce waste. In fact, 57% of consumers are willing to change their purchasing habits in order to support environmental programs. According to Nielsen, this trend is becoming more prominent, with both male and female consumers valuing environmental programs.
