UV Printing FAQ

What is the difference between UV Printing and Heatset printing?

UV Process Printing uses a special formula of ink that is cured by UV lamps allowing a cold web press to print quality process color on gloss stocks. UV Process printing does not utilize heaters to dry the ink, so it is more energy efficient. The quality of registration is still comparable to cold web printing with colors that are more vibrant and do not offset or smudge.

Do I need to prepare my files differently if my publication is printing in UV Process?

Generally, UV Process Printing is much darker and more vivid in color than printing on cold web press. You may want to consider lightening your photos for this process.

What kind of paper stocks are available for the UV Process Printing?

Paper grades ranging from 30# newsprint to 100# coated free sheets are commonly used in the UV printing process~all with excellent results.

What makes UV Process Printing more environmentally friendly than Heatset printing?

Without the use of solvents, there are no VOCs (volatile organic compounds) released into the atmosphere resulting in a better environment for all of us.

How long has UV Printing been around?

UV Process printing has been around for over 30 years, but only in the last few years has it been available for the application of printing on cold web offset presses. We started printing with the UV Process in 2004.

What are the advantages for printing with UV Process over cold web printing?

UV Process printing is environmentally friendly, energy efficient, produces rich, vibrant colors without offsetting traditionally associated with cold web presses at a lower cost than heatset printing.

Currently my publication is on uncoated stock, can I keep the same paper but print UV?

UV printing is available on uncoated stocks as well as coated paper stocks. Contact your account representative to get a quote on the UV Process option.

I have Process color on one plate, the balance of my publication is black ink only. Can I have the UV Process only on the one plate where I have full color?

We also offer combo publications with one web printing with UV process and the balance printing conventional cold web. This is a good way to increase your overall look and quality without a huge jump in costs.

Why is UV Process Printing more energy efficient?

Traditional print technologies (ie heat set) using conventional materials generate high energy costs due to the extensive use of ovens and dryers required to pull water and solvents out of the inks (curing the inks). UV process printing does not require heaters or dryers, using a fraction of the energy needed for traditional heat set and it produces no hazardous VOCs.

What do Dallas Offset customers have to say about UV Printing?

We want to not only provide our customers with the latest news and events in our area, but we want to do our part in saving the planet’s natural resources. Recycling and minimizing pollutants are important to us, and we hope you take steps in your everyday life to make the world a little greener. We therefore have switched to a UV printing process with Dallas Offset. This process uses far less energy than traditional heat-set printing and emits no VOCs helping to keep the air cleaner for everyone. - David Prickett Publisher; 380 Guide & News

How does the UV special ink work?

The UV process relies on special inks that have photo initiators in them that when exposed to UV light, spurs a chain reaction that forms a solid, dry continuous ink, yielding bright, vivid colors and deep rich blacks. We are very pleased with the success to date and anticipate an ever growing increase in demand of UV printed products.

Are spot colors available for UV Printing?

Yes, there are a limited number of spot colors available in the UV ink formula. These inks are special order, so allow a minimum of two weeks for ordering prior to production. The following Pantone colors are available: Blue 072, Reflex Blue C, Process blue C, Yellow C, Yellow 012 C, Orange 021 C, Warm Red, Red 032 C, Rubine Red C, Rhodamine Red C, Purple C, Violet C, and Green C.