Acrylic and rigid plastics
Common candidates for display parts, product inserts, prototypes, and branded components. The plastic and finish still need review.
Printing on client-provided objects
UV printing services for client-provided objects and custom parts.
Most of our UV printing projects begin with objects supplied by the client. We apply full-color graphics and white ink directly to compatible products, panels, packaging, awards, prototypes, and short runs. Send photos and artwork first so we can assess the surface, clearance, adhesion risk, and setup.
Start with item photos. Do not ship yet. Initial feedback is preliminary until the item, artwork, and production requirements are reviewed. Your quote confirms the approved item, print area, artwork, quantity, setup, timing, price, and project-specific limitations.
$250+Project minimumSetup and production variables affect the final quote
CMYK+WFull color plus whiteWhite ink can support color on clear or dark surfaces
2–3 weeksPlan for at leastStandard projects may need longer; shipping adds time
ReviewBefore productionSurface, clearance, adhesion, and fixture needs are checked
UV printing, explained
What are UV printing services?
UV printing services apply ink directly to a compatible object or rigid substrate, then cure it with ultraviolet light. The process supports detailed graphics, short runs, personalization, and white ink without applying a separate label. Material, coating, shape, and access determine whether a project is a good fit.
Metal parts and plates
Potential applications include faceplates, tags, awards, and control panels when the surface is accessible and properly prepared.
Glass, ceramic, and coated items
These surfaces may need pretreatment or an adhesion test. Coating, shape, and intended handling matter.
Wood and rigid packaging
Useful for presentation boxes, samples, display pieces, and short-run packaging when texture and absorbency are suitable.
Awards and product parts
Logos, names, graphics, and variable details can be evaluated for plaques, recognition pieces, and fabricated parts.
Client-supplied products
We review supplied products individually. Extra units may be required for setup, registration, or adhesion testing.
Project fit
The object matters as much as the artwork.
A material name alone is not enough to approve a UV printing job. We also consider the coating, texture, print-area height, edge clearance, intended wear, and whether the item can be held securely.
Usually a good fit
- Rigid items with a flat or consistently level print area
- Short runs, prototypes, product samples, and personalization
- Artwork that benefits from full color, fine detail, or white ink
- Items that can be held securely and repeatedly in a fixture
Needs closer review
- Curved, recessed, textured, flexible, or uneven print areas
- Glass, metal, coated products, and low-surface-energy plastics
- High-value client items with no extra unit for setup or testing
- Projects requiring exact spot-color matching or heavy abrasion resistance
May need another method
- Soft or flexible fabric that moves during printing
- Deep curves or geometry that changes the print-head clearance
- Surfaces that cannot accept ink or the required pretreatment
- Applications where another process offers a safer or more durable result
Quote process
From item review to an approved production scope.
01
Show us the item
Send photos, dimensions, quantity, material if known, and how the item will reach us. Do not ship anything until the project is reviewed.
02
Share the artwork
Vector artwork is preferred. A high-resolution raster file may also work, depending on the design, print size, and expected detail.
03
Describe the placement
Identify the side or face, finished print size, orientation, and alignment. Marking up a photo is often the clearest way to show placement.
04
Receive a scoped quote
We review access, adhesion risk, setup, fixture needs, production timing, and logistics before confirming what is included.
Pricing and timing
UV printing projects start at $250.
The minimum covers small custom work, but it is not a flat price for every job. Quantity, print area, artwork variations, white ink, pretreatment, testing, fixture work, and handling can change the quote.
01Production timing
Plan for at least 2–3 weeks for most projects. The timeline can include review, receiving the items, testing, proof approval, setup, and production. Shipping may add time.
02Setup is project-specific
If pretreatment, a custom fixture, test prints, or extra handling is needed, those items are identified before production.
03Supplied-item risk
Extra units may be required for registration or testing. Any special handling expectations should be agreed in writing.
Events and rush deadlines
Have a firm event date? Send the project now.
Standard UV printing projects should allow at least 2–3 weeks, but we know event merchandise and branded products do not always arrive with a comfortable lead time. We will consider rush work when the item, artwork, production setup, and schedule make it realistic.
Rush work is reviewed, not guaranteed. Capacity, testing, item delivery, proof approval, production, and final delivery all have to fit the deadline. A rush fee, adjusted scope, or local pickup may be recommended in the quote.
Artwork checklist
What to send for a faster quote.
You can start the form before every file is ready, but item photos, dimensions, and placement details are needed before we can confirm feasibility and production pricing.
- 01What we are printing on
- 02Quantity and deadline
- 03Photo of the item, if available
- 04Design file or reference image, if available
- 05Print placement, size, side or face, and orientation
- 06How the items will arrive and where the finished work should go
FAQ
UV printing services: common questions
What are UV printing services?+
UV printing services apply ink directly to a compatible object or rigid substrate and cure it with ultraviolet light. This makes full-color, white-ink, and short-run customization possible without applying a separate label. The item still needs review because material, finish, shape, and print-head access affect feasibility and adhesion.
Can you UV print on items I provide?+
Client-supplied items may be accepted after review. Send the material, dimensions, quantity, photos, print placement, and intended use. Depending on the item and setup, we may ask for extra units for registration or adhesion testing. Do not ship items until the quote confirms the logistics.
What files do you need for custom UV printing?+
Vector PDF, AI, EPS, or SVG files are preferred for logos and line art. High-resolution PNG, TIFF, or PSD files may work for raster artwork. Include the finished print size, placement, orientation, and any white-ink requirements. File acceptance is confirmed during review.
How long does UV printing take?+
Plan for at least 2 to 3 weeks for most UV printing projects. Timing begins after we have the required item details, artwork, placement, and deadline, and it may include quoting, receiving the items, testing, proof approval, setup, and production. Larger runs, custom fixtures, revisions, and shipping can add time. Your quote confirms the project-specific schedule.
Do you accept rush UV printing jobs for events?+
Rush and event-driven projects are considered when production capacity, item suitability, artwork readiness, quantity, setup, and delivery logistics allow. Rush availability is not guaranteed, and an additional fee or adjusted scope may apply. Send the firm in-hands date, event location, item photos, dimensions, quantity, artwork, and print placement as soon as possible.
How much does UV flatbed printing cost?+
UV printing projects start at $250. Final pricing depends on quantity, print area, artwork variations, white ink, pretreatment, setup, fixture work, testing, and handling. Any separate setup charge is listed in the written quote.
Can UV printing work on curved or uneven objects?+
Sometimes, but direct UV printing is most predictable when the printable area stays level and within the machine clearance. Curves, recesses, texture, and changing height can distort the image or make the item unsuitable. Photos and dimensions help us assess what is realistic.
Is a UV print permanent or scratch-proof?+
No print should be described as universally permanent or scratch-proof. Adhesion and wear depend on the substrate, coating, preparation, exposure, cleaning, and handling. We may recommend testing or a different production method when durability requirements are demanding.
Can UV printing match an exact Pantone color?+
UV printing uses a digital CMYK workflow, often with white ink, so color can shift with the substrate, underbase, artwork, and viewing conditions. Share any color-critical requirements before quoting. A printed sample may be recommended, and an exact spot-color match is not assumed unless the quote states otherwise.