The Best Flatbed UV Printers for Small Businesses in 2024

UV printers are a great way for small businesses to expand their reach and create a more visually appealing brand. UV printers can print on a variety of materials, including acrylic, glass, metal, and plastics. This makes them perfect for creating custom signs, promotional products, and even home décor. In this article, we will discuss the best flatbed UV printers for small businesses in 2023. We will also cover factors to consider when choosing a UV printer, as well as specific models that we recommend.

What is a UV Printer?

A UV printer is a type of digital printer that uses ultraviolet (UV) light to cure or dry UV ink almost as soon as it is applied to a prepared substrate. UV printers use special UV inks that are cured by UV light. The UV light causes the ink to polymerize, or harden, instantly. This means that the ink dries immediately, without any smudging or blurring.

UV printers can print on a wide variety of materials, including acrylic, glass, metal, plastics, and even wood. This makes them a versatile option for a variety of applications, such as:

Signs and displays: UV printers are commonly used to print signs and displays. The durable ink can withstand harsh weather conditions, making it ideal for outdoor applications.
Promotional products: UV printers can be used to print promotional products, such as pens, mugs, and t-shirts. The bright and vibrant colors of UV inks make them a great way to create eye-catching promotional materials.
Home décor: UV printers can be used to print home décor items, such as coasters, picture frames, and mirrors. The high-quality prints can add a touch of sophistication to any home.

If you are looking for a versatile and durable printing solution, a UV printer is a great option. With their ability to print on a wide variety of materials, UV printers can be used to create a variety of eye-catching and durable prints.

What are the different types of UV printers?

There are two main types of UV printers: flatbed UV printers and roll-to-roll UV printers. Flatbed UV printers are designed to print on flat surfaces, while roll-to-roll UV printers are designed to print on rolls of material.

How does a UV Printer work?

Here are the steps on how a UV printer works:

The printer head dispenses tiny droplets of UV ink onto the substrate.
The UV lamps in the printer cure the ink instantly, causing it to polymerize and harden.
The printed image is now dry and can be handled without smearing or smudging.

What are the benefits of UV printing?

Here are some of the advantages of UV printing:

Fast drying time: UV ink dries instantly, which means that you can print and handle the finished product quickly.
Durability: UV ink is very durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions. This makes it ideal for outdoor applications.
Wide range of applications: UV printers can be used to print on a wide variety of materials, including acrylic, glass, metal, plastics, and even wood.
High-quality prints: UV printers can produce high-quality prints with vibrant colors and sharp details.

What are the limitations of UV printing?

Here are some of the disadvantages of UV printing:

Cost: UV printers can be more expensive than other types of printers.
Maintenance: UV printers require regular maintenance to keep the UV lamps in good working order.
Hazards: UV light can be harmful to eyes and skin, so it is important to take safety precautions when using a UV printer.

UV printing is a versatile and durable printing solution that can be used to create a variety of eye-catching and durable prints. However, it is important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages before deciding if a UV printer is right for you.

Factors to consider when choosing a DTF printer

Sure, here are the factors to consider when choosing a DTF printer:

Print resolution: The print resolution is the number of dots per inch (dpi) that the printer can output. A higher print resolution will result in sharper images.
Print speed: The print speed is the amount of time it takes the printer to print a single image. A faster print speed is important if you need to print a lot of images.
Print materials: The printer should be able to print on a variety of materials, such as textiles, plastics, and metal.
Printing area: The printing area is the size of the image that the printer can print. If you need to print large images, you will need a printer with a large printing area.
Printing cost: The printing cost is the amount of money it costs to print a single image. The printing cost will vary depending on the type of ink and the size of the image.
Software compatibility: The printer should be compatible with the software that you use to create your designs.
Warranty: The printer should come with a warranty that covers repairs or replacements in case of defects.

The type of DTF printer: There are two main types of DTF printers: single-head and dual-head. Single-head printers are less expensive, but they are slower. Dual-head printers are more expensive, but they are faster and can print larger images.
The size of the printer: DTF printers come in a variety of sizes. If you have a small business, you may want to consider a smaller printer. If you have a larger business, you may need a larger printer.
The features of the printer: Some DTF printers come with additional features, such as a built-in heat press. These features can be helpful, but they also increase the cost of the printer.

A list of the Best Flatbed UV Printers for small businesses in 2023

Procolored UV Printer A4-19N – Best for Acrylic

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The 6.7″ Procolored UV printer A4-19N is a versatile printer that can print on a wide variety of materials, including phone cases, stone plates, acrylic, purses, tempered films, wallpapers, tiles, USB drives, CDs, acrylic, crystals, aluminum sheets, PVC, ABS, stones, ceramic tiles, belts, KT boards, wooden boards, and foam boards.

Features and Specifications

Key Features:

Efficient White Ink Circulation: The UV printer incorporates an automatic circulation system for white ink, minimizing the risk of printer head clogs and significantly extending the lifespan of the print head.
Simultaneous White and Color Printing: Enjoy the benefits of bidirectional printing, allowing for white and color printing simultaneously. This feature enhances printing speed, resulting in faster output.
Robust Cooling System: The printer is equipped with a powerful cooling system that ensures optimal performance even during extended printing sessions. This cooling system not only supports long printing times but also extends the overall service life of the printer.
User-Friendly Operation: The UV printer boasts an intuitive touch screen control panel, making it easy to navigate and operate. With immediate access to controls, even beginners can quickly grasp the printer’s functionality and start printing without hassle.

Specs:

Print Head Model	A4-19N	A3-19N
Ink Supply	CMYKWW(6 Color)	CMYKWW(6 Color)
Printing Head	L800	R1390
Printing Speed	About 6 minutes/ A4	About 5 minutes/ A4
Printer Size	170*297 mm	267*420mm
Warranty	3 Years	3 Years

Pros:

High-quality prints: The Procolored A4-19N UV Printer can produce high-quality prints with vibrant colors and sharp details. This is due to the use of high-quality UV inks and the high print resolution.
Fast print speed: The Procolored A4-19N UV Printer can print at speeds of up to 15 square meters per hour. This makes it a good option for businesses that need to print a lot of prints.
Durable UV inks: The UV inks used in the Procolored A4-19N UV Printer are very durable. This means that the prints will last for a long time and will not fade or smudge.
Wide range of printing materials: The Procolored A4-19N UV Printer can print on a wide range of materials, including acrylic, glass, metal, plastics, and wood. This makes it a versatile printer that can be used for a variety of applications.
Easy to use: The Procolored A4-19N UV Printer is easy to use. The controls are simple and straightforward, and the printer comes with software that makes it easy to create and print designs.
Affordable: The Procolored A4-19N UV Printer is an affordable printer. This makes it a good option for businesses and hobbyists on a budget.

Cons:

Noisy: The Procolored A4-19N UV Printer can be noisy when it is printing. This may be a problem for businesses or individuals who work in a quiet environment.
Requires regular maintenance: The Procolored A4-19N UV Printer requires regular maintenance to keep the UV lamps in good working order. This includes cleaning the lamps and replacing them when they wear out.
Not as versatile as some other UV Printers: The Procolored A4-19N UV Printer is not as versatile as some other UV printers on the market. It can only print on a limited number of materials, and it does not have some of the advanced features that are available on other printers.

Overall, the Procolored A4-19N UV Printer is a good option for small businesses owners and hobbyists who need a high-quality UV printer that can print on a variety of materials. It is easy to use and affordable, making it a good value for the price. However, it is important to consider the noise level and the need for regular maintenance before making a purchase.

Procolored UV Printer A5-20 -Best for Phone Cases

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The Procolored A5 UV Printer is a small, portable printer that is specifically designed for printing phone cases. It has an excellent print resolution, which means that it can produce high-quality prints with vibrant colors and sharp details. The printer can also print on a variety of materials, including acrylic, glass, metal, plastics, and wood. This makes it a versatile printer that can be used for a variety of applications, but it is especially well-suited for printing phone cases.

Features and Specifications

Key Features:

Compact Size, Versatile Functionality: This UV printer offers a small footprint, allowing you to establish a custom small business virtually anywhere. Despite its compact design, it delivers powerful performance to meet your printing needs.

Continuous Supply Ink System: With a continuous ink supply system, this printer ensures uninterrupted printing, eliminating the need for frequent ink cartridge changes and ensuring a smooth workflow.

Precise and Swift Printing: The printer provides a printing size of 120*170 mm and a height of 20mm, enabling precise and quick printing on phone cases of any size and material. You can achieve detailed and high-quality prints with ease.

Convenient Cleaning Unit: Equipped with a cleaning unit, this printer offers more memory points and catches the eye of consumers. Additionally, its manually disassembled design allows for easy maintenance, ensuring hassle-free operation and longevity.

Specs:

Print Head Model A5-20
Ink Supply CMYKWW(6 Color)
Printing Head L800
Printing Speed About 6 minutes/ A5
Printer Size 170*297 mm
Warranty 3 Years

Pros

Low cost: The Proclored A5 UV Printer is a relatively affordable printer, making it a good option for small businesses with limited budgets.

Ease of use: The Proclored A5 UV Printer is easy to use, making it a good option for businesses and individuals with limited experience with printing.

High-quality prints: The Proclored A5 UV Printer can produce high-quality prints with vibrant colors and sharp details. This means that the prints will look great on phone cases and will last for a long time.

Fast print speed: The Procolored A5-20UV Printer can print at speeds of up to 18 square meters per hour. This makes it a good option for businesses that need to print a lot of prints.

Durable UV inks: The UV inks used in the Procolored A5-20UV Printer are very durable. This means that the prints will last for a long time and will not fade or smudge.

Portability: The Proclored A5 UV Printer is portable, so it can be easily transported from one location to another. This makes it a good option for businesses that need to print on-site or for hobbyists who want to take their printer to trade shows or other events.

Cons

Small print size: The Proclored A5 UV Printer only has a print size of 120 x 170 mm, which is the standard size for most phone cases. This means that you cannot print on larger phone cases or other objects.

Noisy: The Proclored A5 UV Printer can be noisy when it is printing. This may be a problem for businesses or individuals who work in a quiet environment.

Requires regular maintenance: The Proclored A5 UV Printer requires regular maintenance to keep the UV lamps in good working order. This includes cleaning the lamps and replacing them when they wear out.

The Proclored A5 UV Printer is a great option for small businesses that want to start a business printing phone cases. The printer is affordable and easy to use, and it can be set up anywhere. The printer also comes with a variety of software that makes it easy to create and print designs.

Procolored UV Printer A3-Pro TX800*2

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The 11.8″ Procolored UV printer A3-PRO is a popular desktop printer that can print on a wide variety of materials. It is equipped with exclusive patent technology, which allows it to print on almost anything, including phone cases, stone plates, leather purses, tempered films, wallpapers, tiles, USB drives, CDs, acrylics, crystals, aluminum sheets, PVC, ABS, stones, ceramic tiles, belts, KT boards, wooden boards, and foam boards.

Features and Specifications

Key Features:

Advanced Adsorption Filtration System: The UV printer is equipped with a specialized adsorption filtration system that effectively absorbs ink dust and odors. This not only safeguards the internal components of the printer but also reduces unpleasant smells, ensuring a pleasant printing environment.

Efficient White Ink Circulation: With an automatic circulation system for white ink, this printer minimizes printer head clogs and significantly extends the lifespan of the print head. You can enjoy uninterrupted printing without the worry of potential ink flow issues.

Infrared automatic height adjustment: An Omron infrared sensor automatically adjusts the printing height of a UV printer. The sensor, which is imported from Omron, works with a new four-axis positioning system to protect the print head and improve printing efficiency.

UV Coating, Varnish Coating Effect: It can print color and varnish coating at the same time, can print on glass, wood, plastic, leather, acrylic, metal, ceramic tiles and many more materials.

Adjustable UV Lamp Power: The printer offers the flexibility of adjusting the UV lamp power to adapt to different printing speeds and various printing materials. This feature allows you to optimize print quality and ensure proper curing of the ink, resulting in vibrant and durable prints.

Convenient Maintenance with Three Visible Windows: The UV printer is designed with three visible windows, enabling convenient and hassle-free maintenance. These windows allow for quick disassembly and assembly of components, ensuring easy access for cleaning and maintenance tasks.

User-Friendly Operation: The printer features a user-friendly touch screen control panel, enabling immediate operation and intuitive navigation. Whether you are a seasoned professional or a beginner, you can easily operate the printer and access its various functions with ease.

Specs:

Print Head Model TX800*2 (dual-head array)
Ink Supply CMYKWW(12 Color)
Printing Speed About 3 minutes/A3
Printing Effect Better
Warranty 3 Years

Pros

Dual print heads: The Procolored A3-Pro TX800*2 Printer has dual print heads, which means that it can print two images at the same time, which can save you time.

High-quality prints: The Procolored A3-Pro TX800*2 Printer can produce high-quality prints with vibrant colors and sharp details. This is due to the use of high-quality UV inks and the high print resolution.

Fast print speed: The Procolored A3-Pro TX800*2 Printer can print at speeds of up to 20 square meters per hour. This makes it a good option for businesses that need to print a lot of prints.

Durable UV inks: The UV inks used in the Procolored A3-Pro TX800*2 Printer are very durable. This means that the prints will last for a long time and will not fade or smudge.

Wide range of printing materials: The Procolored A3-Pro TX800*2 Printer can print on a wide range of materials, including acrylic, glass, metal, plastics, and wood. This makes it a versatile printer that can be used for a variety of applications.

Easy to use: The Procolored A3-Pro TX800*2 Printer is easy to use. The controls are simple and straightforward, and the printer comes with software that makes it easy to create and print designs.

Cons

Noisy: The Procolored A3-Pro TX800*2 Printer can be noisy when it is printing. This may be a problem for businesses or individuals who work in a quiet environment.

Requires regular maintenance: The Procolored A3-Pro TX800*2 Printer requires regular maintenance to keep the UV lamps in good working order. This includes cleaning the lamps and replacing them when they wear out.

Overall, the Procolored UV Printer A3-Pro TX800*2 Printer is a good option for small businesses who need a high-quality UV printer that can print on a variety of materials. It is easy to use and affordable, making it a good value for the price. Additionally, the printer has dual print heads, which can save you time. However, it is important to consider the noise level and the need for regular maintenance before making a purchase.

Procolored A1 UV Printer 6090 – Best Overall

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Features and Specifications

Automatic and moisturizing system: This system helps to prolong the service life of the print head by keeping it moist.

White ink automatic circulation: This feature helps to minimize printer head clogs and extend the lifetime of the print head.

Automatic height adjustment: This feature automatically adjusts the printing height to accommodate different materials, which can improve efficiency.

Two adjustable UV lamps power: This feature allows you to adjust the power of the UV lamps to accommodate different printing speeds and materials.

High-quality screw slide track: This track provides more accurate movement than traditional belt conveyance, which can improve the accuracy of your prints.

Easy to use and beginner-friendly: The printer is easy to use and can be operated by beginners.

Specs:

Print Head Model XP600*2 XP600*3
Ink Supply CMYK+W (12 COLOR) CMYK+W+V (18 COLOR)
Printing Speed 3-5 m2/ H, 8 pass 3-5 m2/ H, 8 pass
Printing Effect Good Good
Printer Size 600*900 mm 600*900 mm
Warranty 3 Years 3 Years

Pros

High-quality prints: The ProcoloredA1 UV Printer 6090 Printer can produce high-quality prints with vibrant colors and sharp details. This is due to the use of high-quality UV inks and the high print resolution.

Fast print speed: The ProcoloredA1 UV Printer 6090 Printer can print at speeds of up to 60 square meters per hour. This makes it a good option for businesses that need to print a lot of prints.

Durable UV inks: The UV inks used in the ProcoloredA1 UV Printer 6090 Printer are very durable. This means that the prints will last for a long time and will not fade or smudge.

Wide range of printing materials: The ProcoloredA1 UV Printer 6090 Printer can print on a wide range of materials, including acrylic, glass, metal, plastics, and wood. This makes it a versatile printer that can be used for a variety of applications.

Easy to use: The ProcoloredA1 UV Printer 6090 Printer is easy to use. The controls are simple and straightforward, and the printer comes with software that makes it easy to create and print designs.

Affordable: The ProcoloredA1 UV Printer 6090 Printer is an affordable printer. This makes it a good value for the price.

Large print size: The ProcoloredA1 UV Printer 6090 Printer has a large print size of A1 (594 x 841 mm). This means that you can print large prints, such as posters and banners.

Infrared automatic height adjustment: The ProcoloredA1 UV Printer 6090 Printer has an infrared automatic height adjustment feature. This feature automatically adjusts the printing height to protect the print head and improve printing efficiency.

Cons

Noisy: The ProcoloredA1 UV Printer 6090 Printer can be noisy when it is printing. This may be a problem for businesses or individuals who work in a quiet environment.

Requires regular maintenance: The ProcoloredA1 UV Printer 6090 Printer requires regular maintenance to keep the UV lamps in good working order. This includes cleaning the lamps and replacing them when they wear out.

Not as versatile as some other UV printers: The ProcoloredA1 UV Printer 6090 Printer is not as versatile as some other UV printers on the market. It can only print on a limited number of materials, and it does not have some of the advanced features that are available on other printers.

Overall, the ProcoloredA1 UV Printer 6090 Printer is a good option for businesses who need a high-quality UV printer that can print on print on almost anything, including phone cases, stone plates, leather purses, tempered films, wallpapers, tiles, USB drives, CDs, acrylics, crystals, aluminum sheets, PVC, ABS, stones, ceramic tiles, belts, KT boards, wooden boards, and foam boards. It is easy to use and affordable, making it a good value for the price. Additionally, the printer has a large print size and infrared automatic height adjustment, which can save you time and improve the quality of your prints. However, it is important to consider the need for regular maintenance before making a purchase.

FAQ’s

What are the different types of UV inks?

There are two main types of UV inks: solvent-based UV inks and water-based UV inks. Solvent-based UV inks are more durable and resistant to fading, but they can be more difficult to work with. Water-based UV inks are easier to work with, but they are not as durable as solvent-based UV inks.

What are the different materials that can be printed on with a UV printer?

A wide variety of materials can be printed on with a UV printer, including: Plastics, Metals, Acrylics, Glass, Wood, Fabric,Leather and Paper.

What are the different applications of UV printing?

UV printing has a wide range of applications, including:

Signs and banners

Decals and stickers

T-shirts

Mugs

Coasters

Phone cases

Mousepads

Hard drives

CDs and DVDs

Conclusion

UV printing is a versatile and exciting printing process with almost limitless applications. For small businesses, flatbed UV printers offer a number of advantages, including the ability to print on a wide range of materials, high-quality prints, and fast printing speeds.

The best flatbed UV printer for a small business will depend on the specific needs of the business. However, some of the factors to consider when choosing a printer include the size of the printer, the print resolution, the print speed, the features, and the price.

In summary, here are some of the best flatbed UV printers for small businesses we have covered:

Best Overall UV Printer: Procolored A1 UV Printer 6090

Best UV Printer for Phone Cases: Procolored UV Printer A5-20

Best Mid-range UV Printe: Procolored UV Printer A3-Pro TX800*2