Understanding UV Printing: Innovations in Board Printing for UK Industries

UV printing is reshaping the board printing industry, offering superior adaptability and delivering high-quality results in an ever-changing market. In the UK, industries such as retail, construction, and events are increasingly adopting this method for their signage and display requirements. Central to this innovation is the printer UV flatbed, which enables direct printing onto various substrates like acrylic, PVC, and wood, ensuring vibrant, durable finishes. This blog delves into the advancements and applications of printing within the UK’s board printing sector.

What is UV printing?

UV printing is a state-of-the-art digital method where ultraviolet light dries ink in real-time, producing resilient, high-definition graphics on substrates from acrylic to wood. The procedure begins with a UV printer that integrates UV inkjet printing technology for accurate, high-quality output. As the printer deposits ink onto the substrate, UV lamps follow closely behind, emitting UV light that cures the ink instantly. This rapid curing not only accelerates production times but also prevents the ink from spreading or absorbing into the material, resulting in sharp, vibrant images with high resistance to scratches and fading.

Printing stands out for its adaptability, making it a valuable asset across a wide range of use cases. It can be used on both flat and uneven surfaces, making it ideal for applications like printing on acrylic, signage, packaging, and promotional items. The technology also supports spot UV printing, where a glossy UV coating is applied to specific areas of a print to create contrast and highlight particular elements, commonly used in spot UV business cards.

Furthermore, advancements in UV DTF (Direct to Film) printing have expanded the possibilities even more. A UV DTF printer prints designs onto a special film, which can then be transferred onto various substrates, including curved or textured surfaces. Particularly effective for bespoke items, this method allows for the customisation of products like bottles, mugs, and various promotional goods. In the UK, the adoption of printing technologies has been on the rise, driven by the demand for high-quality, durable, and versatile printing solutions across industries. Whether it’s for creating eye-catching retail displays, durable 10mm Foamex construction signage, or customised promotional materials, printing offers a reliable and efficient solution.

Advancements in UV Printing Technologies

The UV inkjet printing market is experiencing rapid growth, with projections indicating an increase from $54.85 billion in 2024 to $60.61 billion in 2025, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.5%. Fuelled by increasing expectations for customisation and sustainability, this trend is gaining momentum across diverse sectors.

In the UK, the adoption of UV inkjet printing technologies is notably prominent in industries such as packaging, textiles, and signage. The technology’s versatility allows for high-quality prints on diverse substrates, including acrylic, PVC, wood, and metal, catering to the multifaceted needs of these industries.

Spot printing is a cutting-edge technique that uses a glossy UV coating on specific areas, creating a dynamic contrast between matte and glossy finishes, perfect for enhancing business cards and promotional products. UK-based companies, such as Soyang Europe, have highlighted the growing popularity of spot printing in delivering premium finishes that captivate attention. The expansion of UV inkjet printing is also driven by advancements in printer technology, including the development of UV DTF (Direct to Film) printers. These printers enable high-resolution, durable prints on complex surfaces, further broadening the scope of applications in sectors requiring intricate and resilient designs. With the UK printing industry in constant evolution, adopting advanced technologies is essential for businesses striving to stay aligned with customer expectations and ahead of competitors.

UV Printing on Acrylic: A UK Perspective

UV printing on acrylic has become a preferred choice for creating vibrant and durable signage in the UK. This process involves printing directly onto acrylic sheets using ultraviolet light to cure the ink instantly, resulting in a sleek, glass-like finish. With immediate ink curing, prints achieve superior quality and resilience, making them suitable for a wide range of applications.

UK-based companies, such as UK Sign Shop, offer services that combine UV printing with laser profile cutting, allowing for customised shapes and designs tailored to specific branding needs. For instance, they provide options like printing logos on the reverse side of a 5mm clear acrylic board, enhancing the depth and vibrancy of the display. Clients can choose between spot white or flood white print fills and various fixing options to suit their installation requirements.

Additionally, firms like Laser Made Designs utilise advanced equipment to offer printing and laser cutting services on acrylic materials up to 10mm thick. Their capabilities include printing in full CMYK, white, and clear gloss inks, enabling the creation of intricate and personalised signage solutions.The synergy of printing and laser cutting technologies in the UK facilitates the production of bespoke acrylic signs that are both visually striking and durable, meeting the diverse needs of businesses across various industries.

The Emergence of UV DTF Printing

What is UV DTF? UV Direct to Film (DTF) printing is an innovative technology that prints designs onto a specialised film, allowing for seamless transfers to a wide range of substrates. This method is gaining popularity for its ability to produce high-resolution, durable prints on complex surfaces.

The global UV DTF printer market was valued at $215 million in 2024 and is projected to reach $442 million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 10.2%.

Applications Across Industries

UV printing’s adaptability allows it to be used across a broad spectrum of applications:

Retail

• UV printing is widely used in the UK retail sector to produce vibrant point-of-sale displays, promotional materials, and signage. Its ability to print on various substrates like acrylic, PVC, and Foamex allows for high-quality, durable graphics that attract customer attention.

Construction

• In the construction industry,printing is employed to create robust site boards, safety signs, and hoardings. The UV-cured inks provide resistance to weather and UV exposure, ensuring longevity of the signage on construction sites.

Corporate

• Businesses leverage spot UV printing to add a premium finish to materials such as business cards, brochures, and presentation folders. The glossy finish achieved through this technique adds a professional and premium touch to corporate branding materials.

Events

• Customised displays, directional signs, and promotional products are made possible through advanced printing techniques employed by event organisers. The quick turnaround and high-quality output make it ideal for events requiring bespoke and durable printed materials.

UV printing’s adaptability and efficiency position it as a strategic asset across UK industries, offering robust, high-quality solutions tailored to sector-specific demands.

Conclusion

UV printing stands as a transformative force in the UK’s board printing sector, delivering exceptional versatility and quality. Its rapid curing process and compatibility with diverse substrates like acrylic, PVC, and wood make it indispensable across industries such as retail, construction, and events. Innovations like spot UV printing and UV DTF further expand its applications, offering enhanced visual appeal and adaptability. As the demand for customised and durable printing solutions grows, embracing UV printing technologies will be pivotal for businesses aiming to stay competitive and meet evolving market needs.