Glossary · Design

UV printing

Flatbed printer

A UV printer with a flat support on which you place the object. The print head travels over it and prints on it directly.

Explained in more detail

The object lies on a table, often held in place with vacuum suction or a jig. The inkjet print head moves in the X direction, the table or gantry moves in Y, and the height is adjusted to the object. Important specifications are the print area (around A4 to A3 on hobby machines) and the maximum object height. The distance between the head and the surface should be small, according to the manufacturers preferably under 1.5 to 2 mm, otherwise the print becomes blurred. With a rotary attachment, many flatbed printers can also print on round objects.

Where does the term come from?

The name describes the design: a flat bed, that is, a level support, as in a flatbed scanner.

In practice

• For maximum object height, remember that holders and the rotary attachment themselves take up height.
• The print area of desktop machines is between about A5 (120 x 170 mm) and A3 (330 x 420 mm); industrial machines are considerably larger.
• Know the zero point of the plate and align objects to it with a template, so that series are positioned reproducibly.
• Keep the height difference within the print area small; Mimaki recommends under 1.5 mm between the lowest and highest point.
• Check the space required: on some devices the platen moves out at the front and back and needs additional clear space.

Not to be confused

Flatbed does not mean only flat sheets will work: objects up to the maximum height, such as small boxes or phone cases, can also be printed as long as the print surface is flat enough.

Frequently asked questions

How tall can an object be in a UV flatbed printer?

That depends strongly on the machine; for desktop machines it ranges from about 15 mm to 140 mm. The value is given in the data sheet as maximum object height.

Can a flatbed printer also print on mugs?

Yes, with a rotary attachment or suitable holders, provided diameter and height fit in the printer. Without an attachment, UV DTF is the alternative.