A Beginner’s Guide to Mimaki UV Flatbed Printers

In today’s fast-moving world of customization, product decoration, and packaging, UV flatbed printers have quickly become a go-to solution for businesses that need vibrant, durable prints on almost any surface. Whether you’re printing on wood, acrylic, glass, metal, or promotional items—Mimaki’s UV flatbed printer lineup offers unmatched versatility and precision.

If you’re just getting started, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Mimaki UV flatbeds and how to choose the right model for your business.

What Is a UV Flatbed Printer?

Unlike traditional printers that work with paper or vinyl rolls, UV flatbed printers print directly onto rigid or semi-rigid materials using UV-curable inks. The inks are instantly cured with UV light, which means:

• No drying time
• Sharp, high-resolution prints
• Prints are scratch-resistant and long-lasting
• Works on virtually any surface (wood, metal, glass, plastics, canvas, leather, etc.)

Mimaki’s UV flatbed printers also support white ink and clear varnish, opening creative options like raised textures, spot gloss, and printing on dark or transparent materials.

Why Choose Mimaki UV Flatbed Printers?

Mimaki is known for Japanese engineering excellence, user-friendly interfaces, and powerful software. Their UV flatbeds are built for high-quality, industrial-level output but are still accessible enough for startups, signage shops, or creative studios.

Key features across Mimaki UV flatbeds include:

• High DPI printing for sharp text and images
• White + clear ink combinations for layered, textured, or luxury effects
• Direct-to-object capability—no need for adhesive labels or pre-treatment
• Vacuum tables to hold materials securely
• Robust build for 24/7 production environments
• Mimaki RasterLink RIP software for advanced print control

Popular Mimaki UV Flatbed Models

🔹 Mimaki UJF-6042 MkII / MkII e

One of Mimaki’s best-selling desktop flatbeds—perfect for smaller items.

• Print size: 16.5” x 24”
• Ideal for: Promotional items, awards, phone cases, packaging prototypes
• Great entry-level machine with premium features

🔹 Mimaki UJF-7151 Plus II

A high-precision industrial flatbed for fast, accurate output.

• Print size: 28” x 20”
• Built for: High-volume shops, product decorators, sign makers
• Excellent registration accuracy and production reliability

🔹 Mimaki JFX200-2513 EX

Full-sized flatbed for printing large signage, panels, and sheet materials.

• Print size: 98.4” x 51.1”
• Handles wood, glass, aluminum, PVC, foam boards
• Powerful dual print heads, white & clear ink support

Applications That Make Money

UV flatbed printers open doors to countless revenue streams. With one machine, you can:

✔️ Print directly on signs, metal, or plastic panels
✔️ Customize phone cases, USB drives, keychains
✔️ Create branded awards and trophies
✔️ Print packaging prototypes, boxes, and folding cartons
✔️ Offer photo panels or acrylic wall art
✔️ Produce ADA-compliant braille signage

Many businesses pay off their flatbed printer within the first year by offering high-margin, custom jobs.

How Much Space and Training Do You Need?

Mimaki’s flatbeds are available in a range of sizes—from tabletop UJF models to full industrial beds like the JFX200. If you're tight on space, start with a UJF-6042, which fits easily in a small office or studio. Larger models may require dedicated workspace and proper ventilation.

Training is typically minimal—RasterLink software is intuitive, and Mimaki dealers (like Absolute Toner!) offer setup and support. UV printing also eliminates the need for lamination or drying racks.

Final Thoughts: Is a Mimaki UV Flatbed Right for You?

If you're in the business of:

• Custom merchandise
• Product decoration
• Industrial marking
• Packaging prototyping
• Short-run printing on unique substrates

Then a Mimaki UV flatbed printer could be the most versatile and profitable investment you make. Whether you’re starting out or scaling up, Mimaki has a model that fits your budget, space, and goals.

📌 Read More About Mimaki Printing

✔️ Start a Small Business with Mimaki: Affordable Printing Power for Entrepreneurs
✔️ Why Car Wrap & Vinyl Shops Love Mimaki
✔️ Best Mimaki Printers for Packaging Labels & Stickers
✔️ Top 5 Mimaki Printers in 2025