Investing in the right printing technology can make or break your production workflow — and ultimately, your bottom line. If you’re a print shop, sign business, or customization brand looking into Mimaki printers, you’ve likely come across two major options: UV and Solvent printing.
But what exactly is the difference? And more importantly, which one is right for your business?
In this guide, we break it down so you can confidently choose the technology that best fits your needs, market, and budget.
🔍 What Is UV Printing?
UV printing uses ultraviolet light to instantly cure the ink on the surface of virtually any material — including rigid substrates like glass, metal, acrylic, wood, and more.
✅ Ideal For:
- Signage on rigid materials
- Packaging prototypes
- Custom promotional products
- ADA & dimensional signs
- Small-run specialty prints
🔧 Compatible Mimaki Machines:
🟣 UV Printing Advantages:
- Instantly dry — no waiting, no smudging
- Print on nearly any surface: glass, wood, plastic, metal, etc.
- Enables texture and 3D effects with gloss and embossing
- Eco-friendly, low VOC, no outgassing
🎨 What Is Solvent/Eco-Solvent Printing?
Solvent and eco-solvent printers use solvent-based inks that penetrate vinyl and banner material, bonding with the substrate to produce durable, weather-resistant prints.
✅ Ideal For:
- Outdoor signage and banners
- Vehicle wraps and decals
- Window graphics
- Posters, backlit displays, and soft signage
- Long-lasting print durability
🔧 Compatible Mimaki Machines:
🟢 Solvent Printing Advantages:
- Excellent for outdoor use (UV- and weather-resistant)
- Vibrant, deep colors ideal for branding and advertising
- Cost-effective ink and media
- Perfect for vehicle graphics and wraps
🆚 UV vs Solvent: Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature |
UV Printing |
Solvent Printing |
| Media Compatibility |
Rigid + Flexible (almost anything) |
Mostly flexible (vinyl, banner) |
| Dry Time |
Instant (UV light cured) |
Requires drying or degassing time |
| Print Durability |
High – scratch and chemical resistant |
High – UV/weather resistant |
| Special Effects |
Yes – texture, gloss, embossing |
No |
| Common Applications |
Displays, packaging, promos, signs |
Signage, wraps, decals, outdoor ads |
| Ink Cost |
Slightly higher |
Generally lower |
| Setup Space |
Flatbeds need more room |
Roll printers are more compact |
💼 Which One Should You Choose?
Choose UV Printing if:
- You print on rigid materials
- You want instant turnaround
- You need creative finishes or textured effects
- You’re in packaging, awards, product customization, or high-end signage
Choose Solvent Printing if:
- You focus on outdoor signage, decals, vehicle wraps
- You want long-lasting color and durability
- You need cost-effective, roll-to-roll production
- You’re producing banners, stickers, posters, etc.
🔗 Still Deciding? Read More:
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