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PrintoLUX® system comparison

Process comparison

Digital printing with UV ink

With respect to the selection criteria, digital printing with UV ink is similar to digital printing with solvent ink: resistance and durability (especially with metals) leave much to be desired. Facts in a direct comparison with the PrintoLUX® process: poorer resolution, higher investment, disadvantages with respect to environmental protection. Furthermore, the purchase of a workstation is expensive (€ 20,000 upwards). 

PrintoLUX®

Compared to digital printing with UV ink, the PrintoLUX® process guarantees greater resistance and durability of the print. With respect to environmental protection, the PrintoLUX® process is also at an advantage. Moreover, a PrintoLUX® workstation is easier to integrate into the production process. 

Comparison Digital printing with UV ink PrintoLUX® process

Material

    

Material

    
Acrylic   yes, verso
Aluminium, anodized coloured, AL    
Aluminium, white matt, AS    
Aluminium, anodized natural, AL    
Aluminium dibond, DB    
Glass, matt or pretreated   yes, verso
Adhesive foil, polyester (white, silver, transparent) PK    
PrintoLUX® aluminium, AE    
PrintoLUX® stainless steel, VE    
PrintoLUX® brass, ME    
Laminated board (formica-like), RP    
Plastic plates, polyester, PY    
Keyboard foils, PD    

Resistance (material-dependent)

    

UV

    
at least 1 year    
at least 3 years scarcely resistant  
at least 8 years not resistant  

Chemical

    
Alcohol/ethanol    
Oils little resistant  
Cold cleaner not resistant  
Acetone not resistant  
Acid not resistant  
Toluene not resistant  

Physical

    
Fingernail test    
Tape test scarcely resistant  
Flying sparks test not resistant  
High pressure cleaning/Dry ice cleaning not resistant  

Design

    

Colours

    
Monochrome    
Polychrome (RAL and Pantone)    
Infinitely variable colour transitions good very good
Photo quality not available very good

Printing mode

    
Reproduction text files    
Reproduction graphic files    
Reproduction photo files    
Reproduction barcode files    
Changes between texts, charts, barcodes bedingt  

Resolution

    
Resolution (300 to 5.760 dpi) photorealistic (5.760 dpi) photorealistic (5.760 dpi)

Specialist knowledge

    

Software

    
Windows printer driver    
Macintosh printer driver    
No special software required    
Training requirements Intensive training Basic training

Production

    

Operation and serial printing

    
Single piece production    
In-line/Integration    
Direct printing    
Special preparation required none Pretreatment

Workplace savety

    
Workplace safety Workshop (Odour) Office (noiseless)
Impairments (in-office use) Odour Slight odour
Notes on workplace safety odour none

Cost

    

Investment for industrial workstation

    
Expenditure 20.000 € upwards from 3.540 €