FAQs
We are happy to provide you with the answers to the most frequently asked questions here.
General information
What are the essential components of the PrintoLUX® process?
The essential components of the PrintoLUX® process are, on the one hand, the PrintoLUX® labelling system and, on the other hand, our certified labelling materials, the water-based special ink, the pre-treatment agent and the thermosetting unit.
What are the main advantages of using the PrintoLUX® process?
The following advantages are offered by working with the PrintoLUX® process:
Cost-effective production:
Small and large series can be produced cost-effectively.
Wide choice of materials:
Choice of 11 different materials (metals, foils, plastics).
Flexibility in design:
Variable content possible (e.g. text, colours, photos, graphics, barcodes, 2D codes).
Highly resistant labelling:
Industry-compatible results due to extreme chemical resistance & high abrasion resist.
Easy mounting:
The PrintoLUX® sign holder systems offer all options for label mounting (screwing, riveting, gluing or clipping).
Eco-friendly:
Water-based inks without solvents, plus no hazardous waste is produced.
When is the PrintoLUX® process useful and meaningfully to use?
- When high durability is needed.
- When label contents change.
- When a good display quality is needed.
- When colours are to be used.
- When 2D codes are to be displayed (e.g. QR or Datamatrix code.
- If you want to remain free in deciding whether to produce labels internally / externally.
- If you want to produce or purchase cost-effectively
- If you need short delivery times.
- If you want to use the process on construction sites / assemblies.
What are the maximum formats that can be produced with the PrintoLUX® process?
As a service, we can offer formats up to 1.400 x 1.600 x 20 mm.
Our PrintoLUX® labelling systems, it looks as follows:
- PrintoLUX®-Basic-go-1.5/600: 148 x 250 x 1,5 mm
- PrintoLUX®-FB-140/3000-plus: 300 x 500 x 140 mm
Inks & pre-treatments
What is the difference between PrintoLUX® and digital printing that uses UV-curable ink?
On the one hand, we can distinguish between the health risks that arise for the user when using the processes. UV-curable inks are demonstrably hazardous to health and therefore questionable as a working material. PrintoLUX® uses water-based inks, which pose no risk to users or the environment.
On the other hand, the processes also differ in terms of industrial durability, which can only be offered to a limited extent with UV-curing inks.
What to do if ink gets on clothes?
What tasks does the PrintoLUX® pre-treatment perform?
In total, it performs three tasks:
- It cleans the surfaces of the PrintoLUX®-certified materials.
- It ensures contour-sharp printing by ensuring that the ink drops do not burst when they hit the material surface, but retain their shape.
- It serves as an activator for the thermosetting process.
How long does the PrintoLUX® pre-treatment last after application?
If stored properly (dry, dust- and grease-free), several months.
In practice, pre-treatment is usually carried out shortly before printing.
Material
What is special about our certified materials?
Which materials can be printed with the PrintoLUX® systems?
A total of 11 materials made of metals, plastics and foils:
- Aluminium, silver (AE)
- Aluminium, white (ASE)
- Aluminium composite material (AV)
- Document adhesive foil (DK)
- Stainless steel (VE)
- Brass (ME)
- Polyamide (PA)
- Polyester decorative foil (PD)
- Polyester adhesive foil (PK)
- Polyester foil (PY)
- Laminated panels (SP)
In addition, PA (polyamide) and PC (polycarbonate) materials from common manufacturers of control cabinet labels can be printed, e.g. Phoenix Contact, Weidmüller, Murrplastik.
The durability that can be achieved with these materials is at least as high as when the labels are printed with the original devices of the respective manufacturer.
Is it possible that a PrintoLUX® labelling system also prints on materials which are not PrintoLUX® certified materials?
In general, this is possible.
However, when using our own materials, we can neither guarantee a qualitative print image nor its durability. We only assume this responsibility for our certified materials.
Does PrintoLUX offer UL certified materials?
Yes, click here for our material data sheets.
If you have any further questions, please contact us directly at contact@printolux.com.
Services & Deliveries
Can PrintoLUX® labels also be used outdoors?
Yes for all labels that are printed exclusively with black ink.
Yes for all labels that are printed in colour and are only exposed to sunlight (UV light) (see our corresponding tests).
No for the use of coloured labels that are exposed to UV light and moisture (rain, dew). For this situation we offer a special weathering protective foil (PrintoLUX® UVplus protective foil) which provides the necessary durability.
How can simple user questions be solved/answered quickly and easily?
We offer quick solutions through:
- Our telephone support with remote access and video link
- Videos on how to deal with faults and how to rectify them
Does PrintoLUX also deliver abroad?
Yes. We are already represented with our products on all continents and in over 30 countries.
Software
Is special software required?
No.
Any Windows-based software with the function to control a labelling system can access the PrintoLUX® labelling system.
We offer standard software in form of the "BarTender®-Professional-PLX-Edition" software. This is ideal for creating print data and linking databases.
Each installation of a PrintoLUX® labelling system also includes an introduction to the printing software.
How can data be traded for serial production?
Serial printing is a standard function with all PrintoLUX® labelling systems.
By using our software, information can be retrieved from databases and printed continuously.
We will be happy to discuss with you how this works for you in detail. In addition, connecting to databases is an integral part of our user training, which takes place after the system installation.
Labelling systems
Are PrintoLUX® labelling systems suitable for series production?
Serial printing is a standard function with all PrintoLUX® labelling systems.
By using our software, information can be retrieved from databases and printed continuously.
We will be happy to discuss with you how this works for you in detail. In addition, connecting to databases is an integral part of our user training, which takes place after the system installation.
Can the PrintoLUX® process display 2D codes (QR codes, DataMatrix codes)?
Our digital printing process is absolutely suitable for this. Codes can be generated via our software as well as printed in high resolution.
Do you have any further questions?
Please let us know if your questions have not yet been answered or have not been answered sufficiently.
We will be happy to take care of your request.
