by Melissa Donovan
Printing direct to plastic is possible, but it is not a one-size-fits-all approach. There are many variations of plastic and each presents its own challenges in terms of surface energy in particular, which determines just how well an ink will adhere to the surface.
The November issue of Industrial Print magazine focuses on the challenge of surface adhesion as well as additional issues like static and even how the plastic is manufactured. The article discusses preferred ink sets for this application as well as pretreatment solutions that aid in a successful print.
Here we share some of the printer technologies as well as pretreatment devices that play a role in the process.
3DT LLC manufactures a full range of surface treatment systems engineered for common industrial bonding and adhesion demands. 3DT’s systems are designed for adaptability and can be configured to meet the exact requirements of unique applications. Customization may involve selecting the optimal type and number of treating heads, integrating conveyors, mandrels, linear actuators, robotics, and part sensing. Regarding inkjet printing on polymers, these systems manufactured by 3DT are vital for successful adhesion and performance of printing ink on polymers—PlasmaDyne, which uses atmospheric plasma discharge to improve bonding on a variety of products, from sport bottles to photo tiles to sport courts; PolyDyne, a corona treating system ideal for printing, assembly, injection molded, and extrusion lines; HeliDyne, a new, patented corona treatment system developed to produce strong bonding on wide, thick substrates for printing, gluing, coating, and laminating applications; and UltraDyne, a corona treatment specifically developed to improve the adhesion of ink for high-speed cup/tub/tube printing lines utilizing 3DT’s specialized blade electrode.
The DPI Laboratory’s Catalyst Aventra UV printer delivers precision, speed,
and versatility for professionals who demand the best. Designed for industries where quality and efficiency are non-negotiable, Catalyst Aventra sets the new standard in UV printing technology. It offers superior ink adhesion on a variety of substrates and can print directly on items up to a height of seven inches.
Engineered Printing Solutions has a wide portfolio of products. Of note is that XD Series of single-pass inkjet printers. These can be configured in print widths of 70, 108, 140, or 210 millimeters with CMYK plus white; extended color gamut of orange, green, and violet; as well as varnish. Depending on the type of plastic being printed, corona, flame, or plasma pretreatment is available as part of the line.
The Inkcups X5-T High Throw flatbed inkjet printer is one of Inkcups’ newest technologies. It features UV printing technology with high-performance printheads with a large 43×24-inch vacuum bed. Print on exceptionally tall items with the 19.7-inch drop table. In addition to the printers and inks found in them, Inkcups has developed a range of primers specifically to enhance ink adhesion to plastics—XF Primer, S Primer, PP Primer, and PL Primer. All are great options for promoting adhesion by reducing the surface tension on plastic products for a better bond.
Innovative Digital Systems provides a range of digital inkjet solutions—both dedicated flatbed and rotary style for cylindrical printing. Its Prisma Z-Max is a UV flatbed printer built for production. It offers a print width of 43×24 inches and a 19.7-inch print height—print directly on plastic coolers to get the most of your decoration device.
LSINC Corporation’s PeriOne UV printer prints directly on glass, metal, wood, plastic, ceramic, and other non-porous materials with ease. Whether you’re customizing drinkware, promotional items, or artisan packaging, this compact printer delivers professional-grade results with remarkable consistency. It is capable of handling items with diameters up to six inches. Jettable primer available subject to customer application.
Mimaki USA, Inc. offers the UJF Series of multi-purpose UV LED printers, which includes the UJF-3042 MkII e, UJF-6042 MKII e, and UJF-7151 Plus II. Of note is the UJF-7151, which achieves print speeds up to 190 percent faster than the previous model and features eight printheads, enabling configurations that suit any application. The eight ink slots can be configured for a standard four-color setup or expanded to include light cyan, light magenta, white, clear, and primer. Enjoy industrial capabilities in a small form factor.
Mutoh America, Inc.’s XpertJet 461UF and 661UF UV LED printers make customizing and printing on specialty items fast and easy. And because you can print on almost any surface up to 5.9 inches thick including acrylic, wood, metal, and even mirrors, it’s also an excellent solution for trophy shops that are looking to add digital printing to their portfolio to save time and money.
Plasmatreat GmbH offers the Atmospheric pressure plasma system, Openair-Plasma and Low Pressure Plasma Systems, with all its own specific process windows. Each includes a large portfolio of system layouts and jet configurations. It tries and tests with samples/products from customers to achieve the best possible surface treatment and therefore performance of the end product/the printed product.
Nov2025, Industrial Print Magazine
