Digital Printing

1. General information

Digital printing on objects, also known as Direct-to-Object Printing (D2O) or inkjet, is a printing process that transfers images and patterns directly onto three-dimensional objects. Unlike traditional printing methods such as screen printing or pad printing, digital object printing does not require intermediate media such as stencils or cliché plates.

Here’s how the digital object printing process generally works:

2. The printing process 

Object preparation: The object to be printed on is prepared according to the specifications of the printing process and the nature of its material. This may include cleaning the object, applying a primer or special coating to ensure better ink adhesion, or preparing specific areas for printing by flame or corona treatment or Plasma to modify the surface tension of the object to ensure better ink adhesion.

3. The machine 

Machine configuration: The digital machine specially designed for printing on objects is configured according to the size, shape and characteristics of the object and the expected production speed. This may involve setting print parameters such as resolution, print speed and ink quantity.

4. Computer graphics

Preparation of the print file: The image or design to be printed is prepared digitally using graphic design software. The file is then transferred to the digital machine via a wifi gateway or memory stick.

Printing: The object is placed on its printing support. Using special print heads, ink is applied directly to the object according to the digital file. The machine can use different printing technologies, such as inkjet or UV printing, to transfer the ink onto the object.

Drying and finishing: Once printing is complete, the object may require a drying process to fix the ink. Depending on the type of ink used, this can be achieved using drying chambers, UV lamps or other specific methods. After drying, the object may undergo further finishing steps, such as varnishing or polishing, to improve the appearance and durability of the print.

5. To summurise

Digital printing on objects offers many advantages, such as the ability to print complex and detailed patterns e.g. four-colour printing, easy personalisation of objects, reduced preparation costs, ease of operation of digital printing machines and the ability to print on a wide variety of materials, including plastic, glass, metal, wood and ceramics. This makes it a versatile printing technique used in a variety of fields, such as personalising promotional objects, decorating cosmetics and perfume items, making prototypes and much more.

This new printing technology meets new demands for personalising objects.