We conducted comprehensive testing to evaluate the key differences between industrial-grade **UV flatbed printing inks** and conventional **office-type printer inks**. This study reveals critical distinctions in durability, material compatibility, color performance, and environmental impact that every printer should understand before selecting ink systems.

## **1. Test Methodology**

- **Ink Samples Tested:**

  - *UV Flatbed:* SunJet UVIJ-163 (CMYK + White)

  - *Office Printer:* HP 62 Tri-color (Dye-based)

- **Substrates:** Acrylic, coated paper, untreated wood

- **Evaluation Metrics:** Adhesion, fade resistance, curing time, VOC emissions

## **2. Key Performance Differences**

| **Property**          | **UV Flatbed Ink**               | **Office Printer Ink**         |

|-----------------------|----------------------------------|--------------------------------|

| **Curing Mechanism**  | Photopolymerization (instant)    | Absorption/evaporation (slow)  |

| **Drying Time**       | 0.5-3 seconds (LED-UV)          | 2-15 minutes                  |

| **Adhesion**          | Bonds to glass/metal/plastic     | Paper-only (peels on non-porous) |

| **Lightfastness**     | 8+ years outdoor (ISO 2836)      | 6-12 months (indoor only)      |

| **Opacity**           | 100% coverage (white ink layers) | Transparent (no white option)  |

| **VOC Content**       | <5% (low-emission)               | 15-30% (high solvent content)  |

## **3. Material Compatibility Results**

### **Acrylic Sheet Printing**

- *UV Ink:* Excellent adhesion (5B ASTM rating)  

- *Office Ink:* Failed (ink beaded/rubbed off)  

### **Uncoated Wood**

- *UV Ink:* Penetrated grain (scratch-resistant)  

- *Office Ink:* Blotchy absorption (poor color vibrancy)  

### **Coated Paper (Control)**

- Both performed adequately, but UV prints survived water immersion testing

## **4. Environmental & Safety Factors**

- **UV Ink Advantages:**

  - No solvent evaporation

  - 70% less energy than thermal drying

  - Recyclable cured waste

- **Office Ink Risks:**

  - High VOC emissions

  - Hazardous air pollutants (HP 62 contains glycol ethers)

## **5. Cost Analysis**

- *UV Ink:* $30-50/liter (~500 prints)  

- *Office Ink:* $50/liter (~200 prints)  

**Conclusion:** UV ink offers **2.5X more prints per dollar** on compatible materials

## **6. When to Use Each Technology**

- **Choose UV Flatbed For:**

  - Industrial applications

  - Weather-resistant products

  - Non-porous materials

- **Office Inks Are Suitable For:**

  - Disposable paper documents

  - Low-cost indoor graphics

  - Quick prototyping (where durability isn't critical)

This test confirms UV flatbed inks deliver **superior performance** for professional applications, while office inks remain cost-effective only for basic paper printing. Print shops should invest in UV technology for any production requiring durability or material versatility.