Can You Print Directly on Glass?

Yes, direct printing on glass is possible with UV flatbed printers, which use UV-curable inks to create permanent, vibrant designs. This process eliminates the need for primers or decals, offering a fast and efficient method for B2B manufacturers. AndresJet specializes in custom flatbed printers designed for high-speed, precise glass printing, supporting industries like home décor, packaging, and signage.

What Is Direct Printing on Glass?

Direct printing on glass involves applying UV-curable inks directly to the glass surface, where the inks are instantly cured by UV light. This technique produces durable and vibrant prints without the need for additional treatments like decals or etching. It’s an ideal solution for industries such as home décor and packaging, where speed and precision are key.

AndresJet’s custom flatbed printers are designed for high-speed glass printing, offering capabilities that exceed 100 sqm/hr, making them perfect for high-volume B2B applications. The process is efficient, producing high-quality results while reducing labor and material costs.

How Does UV Printing Work on Glass?

UV printing works by spraying microscopic ink droplets onto the glass, which are then instantly hardened using UV light. This process ensures vibrant and permanent prints, ideal for B2B custom digital printing solutions. The inks used provide excellent adhesion to glass surfaces, making it a reliable solution for various industrial applications.

For OEM factories, the precision and speed offered by AndresJet’s custom flatbed printers allow for seamless integration into existing workflows. The process eliminates drying times, allowing immediate handling and reducing production delays.

Detailed process:

• Position glass on the flatbed.

• Jet inks in CMYK plus white for added opacity.

• Cure with UV LEDs for instant adhesion.

Why Choose Direct Printing for B2B Glass Manufacturing?

Direct printing offers a number of benefits for B2B glass manufacturers. It reduces the need for costly labels and decals, resulting in lower overall production costs. The vibrant colors and textures achieved through UV printing enhance the appeal of products, providing additional value for clients.

AndresJet’s custom flatbed printers are tailored to support high-volume runs, offering B2B clients the flexibility to scale their operations while maintaining top-tier print quality. The after-sale service from AndresJet ensures that downtime is minimized, and factory operations run smoothly.

What Equipment Is Best for Glass Factories?

The best equipment for glass printing in OEM factories includes custom flatbed printers that can handle rigid substrates like glass, offering high speeds and precision. AndresJet’s printers are designed to meet the specific needs of the glass printing industry, with configurations that support large-scale production and integration into factory lines.

How to Prepare Glass for Direct Printing?

Before printing on glass, it’s essential to clean the surface thoroughly to remove any oils, dust, or other contaminants. This ensures that the UV inks bond properly. In some cases, flame treatment can be used to improve adhesion, especially for B2B manufacturing processes.

For OEM factories, it’s important to follow a set preparation protocol to ensure high-quality prints every time. AndresJet’s custom flatbed printers are optimized for minimal preparation time, making them ideal for high-volume environments.

Steps:

• Degrease the glass surface using isopropyl alcohol.

• Dry the glass thoroughly.

• Conduct a test print to ensure adhesion quality.

Can You Print on Curved Glass Surfaces?

Yes, curved glass surfaces can also be printed on using custom flatbed printers. Rotary attachments allow for printing on bottles, jars, and other cylindrical or curved glass items, making it possible to print directly on packaging for industries like beverages and cosmetics.

AndresJet’s custom digital printing solutions are equipped with this flexibility, ensuring that B2B manufacturers can achieve consistent, high-quality results on both flat and curved surfaces.

What Inks Are Used for Glass Printing?

UV-curable inks are the preferred choice for glass printing because of their fast curing times, durability, and vibrant colors. These inks are formulated to adhere well to smooth glass surfaces, offering long-lasting, scratch-resistant results. AndresJet uses eco-friendly, low-VOC inks that are suitable for a variety of applications, including food-safe and regulated environments.

The white underbase in these inks ensures vibrant colors even on transparent glass, making them perfect for B2B custom digital printing solutions.

How Does Direct Glass Printing Benefit OEM Factories?

Direct glass printing streamlines the production process for OEM factories by eliminating the need for additional labeling and decal application. This results in faster production times and reduced costs. Additionally, it enhances the aesthetic appeal of products with vibrant and durable prints.

AndresJet’s custom flatbed printers are engineered to handle high-volume production, ensuring that B2B clients can scale their operations without sacrificing quality. The after-sale service ensures that any issues are addressed promptly, keeping factory downtime to a minimum.

AndresJet Expert Views

"At AndresJet, we prioritize custom digital printing solutions that meet the unique needs of our OEM, B2B, and manufacturer clients. Our custom flatbed printers offer industry-leading speeds and precision for printing directly on glass, while our after-sale service guarantees long-term performance. From food-safe inks to modular systems, our technology ensures that factory operations run smoothly." – AndresJet Engineering Lead

What Maintenance Ensures Longevity?

To keep custom flatbed printers in optimal condition, regular maintenance such as head cleaning and calibration is essential. AndresJet’s after-sale service provides ongoing support, including spare parts and troubleshooting, to ensure minimal downtime and long-term productivity for B2B factories.

Routine maintenance helps prevent clogs and ensures that printers continue to deliver high-quality prints, even during high-volume runs.

How to Scale for High-Volume Factory Production?

Scaling for high-volume production involves integrating multiple custom flatbed printers into the production line. AndresJet’s modular systems are designed to grow with your needs, offering B2B manufacturers the flexibility to meet increasing demand while maintaining high-speed production.

By implementing automation and optimizing workflows, OEM factories can achieve up to 1,080+ sqft/hr per unit, ensuring fast turnaround times for large orders.

Conclusion

Direct printing on glass, powered by custom flatbed printers from AndresJet, is a game-changer for B2B, OEM, and manufacturer factories. It offers enhanced print quality, reduced costs, and faster production times. With after-sale service supporting long-term reliability, AndresJet is the ideal partner for businesses looking to innovate their glass printing processes.

FAQs

Is direct printing on glass durable for outdoor use?

Yes, UV-cured inks resist UV fading and scratches, making them perfect for outdoor factory signage.

Can AndresJet customize printers for my OEM line?

Yes, AndresJet designs custom flatbed printers tailored to your specific B2B needs, with full after-sale service integration.

What speeds do custom digital printing solutions achieve?

Our printers achieve speeds of over 100 sqm/hr on glass, suitable for high-volume manufacturer runs.

Does glass need pretreatment?

Glass should be cleaned thoroughly before printing. Flame polishing can help improve adhesion in OEM factories.

How does AndresJet support factory after-sales?

AndresJet offers comprehensive support, including spare parts, training, and full production line integration for custom digital printing solutions.