Direct UV printing to plexi

[UVPrinter]

Does anyone have tips for direct UV printing to plexi. As is, I turn my lights down low to keep the plexi from bowing. This of course brings the adhesion factor low and tend to get chipping from the edges. Any tips would be helpful. Thank you!

 

[esmith214]

What machine are you using? Can you run one print pass and two cure passes?

 

[UVPrinter]

Anapurna M2540
When I ran a Virtu36 I could do a cure pass. I could trick the machine, thanks, good idea.

 

[DuaneBryant]

In curing UV inks, intensity, power, Joules are often more important than dwell time. One brief moment of high intensity may be better than 10 slow passes at lowest intensity. (Yes, there is a sweet spot of both sufficient energy & over a sufficient time: I'm making a point)

On your second pass, could you make your printer run at draft or fastest speed and use a high intensity setting on the light?

The fast speed may minimize or avoid your problem, with the high intensity being enough to cure and set the UV

 

[Seeking Knowledge]

What is the life span of your lamps and how long have they been in the machine?

SK

 

[UVPrinter]

I have 300 hours on 500-700 hour lamps running unidirectional at the fastest speed. It is set low so as not to warp the plexi with heat, which happens easily.