Zeller+Gmelin UV Inks

What is UV Ink? What Can It Print On? Why Is It Better Than Conventional Inks?

There are many different printing technologies available, but one that offers multiple benefits—such as high-quality output, sharp and vibrant colors, instant drying, superior durability, and wide substrate compatibility—is UV printing technology.

At Press Systems Group, the official distributor of UV inks and coatings, we specialize in UV and UV LED curing inks. Here’s everything you need to know about UV ink, how it works, and why it’s an excellent alternative to conventional inks.

What is UV Ink?

UV ink is a type of ink that cures instantly when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. Unlike solvent-based inks, which require evaporation to dry, UV inks undergo a rapid chemical polymerization process upon UV exposure. This makes UV printing a highly efficient and eco-friendly choice.

How UV Ink Works:

  • Ink is applied to the surface (e.g., film, coated or uncoated paper).
  • The substrate passes under a UV or UV LED lamp.
  • Photoinitiators in the ink absorb UV energy and trigger polymerization.
  • The ink instantly cures and solidifies, bonding to the substrate.

Key Advantages of UV Printing Ink

UV inks are widely adopted across modern print industries due to their distinct benefits:

  • Instant Drying: Cures immediately under UV light, enabling faster production workflows and immediate handling.
  • High Print Quality: Delivers sharp, vibrant, and high-density colors—perfect for premium packaging and labels.
  • Durability: UV prints are highly resistant to scratches, chemicals, moisture, and UV exposure—suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
  • Substrate Versatility: Adheres well to porous and non-porous materials like film, plastic, glass, metal, paper, and more.
  • Eco-Friendly: UV inks are solvent-free or contain very low VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), producing minimal odor and emissions, making them safer for both users and the environment.

What are VOCs? Why Are UV Inks Safer?

VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) are chemicals that easily vaporize at room temperature. Commonly found in inks, coatings, and cleaning agents, VOCs contribute to air pollution and health risks such as:

  • Respiratory irritation
  • Long-term neurological effects
  • Increased ground-level ozone and PM particles

UV inks are safer because:

  • They contain no solvent and thus no need for evaporation
  • No VOCs are released during curing
  • Curing happens through UV-induced polymerization, not drying by air

What Can You Print with UV Ink?

Thanks to its quick-drying, strong adhesion, and high durability, UV ink is used in many industries:

  • Signage & Advertising: Indoor and outdoor banners, PVC stickers, product labels, and roll-up displays.
  • Promotional & Consumer Goods: Custom printing on pens, mugs, flash drives, phone cases, power banks, notebooks, and gift boxes.
  • Label&Packaging: Direct printing on paper boxes, plastic containers, metal tins, PET bottles, cosmetic tubes, glass lids, shrink sleeves, and wrap-around labels.
  • Industrial & Machinery Parts: Prints on durable substrates like PCBs, automotive parts, control panels, and machine interfaces.
  • Interior Decoration: Graphic prints on glass, acrylic sheets, wooden furniture, and ceramic tiles.

UV Ink Products by Zeller+Gmelin

Zeller+Gmelin is a global leader in UV and UV LED ink manufacturing from Germany, with over 150 years of experience. Their products meet international standards such as ISO 9001 and GMP.

  • High Pigmentation: Zeller+Gmelin UV inks offer intense color density and visual brilliance.
    Examples:
    • UVAFLEX® Y80 Series – UV Flexo inks for film and paper, delivering vivid color and excellent print performance at high speeds.
    • UVAFLEX® FCM Y81 Series – Designed for food and pharma packaging, offering low odor, strong adhesion, and full FCM (Food Contact Material) compliance.
  • Consistent Print Quality: Manufactured under ISO 9001 quality systems to ensure batch-to-batch consistency, giving printers reliable and predictable results.
  • Resistance to Abrasion & Chemicals
    • Y80 Series – Ideal for labels and packaging that require high scratch and chemical resistance. Compatible with over varnishing, shrink sleeves, and thermal transfer processes.
    • Y81 Series – For food and pharma labels with strong chemical resistance and high Blue Wool Scale ratings. Fully compliant with food safety standards.

Why Choose Zeller+Gmelin UV Inks with Press Systems Group?

Zeller+Gmelin is the ideal UV ink brand for printers seeking high performance, reliable color stability, and wide substrate compatibility.

Looking for UV or UV LED inks certified under:

  • Nestlé Standard (St-80.001)
  • Swiss Ordinance 817.023.21
  • Food Contact Materials (FCM)

Contact Press Systems Group, the official distributor of Zeller+Gmelin inks in Thailand, and your trusted partner for industrial and packaging ink solutions.

Address: 3030 Moo 10, Samrong Nuea, Muang Samutprakan, Samutprakan, Thailand 10270
Phone: +66 (0) 2 118 3852
Mobile: +66 (0) 61 789 4744
Email: info@presssystems.co.th
LINE: @presssystemsgroup