UV Printing vs. Laser Printing | What Your Business Needs to Know
Choosing the Right Printing Technology for Your Business
Selecting the right printing technology can significantly impact your business’s efficiency, print quality, and overall costs. Two popular options are UV printing and laser printing, but they serve very different purposes.
- UV printing is commonly used for signage, promotional items, and specialty graphics, offering vibrant colors and durable prints on various surfaces.
- Laser printing is the go-to solution for office documents, contracts, and marketing materials, known for its fast printing speeds and cost-effectiveness.
But which one is right for your business? In this guide, we’ll explore the key differences between UV and laser printing, their best applications, and how Roland DGA’s UV and laser solutions can meet your printing needs.
What Is UV Printing?
UV (ultraviolet) printing is a digital printing technology that uses UV light to instantly cure ink onto a surface. Unlike traditional inkjet or laser printing, UV printing allows you to print on non-porous materials like metal, plastic, glass, and wood without smudging or absorption.
Key Benefits of UV Printing:
✅ Prints on Almost Any Surface – Ideal for signage, promotional products, and custom packaging.
✅ Instant Drying & No Smudging – UV ink dries instantly, reducing production time.
✅ Long-Lasting & Weather-Resistant – Prints are waterproof, fade-resistant, and scratch-resistant.
✅ Vibrant Colors & High Detail – UV ink produces rich, high-contrast colors, great for branding.
✅ Eco-Friendly – UV printing uses fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) than solvent-based inks.
Common UV Printing Applications:
- Signage & Banners (indoor & outdoor)
- Promotional Items (phone cases, pens, mugs)
- Custom Packaging & Labels
- Industrial Marking & Specialty Graphics
What Is Laser Printing?
Laser printing is a high-speed, toner-based printing method that is widely used in offices, schools, and businesses for everyday document printing. It works by fusing toner powder onto paper using heat and static electricity.
Key Benefits of Laser Printing:
✅ Fast & Efficient – Prints multiple pages per minute, making it ideal for high-volume printing.
✅ Cost-Effective – Lower cost per page compared to inkjet and UV printing.
✅ Sharp, Professional Text – Great for contracts, reports, and presentations.
✅ Reliable for Office Use – Less maintenance and fewer breakdowns than ink-based printers.
Common Laser Printing Applications:
- Business Documents & Reports
- Marketing Materials (Flyers, Brochures, Letterheads)
- Labels & Barcodes
- Financial & Legal Paperwork
Roland DGA’s UV and Laser Printing Solutions
Roland DGA is a leading manufacturer of professional-grade UV printing and laser engraving solutions, catering to businesses that require high-quality prints for signage, promotional materials, and specialty applications.
Roland DGA UV Printers
Roland offers cutting-edge UV printers under its VersaUV series, designed for custom graphics, branding, and specialty applications.
🔹 Roland VersaUV LEF2 Series – A flatbed UV printer that can print directly onto plastic, glass, wood, and metal, making it ideal for promotional products and customized gifts.
🔹 TrueVIS LG & MG Series – A UV printer/cutter hybrid that provides vivid, durable prints with precision cutting, great for decals, signage, and labels.
🔹 IU-1000F UV Flatbed Printer – A high-production industrial UV printer for businesses that need large-format prints with exceptional detail and speed.
Roland DGA Laser Solutions
Although Roland is best known for UV and wide-format printing, it also offers laser cutting and engraving solutions for custom signage, trophies, and branding.
🔹 Roland LV Laser Engravers – These CO₂ laser engraving machines allow businesses to cut and engrave wood, acrylic, and leather, ideal for personalized items and signage.
While Roland does not manufacture traditional office laser printers, many businesses pair their Roland UV printers with high-speed laser printers from brands like Canon, Kyocera, HP, and Xerox to create a complete print environment.
Would you like to integrate Roland’s UV technology with office laser printing? ABT can help you find the right balance of production and office printing solutions!
UV Printing vs. Laser Printing: Key Differences
| Feature | UV Printing | Laser Printing |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Signage, graphics, promotional products | Office documents, contracts, marketing materials |
| Print Technology | Uses UV light to cure ink onto a surface | Uses toner and heat to fuse images to paper |
| Material Compatibility | Works on plastic, metal, glass, wood, acrylic | Primarily used on paper |
| Durability | Highly durable, weather-resistant, and scratch-proof | Less durable, may fade over time |
| Print Speed | Slower due to curing process | Fast, prints multiple pages per minute |
| Color Quality | Vibrant, high-opacity colors | Sharp text, but less vibrant colors |
| Cost Per Print | Higher cost due to specialized ink and curing | Lower cost per page, ideal for high-volume printing |
Which Printing Solution Is Right for You?
The best choice depends on your business’s specific printing needs:
- For Custom Signage, Promotional Items & Specialty Graphics → Roland UV printers are the way to go.
- For a Hybrid Approach → Businesses that need both office and specialty printing can combine Roland UV printers with laser copiers/MFPs for a complete print setup.
At ABT, we specialize in helping businesses optimize their print environments, whether you need high-speed office laser printers, custom signage solutions, or wide-format UV printing options.
📞 Need help choosing the right printer for your business?
Contact ABT today for expert recommendations! 🚀
