For print businesses looking to expand their capabilities without moving into full flatbed production, the Mimaki UJV100 series offers a practical and flexible solution. If you’re already familiar with eco-solvent printing but are exploring UV technology, the Mimaki UJV100-160 provides a way to bridge that gap. It combines the versatility of roll-to-roll printing with the benefits of UV-curable inks, allowing you to take on a wider range of applications while maintaining a familiar workflow.
So, what can you realistically expect from the Mimaki UJV100 series, and where does it fit within a modern print setup?
What Is The Mimaki UJV100 Series?
The Mimaki UJV100 is a UV roll-to-roll printer designed for wide format applications such as signage, displays and graphics.
Unlike traditional UV flatbed printers, which are built for rigid materials, the UJV100-160 works with flexible media in a roll format. This makes it comparable in workflow to eco-solvent printers, but with the added advantages of UV printing technology.
The UJV100 160 Plus builds on this concept by offering improved performance and efficiency, making it a strong option for businesses that want to introduce UV capability without completely changing how they operate.
How UV Roll-To-Roll Printing Works
The key difference between the Mimaki UJV100 series and eco-solvent systems lies in how the ink behaves. UV printers use inks that cure instantly under ultraviolet light. As soon as the ink is laid down, it is hardened by UV lamps, meaning the print is immediately dry and ready to handle, no gassing off required.
In a roll-to-roll format, this brings several advantages:
- No drying time between printing and finishing
- Reduced risk of smudging or marking
- Faster turnaround for completed jobs
Print Quality And Colour Performance
The Mimaki UJV100-160 is designed to deliver high-quality output across a range of applications. UV ink sits on the surface of the media rather than soaking in, which gives you strong colour vibrancy, crisp detail and sharp text. The output remains consistent across long runs too, which means you can be confident in the work and minimise the need for reprints. For businesses producing signage or display graphics, this level of consistency is important, particularly when handling repeat work or larger volumes.
The UJV100 series also performs well on backlit applications, where colour density and light diffusion are critical. UV inks can help achieve strong, even illumination when used with the right materials.
Media Compatibility And Versatility
One of the key strengths of the Mimaki UJV100 series is its ability to handle a wide range of flexible media, including self-adhesive vinyl, PVC banners, backlit films and window graphics. Because the ink cures on the surface, it can also perform well on heat-sensitive materials that might be affected by other printing processes.
Production Efficiency And Workflow Benefits
One of the most practical benefits of the Mimaki UJV100 series is how it improves workflow efficiency. With instant curing, there is no need to wait for prints to dry before moving on to the next stage. You want to maximise production in your business, and this allows you to turn around jobs faster, move immediately to lamination if it’s required and reduce the overall handling time.
This can make a noticeable difference to overall productivity, particularly when dealing with tight deadlines or high volumes of work, enabling you to take on more jobs and have a positive impact on your bottom line.
Running Costs And Practical Considerations
When considering a UV printer like the Mimaki UJV100-160, it’s important to look at both upfront investment and ongoing costs. UV systems can have a higher initial cost compared to eco-solvent machines, but they can offer efficiencies in other areas, such as:
- Reduced drying time
- Less need for additional finishing processes
- Improved production speed
Energy consumption and maintenance should also be considered, particularly in a high-output environment.
How It Compares To Eco-Solvent Printing
For businesses already running eco-solvent printers, the Mimaki UJV100 series offers a different approach rather than a direct replacement.
Eco-solvent remains the preferred choice for:
- Vehicle wrapping
- Flexible outdoor signage
- Applications requiring high flexibility
UV roll-to-roll printing, on the other hand, is better suited to:
- Display graphics
- Backlit signage
- Indoor applications requiring fast turnaround
Some businesses choose to run both technologies side by side, using each for the work it is best suited to.
A Flexible Step Into UV Printing
The Mimaki UJV100-160 offers a balance between performance and practicality.
It allows businesses to benefit from UV printing, including instant curing, strong colour output and material flexibility, without requiring a complete shift in production setup. For many print businesses, that makes it an attractive option when looking to expand capabilities and take on new types of work.
Want to explore UV roll-to-roll printing in more detail? Request a call back and speak to the Signmaster team about the Mimaki UJV100 series.
