Can UV Printer Print on Fabric?
2025-07-19
UV printer can create amazing patterns on various hard materials such as acrylic, glass, metal, plastic, etc., and can be used for a long time. Still, when printing on soft fabrics, it often faces problems such as difficulty in the ink penetrating the fabric fibers, resulting in insufficient adhesion and color distortion, and other issues.
So, can a UV printer print on fabric? The short answer is yes, but you need to use a special UV printer. Next, let’s take a closer look at how UV printer can print on fabrics.
Table of Contents
What is UV Printer?
A UV printer is a device that prints high-quality images directly on a variety of hard surfaces. It uses UV light to quickly dry the ink during the printing process. The process produces bright, clear, 3D textured prints and is very suitable for printing materials such as acrylic, ceramics, metals, glass, wood, and leather.
At present, the types of UV printers generally include UV DTF printer, UV flatbed printer, UV roll-to-roll printer, and UV hybrid printer. For a more detailed type introduction of UV printers, please check this article: 4 types of UV printers.
Limitations of UV Printing on Fabric
UV technology printing on fabrics is significantly different from printing on hard surfaces. Because fabrics need to be able to bend, stretch, and withstand washing, this also leads to poor printing effects of UV ink on soft textiles. There are mainly the following reasons:
Permeability: UV ink solidifies on the surface of the material instead of soaking into the fiber, which makes the adhesion poor, and the printing effect is not bright enough.
Feel: UV ink is a hard film after curing, covered in soft fabrics will make the print area hard, crack when bent or stretched, etc.
Durability: UV ink printed on fabrics may fade or peel off after washing, which can not meet the basic textile washing requirements.
The above limitations determine that UV printers are not suitable for printing on flexible fabrics, but they have excellent performance on hard materials, which also makes them dominant in gift customization, home decoration, advertising signs, and other fields.
Two Innovative UV Printers Can Print on Fabric
Although UV printers are versatile and can be used on a variety of materials, it is still a problem for textile printing. At present, after continuous testing and research, and development, KingJet has 2 UV printers that can print on fabrics, with colorful patterns, durable and not easy to fade.
UV Flatbed Print on TPU for Fabrics
Another method is to print TPU film using a UV flatbed printer and transfer it to textile fabrics, resulting in a pattern with more texture and tactile effect.
Printing Process:
1. Use the KJ-1060 UV flatbed printer to print patterns on TPU film.
2. Use a laser cutting machine to cut the pattern accurately, or cut the pattern manually.
3. Fuse the TPU pattern with the clothing fabric by heat press machine.
4. Product transfer is completed, the pattern is permanently attached, stretch-resistant, and not easy to crack.
Core Innovation:
1. TPU film as a carrier to solve the problem of UV ink penetration.
2. Hot melt adhesive layer ensures firm bonding with fabrics to achieve wash and stretch resistance.
3. Strong adhesion, support transfer on waterproof fabrics.
4. Patterns have a 3D three-dimensional sense, and the texture is more high-end.
3D Imitation Embroidery UV DTF Printer for Fabric
This UV technology prints on fabrics, mainly using a special UV DTF machine to print UV stickers with imitation embroidery effects, and then heat presses them onto the fabric for the second time through a heat press machine.
Printing Process:
1. Use a 3D faux embroidery UV DTF machine to print an imitation embroidery texture pattern on AB film.
2. Transfer the pattern to the fabric surface through a heat press machine.
3. Cover with a layer of waste film to remove the glue on the pattern.
4. Tear off the B film to complete the 3D imitation embroidery effect printing on the textile fabric.
Advantages:
1. Achieve a high-precision relief effect and simulate the texture of traditional embroidery.
2. Simple operation, no need for fabric pretreatment and plate making.
3. Support polyester, blended, canvas, flags, and other fabrics.
Comparative of 2 Types of UV Printers Printing on Fabrics
Although both the 3D imitation embroidery UV DTF printer and the TPU UV printer can print on fabrics, they differ in terms of process principle, printing effect, and application scenarios, etc.
| Printer Type | UV Flatbed Printer | 3D Embroidery UV DTF Printer |
| Technical Principle | Print on TPU directly | Transfer in the form of UV stickers |
| Printing Process | Print pattern on TPU directly – heat press transfer to fabric | Printing pattern on AB film – heat pressing first time – laminating waste film – heat pressing second time |
| Applicable Fabric Types | Almost all fabrics, including waterproof fabrics | Fabrics that are not washed frequently, such as polyester, blends, etc. |
| Printing Effect | Bright colors, stretch resistance | Embroidery touch |
| Washability | good | general |
| Related Equipment | UV flatbed printer, heat press machine | 3D effect UV DTF printer, heat press machine |
| Key Consumables | TPU film, UV ink | UV DTF AB film, waste discharge film, UV ink |
| Application | T-shirt, sportswear, backpack, umbrella, etc. | Hats, scarves, pillows, curtains, etc. |
| Eco-Friendly | Yes | Yes |
Application of New Technology UV Printing on Fabrics
Apparel and Fashion Industry
Make brand logos, armbands, small logos of textile clothing, etc., on T-shirts, Polo shirts, sportswear, jerseys, work clothes, fashion clothing, and so on.
Shoes Decoration
Print personalized decorative patterns on the sides of sports shoes and casual shoes to make wearing more fashionable and unique.
Bags and Outdoor Equipment
UV TPU printing meets outdoor durability and waterproof requirements, and can print various logos or replicate patterns on backpacks, hats, luggage bags, umbrellas, raincoats, tents, and waterproof fabrics.
Home Textile Decoration
UV printing can be applied to polyester fabrics for home decoration, such as pillows, tablecloths, quilt covers, curtains, and other surfaces, which can add unique visual effects and sense of touch.
Conclusion
The technological breakthrough of UV printing on fabrics has opened up new possibilities in the textile field and brought unprecedented design freedom. In the future, UV printers will achieve high-quality printing on more types of fabrics, completely changing the printing methods of traditional textiles, and have irreplaceable value in the high-end customization market.
If you also want to expand your UV printing business to the textile industry, contact the professional KingJet team with 18 years of industry experience to let your UV printer create unlimited possibilities on fabrics!
FAQ
How is the washability of UV printing on fabrics?
Specially treated UV transfer solutions (such as TPU UV printing on fabrics) can achieve color fastness of 4-5 levels, and can support more than 50 machine washes under normal wear and standard washing operations, in line with international washing standards.
which fabrics are most suitable for UV printing?
3D imitation embroidery UV printer is more suitable for printing fabrics with a flat surface, high fiber density, and fabrics that don’t need to be washed frequently, such as polyester blends, oxford fabrics, canvas, flags, and so on.
If you need to print waterproof fabrics or elastic fabrics, choose the TPU UV printing program is more appropriate; it has stronger adhesion, better washing resistance, and longer-lasting effects.
Is UV printing on fabric environmentally friendly?
Yes. UV printing with LED light and low VOC ink is a more environmentally friendly and sustainable alternative with energy saving, waste reduction, and environmental friendliness.
