6090 Flatbed Printer: Material Compatibility Guide
The 6090 flatbed printer has emerged as a staple tool in the custom printing industry, thanks to its flexible printing capabilities and broad material compatibility. However, not all materials are suitable for direct printing. Understanding its material limitations is key to efficient production and equipment safety.
Materials Unsuitable for Direct Printing
1.Highly Uneven or Deeply Concave Materials
While flatbed printers offer a certain range of height adjustment, items with excessive engraving depth, sharp 3D protrusions, or drastic surface undulations (e.g., some deep-relief crafts) pose a collision risk between the print head and the material during operation. Additionally, significant surface height differences lead to inconsistent inkjet distances, severely compromising print precision and ink adhesion.
2.Materials with Extremely Poor Heat Resistance
UV ink curing requires exposure to UV light, which generates a certain amount of heat. Materials with low melting points or heat-induced deformation (e.g., some low-grade plastics, wax products) are prone to warping, softening, or even melting during curing—resulting in print failure and worktable contamination.
3.Strongly Acidic, Alkaline, or Highly Volatile Materials
Core printer components (print heads, guide rails, etc.) demand specific operating conditions. Materials that emit corrosive chemical fumes (e.g., some untreated metals, certain chemical materials) or highly volatile solvents will corrode precision parts over time, significantly reducing equipment lifespan and stability.
4.Materials with Heavy Oil Stains, Dust, or Incompatible Coatings
Ink adhesion requires a clean, stable surface. Materials contaminated with mold release agents, oil, heavy dust, or coated with incompatible substances (e.g., silicone, Teflon coatings) will suffer from ink pooling, bleeding, or easy smudging, as the ink cannot bond effectively.
Solutions & Countermeasures
Principle: Combine Pre-Treatment with Optimized Processes
These “unsuitable” materials are not entirely unprintable—problems can usually be resolved through the following methods:
- Surface Pre-Treatment: For non-ink-absorbent or low-adhesion materials (glass, metal, certain plastics), apply dedicated coating fluids or use corona/flame treatment to modify surface tension, creating optimal conditions for ink adhesion.
- Intermediate Transfer Method: For materials with special shapes, poor heat resistance, or fragility, print patterns on dedicated transfer films first, then transfer the design to the target object via heat transfer or water transfer techniques.
- Custom Jigs & Process Adjustments: For items with specific heights or irregular shapes, design custom fixtures for secure positioning. Precisely adjust the printer’s Z-axis height and movement speed to ensure printing is completed within a safe distance.
Recommendations for Users
1.Before printing on new materials, always:
2.Consult your equipment or ink supplier for professional material compatibility advice.
3.Conduct sample tests to evaluate key performance metrics (adhesion, scratch resistance, color reproduction, etc.).
Prioritize equipment safety to avoid permanent damage to core components (print heads, worktables) caused by improper material use.
