How popular can a blockbuster IP be? Labubu’s limited releases triggered global buying sprees, with second-hand prices surging over 1,000 yuan and figures still hard to find. Luckin’s collaboration with Black Myth: Wukong sold out instantly and topped Weibo’s hot search. Behind all these crazes lies one business logic: fans do not just want to see the IP — they want to own physical merchandise.
However, traditional IP derivative production has long suffered from high mold costs, large minimum order quantities, and long production cycles. Small-batch testing is too risky, and personal customization is impossible. The emergence of UV printers is bridging the final mile of IP monetization.
Print IP onto Everything — Unlock New Merchandise Forms
The biggest strength of UV printers is the ability to print on any material.
Acrylic stands, keychains, metal badges, phone cases, leather bags, wooden ornaments, glass cups — UV ink cures instantly under UV light and adheres firmly to nearly all surfaces.
Anime IPs can become embossed notebook covers; game collaborations can become metal badges; memes can be printed on canvas shoes.Free from material limits, IP expression is completely liberated.
More importantly, UV printing supports white ink stacking and varnish enhancement.Want raised, touchable patterns? Yes.Want partial glossy or matte finishes? Also yes.These high-value processes turn a simple acrylic card from a cheap “printout” into a premium “craftwork.”
Small Batches, Zero Inventory — IP Testing Without Risk
Under the traditional model, launching an IP product requires hundreds or thousands of MOQs. Unsold items become dead inventory, making many small IPs afraid to try.
UV printing is digital, no plate making, one-piece printing supported. This means:
- IP holders can test with small batches: sample first, pre-sell, reorder only if the market responds — minimal risk.
- Collaboration designs can iterate quickly: limited editions, pop-themes, pattern changes anytime, no factory scheduling delays.
- Fans get exclusive items: each phone case can have unique names or blessings — true personalized customization.
A case on Wukang Road in Shanghai:Tourists printed their photos as fridge magnets on-site. Sales conversion rose 40%, average order value increased 20%.This is the power of instant customization: IP is no longer just shelf goods, but an interactive consumer experience.
From “Geek Equipment” to “Monetization Tool”
UV printers were once large factory machines. Now, with lower costs and simplified operation, more design studios, cultural and creative shops, and even individual creators use them for orders.
Some businesses specialize in game customization:Genshin Impact patterns on Xiaomi bracelets, Black Myth embossed effects on Legion laptops.UV printing’s durability and color expression support premium pricing.Others sell at markets: printing customers’ favorite anime characters on T-shirts or canvas bags in minutes, with profits far exceeding ordinary products.
Copyright Cannot Be Ignored
IP business has a red line: copyright.Printing protected IP without authorization can lead to infringement lawsuits.The legitimate approach: obtain official licensing, or focus on original IP and personal customization (pet photos, customer hand-drawn art).
The essence of the IP economy is turning virtual images into physical products fans will pay for. UV printers act as the perfect connector: Let IP appear on any material; Enable one-piece production; Support instant customization
For entrepreneurs entering the IP derivatives business, this may be the tool that turns creativity into real gold.
