In the era of personalization and smart packaging, 360 printing has emerged as a powerful solution for decorating cylindrical and round objects with full-wrap, high-resolution graphics. Whether you’re printing on bottles, tumblers, cans, or tubes, 360-degree printing enables seamless, edge-to-edge branding that wraps completely around the product.
What Is 360 Printing?
360 printing—also known as wraparound or full-surface printing—is a technique that allows images, logos, and text to be printed around the entire circumference of a cylindrical object. Unlike flatbed printing, which covers only one surface, 360 printing rotates the object during printing, enabling complete coverage without seams or overlaps.
This printing method is especially useful for:
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Water bottles
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Wine and beer bottles
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Travel mugs
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Lip balm tubes
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Cosmetic containers
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Promotional drinkware
How Does 360 Printing Work?
There are several technologies used to achieve 360 printing:
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Rotary UV Printing
A UV flatbed printer with a rotary attachment spins the object while the print head moves along the surface, curing ink instantly with UV light. This method is excellent for small runs, complex artwork, and variable data printing.
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Screen Printing (Cylindrical Screen Printing)
Ideal for bulk production, this method uses a rotating screen and cylindrical tooling to transfer ink. It’s fast and durable but limited to simpler designs and fewer colors.
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Pad Printing with Rotary Fixtures
Often used for small or oddly shaped items, pad printing transfers ink via a silicone pad and can accommodate partial 360 prints, though full wraps are more complex.
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Sublimation Printing (for Coated Metal or Polymer)
The image is printed on a transfer paper and wrapped around the object, then heat and pressure transfer the design onto the surface.
Benefits of 360 Printing
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Full Branding Impact: Utilize every angle of your product for maximum visual exposure.
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High Print Quality: Especially with UV printing, you get photo-realistic images with vibrant color and fine detail.
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Durability: UV-cured inks are water-, scratch-, and fade-resistant.
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Customization Ready: Supports variable data like names, QR codes, or serial numbers—ideal for personalized gifts or limited editions.
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Compatible with Many Materials: Works on metal, plastic, glass, stainless steel, and more.
Applications Across Industries
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Beverage Industry: Craft breweries and juice brands use 360 printing to create eye-catching bottles and cans.
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Promotional Products: Companies personalize mugs, tumblers, and giveaways with full-color logos and branding.
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Cosmetics and Personal Care: Lip balms, creams, and perfumes stand out with full-body printed packaging.
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Gifting and Retail: Custom wine bottles, travel mugs, and candles make premium, personalized gifts.
Final Thoughts
360 printing is transforming how brands approach product decoration, offering both creative flexibility and professional-grade results. Whether you’re a small business offering custom drinkware or a manufacturer enhancing your product packaging, 360-degree printing delivers a full wraparound experience that elevates your brand.
