Chinese 中文
German
Spanish
French
Choosing the Right UV Flatbed Printer: A Comparison of Top Models
Investing in a UV flatbed printer is a major decision for any business looking to print directly on products. With options available at various price points and feature sets, it’s essential to weigh your options carefully. To help you decide, we’ve compared three popular models: the Mimaki UJF-6042 MkII e, Roland VersaUV LEF2-200, and 2HEX Ink2Product UV Flatbed Printer. This breakdown focuses on essential features like price, speed, print area, and unique capabilities so you can find the best match for your printing needs.
| UV Flatbed Printer | Mimaki UJF-6042 MkII e | 2HEX Ink2Product | Roland VersaUV LEF2-200 |
| Price | ~$36,377 USD | ~$8,990 - $13,490 | ~$25,000–$30,000 USD |
| Print Heads | 4 on-demand piezo heads (staggered) | 1 or 2 on-demand piezo heads (HX-1/HX-2 Pro) | On-demand piezo |
| Print Speed | ~37.9 ft²/hr (3.5 m²/hr) | ~24.7 ft²/hr (2.3 m²/hr) (HX-2 Pro) | ~20 ft²/hr (1.9 m²/hr) |
| Max Print Area | 24 x 16.5 inches (610 x 420 mm) | 24 x 36 inches (60 x 90 cm) | 20 x 13 inches (508 x 330 mm) |
| Max Media Thickness | 6 inches (153 mm) | 7.8 inches (200 mm) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Supported Materials | Plastics, wood, metal, leather, glass | Plastics, wood, metal, glass, Transfer film | Plastics, wood, metal, glass |
| Special Features | MAPS4, MFD2, ARTISTA Texture Library | Heat Transfer Film compatibility for curved surfaces | ECO-UV Gloss & White, gloss & texture effects |
| Inks | LH-100, LUS-120, LUS-150 (UV-curable) | 5 ink cartridges, UV-curable | ECO-UV inks (gloss, white, clear) |
| Maintenance Requirements | Automated nozzle cleaning | Automated nozzle cleaning | Roland DG Connect for diagnostics |
| Primary Use Cases | Products such as phone cases or signage | Professional sports equipment or custom hard goods | Promotional items, packaging, small merchandise |
| Conmpany Nationality | Japan | Germany | Japan |
Understanding Key Features of UV Flatbed Printers
1. Price Range and Value for Money
The Mimaki UJF-6042 MkII e stands as the premium option at around $36,377, targeting businesses needing advanced features for high-detail work. The Roland VersaUV LEF2-200, priced between $25,000 and $30,000, strikes a middle ground, offering versatile printing for promotional items and packaging. Finally, the 2HEX Ink2Product UV Flatbed Printer is designed for businesses on a tighter budget but still offers advanced features like heat transfer film compatibility for printing on curved surfaces, priced at an affordable $8,990 to $13,490.
2. Print Speed and Efficiency
If print speed is crucial, Mimaki’s model leads with approximately 37.9 ft²/hr (3.5 m²/hr). 2HEX’s HX-2 Pro option follows at ~24.7 ft²/hr (2.3 m²/hr), balancing speed with flexibility. The Roland VersaUV LEF2-200 is slower at 20 ft²/hr (1.9 m²/hr) but makes up for this with specialized gloss and texture capabilities for premium finishes.
3. Maximum Print Area and Media Thickness
Each printer varies in its maximum print area and media thickness, critical factors if you plan to print on large or thick items. While the 2HEX Ink2Product provides a generous 24 x 36-inch print area (60 x 90 cm) and accommodates materials up to 11.8 inches (300 mm) thick, Mimaki and Roland offer smaller, more standard areas of 24 x 16.5 inches and 20 x 13 inches, respectively.
4. Specialized Features for Versatile Applications
For businesses needing unique printing effects, Mimaki’s model includes MAPS4, MFD2, and ARTISTA Texture Library for raised effects and even braille-capable options. The Roland VersaUV LEF2-200 is excellent for gloss and texture effects, ideal for promotional products. The 2HEX Ink2Product’s compatibility with heat transfer film offers a unique advantage, allowing prints on uneven surfaces like skateboard decks, which standard flatbed printers often struggle with.
5. Maintenance and Ink Options
Maintenance is streamlined across these models, with automated cleaning options in both the Mimaki and 2HEX Ink2Product models. This is particularly helpful for businesses that need low-maintenance printers for continuous operations. All three printers offer UV-curable inks, providing flexibility across a range of surfaces.
Which UV Flatbed Printer Should You Choose?
Choosing the right UV flatbed printer depends on your business’s specific needs and budget:
• Mimaki UJF-6042 MkII e: If you’re looking for precision, large print volumes, and advanced print effects, this premium option delivers on all fronts. It’s ideal for industries like signage, phone cases, and high-end promotional goods that need detailed, multi-layered printing.
• Roland VersaUV LEF2-200: This mid-tier choice balances features and pricing, making it versatile for small merchandise, packaging, and items requiring custom finishes. The gloss and texture options enhance its appeal for companies creating eye-catching promotional products.
• 2HEX Ink2Product UV Flatbed Printer: With its competitive pricing and specialized heat transfer capabilities, this model suits sports equipment, custom hard goods, and items with slightly uneven surfaces. It’s an economical yet feature-rich option for businesses looking to enter UV flatbed printing without a hefty investment.
Final Thoughts
When comparing UV flatbed printers, it’s essential to consider your specific production needs. The 2HEX Ink2Product UV Flatbed Printer offers impressive capabilities, especially for businesses looking for affordable, versatile solutions. By evaluating print speed, media thickness, and unique features, you can confidently choose a UV flatbed printer that aligns with your business goals.
For more insights into UV printing solutions or to explore the benefits of direct-to-product printing, visit our full product page.