Ink Selection

Matching ink to your printer and media

Our ink selection service begins with the basics that matter most on the press. We look at the printer type, whether it is a flatbed or roll-to-roll system, the ink channel layout, the substrate and the intended end use. A PVC sign for indoor retail, a rigid panel for exterior use and a packaging sample for handling all ask different things from the ink film.

UV-curable inks need to wet the surface properly, then cure fully under the lamp set-up on the machine. On smoother media the ink may lay down cleanly, while textured boards or coated films can need a different approach to maintain adhesion. In Cape Town, humidity near the coast and dust in busy production spaces can also affect handling, so we factor in real workshop conditions not just the label on the box.

• Flatbed and roll-to-roll compatibility checks
• Media class review for rigid, flexible and coated materials
• Assessment of finish requirements such as gloss, matt or overprint use

What the ink selection service includes

We do not just point to a product and send you on your way. The service is built around practical checks that reduce wasted stock and improve first-pass results. Where needed, we help narrow down the best ink family for your printer model, the substrate and the curing setup. If the job must withstand outdoor exposure, frequent touching or transit from workshop to site, we will say so upfront.

Our team also looks at colour behaviour, cure speed and the likely need for a primer, adhesion promoter or surface cleaning step. Some jobs need more flexibility after printing, while others need a harder surface for abrasion resistance. If the application is for signage in Johannesburg, shop fitting in Durban or label work in Pretoria, the same ink can behave differently once the media and environment change. That is why we test against use, not guesswork.

• Printer and substrate review before ink is suggested
• Adhesion testing guidance for the finished surface
• Curing guidance for lamp intensity, pass count and speed
• Colour trial support for new media or repeat production

Our process from enquiry to supply

Clients contact us through the enquiry form on our contact page and tell us what printer they run, what they are printing and where the job will be used. From there, we confirm the key details and check what support is needed. If you are replacing an existing ink, we look at the current set-up and note any change in curing or adhesion behaviour before recommending a switch.

For sample work, we can prepare a small pack and talk through the test plan before full production. That may include surface cleaning, test strips, cure checks and a simple rub test once the print has cooled.

• Step 1: Send printer, media and job details through the enquiry form
• Step 2: We review compatibility and suggest the most suitable ink type
• Step 3: Sample packs or trial guidance are prepared if needed
• Step 4: Repeat order and courier support is arranged for ongoing supply

Courier delivery across South Africa and lead times for UV ink orders

Our base is in Epping, Cape Town and we support deliveries nationwide. Turnaround depends on the exact ink requirement and whether samples, compatibility checks or training are included. For standard supply, we work to get stock moving as quickly as possible, with courier delivery to Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, Pretoria and Gqeberha, plus Bellville and Paarl when local distribution is needed.

Planning matters when production cannot stop. A flatbed shop in Gqeberha, for example, may need a fresh set of inks before a municipal sign run begins, while a roll-to-roll operation in Cape Town may need to pace orders around courier cut-off times. We keep the communication practical and direct so you know what is available, what is being checked and when it is likely to land.

If a job is urgent, tell us that in the enquiry and we will flag the dispatch need. We can also help you plan a second supply point for recurring work, which is often the safer option for businesses running multiple shifts or limited storage.

Pricing approach and what affects cost for UV print rooms

Pricing is quoted according to the ink type, pack size, testing support and delivery requirements. We keep the approach straightforward because one ink family is not the same as another. A faster-curing set-up, specialised adhesion need or extra sample work can change the final cost, while straightforward repeat supply may be simpler to manage. We do not add hidden extras after the fact.

For customers who need support on more than one machine, we can separate pricing by printer line and media class so the supply plan is easier to track. That helps when one unit runs rigid boards and another handles flexible work. It also makes repeat order management cleaner for teams that need to account for stock by department or site.

• Cost depends on ink family and intended application
• Sample packs and trial support are quoted separately when needed
• Courier charges may vary by destination and order size
• Repeat supply can be planned around production cycles to reduce disruptions

Curing and handling tips

Ink selection is only part of the picture. The best result comes when the machine, the media and the operator routine all line up. We advise customers to review their setup at regular intervals, especially after a change in substrate, lamp output or production speed. As a practical rule, review the ink and cure behaviour whenever you introduce a new media batch or notice a shift in adhesion, gloss or smell after curing.

Operators should follow the safety data sheet for the ink in use and wear gloves when handling containers, test pieces and fresh prints. Keep the work area clean, avoid cross-contamination between products and allow prints to cool before stacking. In coastal areas, moisture and salt in the air can affect storage and handling, so lids should be closed properly and stock kept in a dry space away from direct sun. We also offer training support and remote tech help when a team needs a second set of eyes.

• Review setup after any media change or machine adjustment
• Check cure and adhesion regularly on production work
• Store ink sealed, cool and dry away from sunlight
• Follow the safety data sheet and wear gloves during handling