Troubleshooting Common Issues in Cylindrical UV Printing

Introduction

Even the best printers experience hiccups. From misaligned prints to poor adhesion or banding, cylindrical UV printing can present several technical challenges. The good news? Most problems have quick fixes. In this blog, we cover the most common cylindrical UV printing issues and how to resolve them efficiently.

1. Banding or Uneven Ink Flow

- Check for clogged nozzles with a nozzle test
- Clean print heads regularly using recommended solutions
- Reduce speed or increase resolution for smoother ink laydown

2. Ink Not Sticking to Surface

- Surface might be oily or unprimed—clean with isopropyl alcohol
- Apply primer or use flame/corona treatment for plastics
- Use compatible ink for the specific substrate (e.g., flexible vs hard UV inks)

3. Misalignment or Offset Printing

- Verify object is centered and tightly secured in the jig
- Check starting origin and wrap alignment in RIP software
- Use alignment guides or lasers for setup assistance

4. Ink Smearing After Print

- UV ink may be under-cured—slow down or increase lamp intensity
- Check for proper focus on curing lamps
- Avoid stacking printed items before cooling completely

5. Ghosting or Double Imaging

- Happens when object moves slightly during print cycle
- Tighten jig grip and clean rollers or rotating mechanisms
- Lower rotary speed if necessary

6. Faded or Washed-Out Colors

- Ensure proper white ink underbase is applied
- Confirm ICC profile and color mode (CMYK) is set correctly
- Check for ink nearing expiration or exposed to humidity

7. Nozzle Dropping or Ink Dripping

- May be caused by over-priming or worn dampers
- Inspect the capping station and wiper assembly for blockages
- Replace old or failing print heads as needed

Conclusion

Troubleshooting is part of the printing process. The more familiar you become with your printer’s behavior, the quicker you’ll catch and correct issues. With preventive care, accurate setup, and sharp observation, you can ensure consistent, high-quality cylindrical prints every time.

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