UV DTF Printers - Transfers for Glass, Metal, Plastic & Wood
Print vibrant, scratch-resistant transfers and apply them by hand to glass, metal, plastic, wood and ceramics. You don’t need pre-treatment or a heat press, and transfers can go on curved and awkward-shaped items a flatbed can’t reach. Our UV DTF printers print, cure and laminate in one pass, with white and varnish for premium raised and gloss effects.
Choose from Gongzheng Pixy and SinoColor UTF roll-to-roll models, all backed by UK installation, training and warranty from China Print Supplies. Browse the range below, or talk to our team about the right machine for your products.
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What is a UV DTF printer?
A UV DTF (UV direct-to-film) printer prints your design onto a special film using UV-curable ink. Colour, white and varnish layers are printed and cured instantly by LED UV lamps. A second film is then laminated over the top. The result is a ready-to-use transfer, like a high-end sticker.
To apply it, peel off the backing film, press the transfer onto the item and peel away the top film. Only the printed design stays behind. You don’t need a heat press, adhesive powder or pre-treatment, and you can decorate items directly on the counter or production line.
For a fuller explanation of the process, see our guide: What is UV DTF printing?
What can you print on?
UV DTF transfers stick to almost any smooth, hard surface:
- Glass – drinkware, candle jars, bottles and glass panels.
- Metal – water bottles, tumblers, tins, tools and nameplates.
- Plastic and acrylic – phone cases, pens, lunch boxes, acrylic awards and signs.
- Wood – boxes, plaques, coasters and gifts.
- Ceramics – mugs, tiles and homeware.
- Packaging – boxes, jars and product labels with a premium raised finish.
Because the transfer is printed separately, item shape and size are far less of a limit than with direct printing. Curved bottles, uneven tins and oversized products can all be decorated.
Compare our UV DTF printers
Pixy U3 | Pixy U4 Pro | SinoColor UTF-400 | SinoColor UTF-600 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Print width | 600 mm | 600 mm | 400 mm | 600 mm |
Print heads | 3 × Epson I3200-U1 | 4 × Epson I3200-U1 | 3 × Epson i1600-U / i3200-U | 3 × Epson i1600-U / i3200-U |
Inks | CMYK + white + varnish | CMYK + white + varnish | CMYK + white + varnish | CMYK + white + varnish |
Lamination | Integrated, automatic | Integrated, automatic | Integrated roll-to-roll | Integrated roll-to-roll |
Special effects | Gloss varnish | Spot and full varnish | Gold foiling, emboss, gloss and matt varnish | Gold foiling, emboss, gloss and matt varnish |
Best for | Growing UV DTF production | High-volume production | Compact entry with foil and emboss effects | Wider prints with foil and emboss effects |
Price | POA | POA | POA | POA |
The SinoColor UTF series can also print PP paper, photo paper, canvas, vinyl and other roll media, so it doubles as a small-format roll printer.
UV DTF vs standard DTF
The names are similar, but the two technologies do different jobs.
UV DTF | Standard DTF | |
|---|---|---|
Used on | Hard surfaces: glass, metal, plastic, wood, ceramics | Fabrics: T-shirts, hoodies, bags, workwear |
Ink | UV-curable, cured by LED | Water-based pigment |
Adhesive | Built into the laminated film | Hot-melt powder applied and cured after printing |
Application | Peel and press by hand | Heat press |
Finish | Raised, glossy; varnish, foil and emboss effects | Thin, flexible print layer that stretches with fabric |
Typical products | Drinkware, packaging, promotional items, gifts | Garments and textile merchandise |
If you decorate clothing, you need a standard DTF printer. See our DTF garment printers. If you decorate hard products, UV DTF is the right choice. Many promotional businesses run both.
Who is it for?
- Promotional goods suppliers branding pens, bottles, tech accessories and giveaways in short runs.
- Packaging producers adding premium raised labels and short-run custom packaging.
- Drinkware and gift businesses personalising glasses, tumblers, candles and keepsakes.
- Product decorators and makers branding products that are too curved, large or awkward for a UV flatbed.
- UV flatbed owners adding a way to decorate items that won’t fit or sit flat on the bed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is UV DTF printing?
UV DTF (UV direct-to-film) printing produces a transfer by printing colour, white and varnish onto a film with UV-curable ink, then laminating it. You apply the transfer by hand to hard surfaces such as glass, metal and plastic, leaving a durable, raised, full-colour print.
Do I need a heat press for UV DTF transfers?
No. The adhesive is built into the laminated film, so you peel off the backing, press the transfer onto the item and peel away the top film. No heat, powder or pre-treatment is needed.
What materials can UV DTF print on?
Almost any smooth, hard surface, including glass, metal, plastic, acrylic, wood and ceramics. That covers drinkware, packaging, phone cases, pens, awards, signage and personalised gifts, including curved or awkward-shaped items.
How durable are UV DTF transfers?
UV-cured ink and lamination make the transfers scratch- and water-resistant, and they stay vibrant with everyday handling. Durability depends on the surface and on how well it is cleaned before application. For drinkware that will be washed often, we recommend testing on your products first.
UV DTF or standard DTF – which do I need?
It depends on what you decorate. Standard DTF is for fabrics like T-shirts and hoodies and is applied with a heat press. UV DTF is for hard surfaces like glass, metal and plastic and is applied by hand. Many promotional businesses run both.
What support is included in the UK?
Every printer includes UK installation, RIP software setup, operator training and a 12-month UK warranty. UV inks and A/B films are supplied from the UK.