Navigating the world of small format UV printers can be a complex task, with numerous options and technologies to consider. Yet, understanding the details of these innovative machines is crucial to unlocking the full potential of your printing projects.
In this guide, we dive into 2025’s best UV printer models, breaking down their specifications, capabilities and benefits. Whether you’re an industry veteran or a newcomer, we’ll provide you with the insights needed to make an informed decision about your next small format UV printing machine.
The UV Printing Process
UV printers use ultraviolet LED lights to dry or cure ink during the printing process. Attached to the print carriage is a UV light source that follows the print head. The LED light spectrum reacts with photo-initiators in the ink to instantly dry it so that it immediately adheres to the substrate.
With instant curing, UV printers can create photorealistic graphics on a variety of materials including items like plastic, glass and metal.
Some of the major benefits that attract businesses to UV printers are:
- Environmental safety: Unlike solvent inks, true UV inks release little to no volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making this printing process more eco-friendly.
- Faster production speeds: Inks cure instantly with UV printing, reducing downtime before finishing. The process also requires less labor, enabling you to get more done in a shorter period of time.
- Lower costs: UV printing often eliminates the need to use additional materials in finishing or mounting, and additional protection with laminates may not be necessary. By printing directly to the substrate, you end up using fewer materials, saving time and labor.
Types Of UV Printers
Choosing the right type of UV printer is crucial for meeting your specific printing needs. Let’s explore the different types of UV printers and their applications to help you understand which one might be the best fit for your business.
Small Format UV Printers
Small format UV printers are ideal for high-quality prints on smaller items. They are commonly used for product decoration, specialty signage and promotional products. These printers offer excellent precision and can handle a variety of substrates, including plastic, wood, glass, leather and metal.
UV Direct-To-Film (DTF) Printing Capabilities
UV direct-to-film (DTF) printing is a growing feature in the UV printing world. DTF printers are notable for their ability to produce vibrant and durable graphics on various materials. This technology offers a more automated and cost-effective solution by eliminating the need for pre-treatment and reducing ink usage.
UV DTF is especially useful for items that are too large or irregularly shaped to fit in a UV flatbed printer. While the DTF function may not be the primary reason to choose a UV flatbed printer, it remains a valuable add-on feature that expands the printer’s capabilities.
Top Small Format UV Printers For 2025
Mimaki UJF-6042 MkII e Series
Mimaki’s best-in-class productivity meets high-quality print resolution with the MkII Series. The latest version of this UV printer is the UJF-6042 MKII e (24” W x 16.5” D x 6” H).
Compared to previous models, the Mimaki UJF-6042 offers speed improvements of up to 20%, which makes it ideal for on-demand production. This series also features Mimaki’s cutting-edge technology, including:
- Mimaki Advanced Pass System 4 (MAPS4) to reduce visible banding
- Mimaki Circulation Technology (MCT) to prevent white ink from settling
- Mimaki Clear Control (MCC) for smoother, cleaner prints when using clear inks
The UJF-6042 MKll e has benefits for a wide variety of users and can decorate promotional products, create indoor signage, awards, packaging and so much more.
Mimaki UJF-7151 Plus II
The wider format UJF-7151 Plus II printer (28” W x 20” D x 6” H) is a versatile model with the highest precision and accuracy available from Mimaki thanks to its cast aluminum frame and dual ball screw bed drive. This printer is famous for keeping super sharp print resolution on hard-to-print, uneven objects. It can be used in a variety of applications from OEM product decoration and promotional products to specialty graphics and the award and personalization market, among many others. Printers can decorate any number of substrates including:
- Plastic
- Wood
- Glass
- Leather
- Metal
- Acrylic
- Films
- Technical Fabrics
The UJF-7151 Plus II has an industry-leading 6mm focal length (distance between the print head and substrate), which allows the operator to print on highly contoured products with extremely high quality. The unit also features the only through-head ink circulating system in the market segment.
In addition to utilizing these cutting-edge technologies typical of Mimaki brand printers, the UJF-7151 Plus II is also easy to use. This model features a color LCD display panel and an email notification system for convenient status monitoring.
Mutoh XPJ-1462 UF
The MUTOH XpertJet 1462UF UV-LED flatbed printer, with a moving gantry, features a large 55″ x 27″ printable surface area, two 4″ UV-LED lamps and two piezo drop on-demand dual print heads in a staggered configuration. This small format UV device can print on objects up to 5.9″ thick. It legally prints ADA-compliant braille and 2.5D layered prints to create fine-textured art to add value to any print job. Tie that in with MUTOH’s Local Dimming Control Technology, and you now have the ability to add glossy finishes easily in one pass.
With MUTOH’s proprietary features such as the Automatic Nozzle Detection Unit and the Area Select function, the MUTOH XPJ-1462UF is the ideal printer for any print shop looking for reliability, high quality and fast speeds. These enhancements, along with the improved ease of use and easier maintenance, will increase both productivity and profitability.
Mutoh XPJ-661UF
The Mutoh XpertJet 661UF is a compact, feature-rich UV-LED flatbed printer with a larger printable surface, an advanced LED lamp and an optional vacuum table for increased printing depth. Both are powered by MUTOH’s VerteLith™ RIP software, increasing productivity and enhancing print value with the capability for finer texture layers and high-gloss finishes in one pass.
These printers can accommodate a variety of substrates up to 5.91 inches thick, making them versatile options for commercial printing businesses seeking to upgrade or expand their fleets. The Mutoh XPJ 661UF is especially known as a high-quality, efficient printer of raised letter and braille signage.
LogoJet UVx90R SE
LogoJet’s UVx90R SE is a versatile mid-size printer with a 200ml vacuum-sealed ink bag system designed to provide consistent ink flow. The extended print area is 24” x 36” and can fit materials up to 6” in height. LogoJet also offers a durability-enhancing primer and a clear gloss overlay.
Direct Color Systems (DCS) 1800s
The DCS 1800s is an efficient small format UV printer, offering a print area of up to 12″ x 24″ and an adjustable height of up to 15″. Superior to previous models in speed, it provides simultaneous, single-pass printing across multiple channels. It ensures precision with a Y-axis accuracy of ±.038mm (0.0015″). The Bulk Ink System minimizes waste and reduces refill times, while the programmable White Ink Circulation System maintains print quality and prevents clogs.
UV Printer Comparison Table
| LogoJet UVx90R SE | Mimaki UJF-6042MkII e | Mutoh XPJ-661UF | Mutoh XPJ-1462UF | DCS 1800s | Mimaki UJF-7151 Plus II | |
| List Price | $64,995 | $34,645 | $28,995 | $69,995 | $30,000 | $62,995 |
| Max Print Area | 24” x 36” | 23.6" x 16.5" | 20.5" x 24.5" | 55" x 27" | 12" x 24" | 28" x 20" |
| Max Print Height | 6" | 6" | 6" | 5.95" | 15" | 6" |
| Printer Weight | 410 lbs. | 330.7 lbs. | 286.6 lbs. | 209 lbs. | 220 lbs. | 699 lbs. |
| Print Heads | 6 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 6 |
| Ink Channels | 2 | 2 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 6 Dual Channel (Dedicated Head) |
| Common Ink Configurations | CMYK, W, CG | Hard UV curable ink: LH-100, LF-140, LF-200 | CMYK or CMYK, W, Va | CMYK or CMYK, W, Va | CMYK, 2x W, 2x Cl | CMYK, W, Cl or CMYK, W, Pr |
| Head Type | Ricoh GH 2220 | Epson | Epson | Epson | Micro Piezo | Toshiba Tec |
| Drop Size | 3 - 21pl | N/A | N/A | N/A | 1.5 - 21pl | 6 - 42pl |
| Interface | USD 2.0 | Ethernet 1000BASE-T USB2.0 Hi-speed | Ethernet 10BASE-T / 100 BASE-TX | Ethernet 10BASE-T / 100 BASE-TX | High-speed USB 2.0 | Gigabit Ethernet, USB 2.0 |
| UV LED Curing | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Vacuum Bed | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes, optional | Yes |
| Bed Movement | Bi-directional rotary 360 | Ball screw | Rotary | Rotary | Uni- and Bi-directional | Dual Ball Screw |
| Threaded Registration Points | N/A | N/A | Yes | Yes | N/A | Yes |
| Automatic Height Sensor | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Control Panel | LCD | N/A | LED | LED | LCD | Full Color LCD |
| White Circulation | N/A | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| In Head Circulation | N/A | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes – CMYK, White, Clear, Primer |
Not Sure Which Fabric Printing Machine is Right for You? Use Our Printer Finder Tool >>
How To Choose The Best UV Printer For Your Business
Choosing the right UV printer for your business involves several important considerations to ensure you select a machine that meets your specific needs and delivers long-term value. Here are the main factors to consider:
Budget
Evaluate the upfront costs and consider the extended value. Higher-quality machines might have a steeper initial price but can save you money in the long run through greater efficiency and fewer maintenance issues.
Production Volume
Match the printer’s capacity to your business’s demands. High-speed printers are ideal for large-volume orders, while smaller operations might benefit more from compact models.
Material Compatibility
Ensure the printer can handle the substrates you plan to print on. Different printers and inks are better suited for materials such as plastic, metal, glass, and wood.
Planning for the Future
Think about scalability and future growth. Opt for a brand that offers a range of models to upgrade as your business expands.
Service and Maintenance
Reliable maintenance and support are essential. ITNH provides comprehensive service for Mimaki and Mutoh printers, ensuring your equipment stays in top condition.
Ease of Use and Learning Curve
Consider how user-friendly the printer is and the availability of proper training, which can make a significant difference in the quality of your output.
Cost of Materials
Assess the ongoing costs for ink, substrates and maintenance. While some printers may have lower initial costs, they could incur higher ongoing expenses.
Size and Space
Take into account the printer’s footprint and how it will fit into your workspace. Smaller models are beneficial if space is limited.
Software Requirements
Ensure you have the necessary processing software to manage your workflows effectively. Compatibility with your existing systems can streamline operations.
Don’t Forget The Software!
You’ll need processing software for UV printing to manage your equipment and workflows. Every manufacturer has their own unique software for their brand, but you can usually find a third-party option that will work just as well. Just keep in mind that third-party software programs will be an additional cost.
Find The Best UV Printing Machine With ITNH
Selecting the right UV printer can transform your business. With so many options available, finding the perfect fit can be overwhelming. Need help finding the right UV printer at the ideal price point? Contact us for advice. We’re happy to help!
