Anyone using a UV flatbed to print directly onto wood? I currently make wood signs from reclaimed wood (typically cedar decking or fencing). I then make a paint mask and spray paint the text or graphics. This is fine for simple things, but obviously not the best approach for anything more than a couple of colors.
I have seen some places that do exactly what I am asking with photos and such, but am also looking for some more details if anyone on here is doing the same or at least knows the process. What are some of the pitfalls of this approach? How flat of a surface does it need to be to produce a good image? Meaning, since this is reclaimed wood, it isn't always dead flat even though I do run it thru my drum sander. There are imperfections such as nail holes, dings, scrapes etc, but this is what adds to the charm of the finished product so these elements must be retained. As such, how does the printing process react to these imperfections? How close to the substrate does the head need to be? Years ago I ran a Roland SP-540V and so am quite familiar with the printing process, just not UV flatbed printing. With a flatbed, is it feasible to print multiple pieces at a time? I am thinking this may be difficult to get each sign blank to be perfectly registered to each other. Thanks for any feedback offered.
I have seen some places that do exactly what I am asking with photos and such, but am also looking for some more details if anyone on here is doing the same or at least knows the process. What are some of the pitfalls of this approach? How flat of a surface does it need to be to produce a good image? Meaning, since this is reclaimed wood, it isn't always dead flat even though I do run it thru my drum sander. There are imperfections such as nail holes, dings, scrapes etc, but this is what adds to the charm of the finished product so these elements must be retained. As such, how does the printing process react to these imperfections? How close to the substrate does the head need to be? Years ago I ran a Roland SP-540V and so am quite familiar with the printing process, just not UV flatbed printing. With a flatbed, is it feasible to print multiple pieces at a time? I am thinking this may be difficult to get each sign blank to be perfectly registered to each other. Thanks for any feedback offered.
