NUtec introduces Ruby R10-DTF UV ink for LED printers, eliminating manual weeding from decal production

SOUTH AFRICA – NUtec Digital Ink has released Ruby R10-DTF, a UV-curable direct-to-film ink for LED-UV printers that supports decal transfer and release without a weeding step, reducing production time and labour input compared with traditional vinyl processes for short-run decal work.

The ink is intended for LED-UV printers and is made for use on DTF A films across a range of substrates, including glass, metal, wood, and other decorative and promotional surfaces.

The ink set includes a high-opacity white layer designed to provide colour output and coverage on dark, tinted, and metallic materials. 

The formulation was developed for jetting stability and curing on DTF, PET, and paper-based A-films to maintain consistent print output in production settings.

Eliminating the Weeding Bottleneck

Traditional vinyl decal production involves printing on vinyl, cutting the outline with a plotter, and then manually weeding (removing) the excess vinyl around the design, a labour-intensive step that becomes exponentially more time-consuming as design complexity increases. 

DTF printing eliminates the weeding step entirely by printing the design directly onto a release film, applying adhesive powder, heat-transferring to the substrate, and peeling away the film. 

The Ruby R10-DTF ink set, with its high-opacity white layer, ensures that light-coloured decals remain visible when applied to dark or metallic backgrounds.

Applications and Compatibility

NUtec said the ink can be used for branded gadgets, promotional items, personalised products, and decorative graphics. 

Ruby R10-DTF is compatible with Epson I3200, I1600, and XP600 printheads, which are widely used in aftermarket DTF printers. 

By formulating for these common printheads, NUtec allows converters to adopt the ink without replacing their existing DTF hardware. 

Darren Claassens, NUtec sales and marketing head, explained that the company is excited to announce the new Ruby R10-DTF inkset, which has been developed to help customers simplify production and respond more efficiently to the growing demand for fast-turnaround customised decal printing.

NUtec’s Broader Portfolio

Headquartered in South Africa, NUtec Digital Ink offers a specialised product range, engineering high-quality ink solutions for diverse applications including signage, soft textiles, industrial décor, and custom packaging. 

The DTF market has grown rapidly as brand owners seek personalised and short-run promotional products without the setup costs of traditional screen printing. 

Unlike screen printing, which requires a separate screen for each colour and design, DTF with a white ink layer prints full-colour designs directly, making it economical for runs as short as one unit.

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