UV on Phone Cases

UV Printing on Phone Cases

Phone cases are the highest-volume UV product: a blank costs $0.50–$1.50, a printed case sells for $15–$30.

Substrates: TPU, PC, blank phone case inserts

Settings that work

Temperature	No heat — UV cures instantly
Press time	2–5 minutes per pass
Pressure	N/A (flatbed)
Peel	N/A
Wash care	Wipe clean, avoid alcohol

Settings are a starting point, not gospel. Film batches, ink lots and press calibration all shift the ideal number — always pull-test a sample before a paid run.

What goes wrong, and how to fix it

Problem	Fix
Ink rubs off the edges	Edges need a primer or a rounded-case jig. Flat printing misses the curve.
White ink looks chalky	White needs 2 passes and a clear coat on top for gloss.
Design cracks when the case flexes	TPU flexes. Use a flexible ink or keep the print on the rigid back panel.

Good fit

Custom phone cases
Photo prints
Corporate giveaways

Where it fails

Silicone cases (ink will not bond)
Textured or fabric cases

What to buy for phone cases

Weekly volume	Machine class	Why
Small items (cases, pens, keychains)	A5 / A4 flatbed	One object at a time. Enough for gift orders, too slow for batch retail.
Up to 30 × 45 cm (plaques, tumblers with jig)	A3 flatbed	The default size for gift and promo work. Add a rotary jig for cylinders.
Signs, panels, batch cases	4060 / 6090 flatbed	Bed size decides throughput. A 6090 prints a full panel in one pass.

Volume bands assume one operator and a standard 38 × 38 cm press. Verify with a sample before committing to a machine size.