1. Pre-Preparation Work
Before officially starting the operation, basic preparations must be made to ensure the smooth progress of subsequent processes. First, prepare the image file to be printed. It is recommended to select an image with a resolution of no less than 300 dpi to ensure that the printed pattern is clear and detailed. At the same time, check whether the computer equipment is running normally, and ensure that Adobe Photoshop (hereinafter referred to as PS), Neiying Software (Note: "内映软件" is a software name, and the translation "Neiying Software" is used here; if there is an official English name, it should be replaced with the official one) and printing software have been correctly installed and can be opened normally, so as to avoid affecting the operation progress due to software problems. In addition, prepare the acrylic board to be printed, ensuring that its surface is clean, flat, free of dust, stains or scratches. If there are impurities, wipe them clean with a clean soft cloth to prevent affecting the printing adhesion and appearance.
2. Image Color Mode Conversion and Channel Saving in PS
1. Color Mode Conversion: Open the PS software, click the "File" option, select "Open", and import the prepared image file into PS. After import, click "Image" in the top menu bar, select "Mode" in the drop-down menu, and then click "CMYK Color" to complete the conversion of the image color mode. The reason for choosing the CMYK color mode is that this mode is suitable for the printing field, which can restore colors more accurately, avoid color deviation during the printing process, and ensure that the printed pattern is consistent with the design effect.
2. White Transmission Channel Saving: After the color mode conversion is completed, create and save the white transmission channel. In the "Channels" panel on the right side of the PS interface, click the "Create a new channel" button at the bottom of the panel to create a new channel. After creating the new channel, fill it with white; this channel is the white transmission channel. Then, click "File", select "Save As", choose an appropriate file format (such as TIFF format, which supports high-quality image storage and is suitable for subsequent printing operations), set the save path, and click "Save" to complete the saving of the white transmission channel.
3. Image Size Modification and Saving in Neiying Software
Open Neiying Software, click the "Import" button in the software interface, and import the image file processed and saved in PS into Neiying Software. After importing the image, find the "Image Size" setting function in the software (usually under the "Edit" menu or in the toolbar of the software interface), and click to enter the size modification interface. According to the actual size of the acrylic board and printing requirements, accurately set the printing size of the image (including width and height). During the setting process, you can choose whether to maintain the image ratio as needed to avoid stretching or compression distortion of the image. After the size setting is completed, click "OK". Then, click "File", select "Save", set an arbitrary file name for the image (it is recommended to choose a file name that is easy to identify for subsequent search and use), select an appropriate save path, and click "Save" to complete the processing and saving of the image in Neiying Software.
4. Parameter Setting and Reverse Printing in Printing Software
1. Image Import and Printing Material Height Setting: Open the printing software, click the "Import" option, and import the image file saved in Neiying Software into the printing software. After importing the image, in the setting interface of the printing software, find the relevant options for "Printing Material Settings" and select "Acrylic Board" as the printing material type. Then, according to the actual thickness of the acrylic board used, accurately set the height parameter of the printing material. The accurate setting of this parameter is directly related to the distance between the printing nozzle and the surface of the acrylic board. If the distance is improper, it may lead to poor printing effect, or even damage the printing nozzle or the acrylic board.
2. Reverse Printing Setting and Printing Execution: After completing the setting of the printing material height, in the "Settings" menu of the printing software, find the relevant function options for "Print Direction" or "Reverse Printing", and check the "Reverse Printing" option to enable the reverse printing function. The reason for enabling the reverse printing function is that in UV printing on acrylic boards, reverse printing allows the pattern to be presented from the back of the acrylic board. When viewed from the front, the pattern is clearer and the colors are more vivid; at the same time, it can protect the pattern and avoid wear during use. After all parameters are set, place the acrylic board correctly on the printing platform of the printer, ensuring that the acrylic board is placed flat and fixed firmly to prevent movement during the printing process. Finally, click the "Print" button in the printing software to start the printing operation. The printer will start UV printing on the acrylic board according to the set parameters. After the printing is completed, wait for a period of time to allow the UV ink to fully cure, then take off the acrylic board, and the entire UV printing process on the acrylic board is completed.
