Combining Laser Cutting and UV Printing

At KJP Select Hardwoods, we know that makers are always looking for ways to push the boundaries of woodworking and craftsmanship. One of the most exciting advancements in custom wood products is the combination of laser cutting and UV printing. While we do not yet carry a UV printer in our shop, we are keeping a keen eye on the advancements this technology is bringing to the laser cutting world, and would love to share the learning and excitement with you! 

This powerful duo allows our customers to create intricate, vibrant, and fully customizable pieces that traditional crafting methods simply can’t match. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast, a small business owner, or an artist looking for a unique way to bring your designs to life, this combination offers endless possibilities.

Laser Cutting vs. UV Printing - What’s the difference?

The process of laser cutting has revolutionized the way we work with wood, using a high-powered laser to cut through or engrave wood and acrylic with extreme precision and intricacy. Unlike conventional saws or routers, laser cutting allows for more intricate designs, as well as extreme accuracy and symmetry. The high heat of the laser creates smooth, polished edges that often need no post-processing work, saving you time - while the accuracy of the laser creates less wastage on whatever medium you’re cutting, saving you money. 

Our customers use laser cutting for a variety of applications, from personalized gifts and business signage, to custom inlays and decorative wall art. The ability to produce fine details in wood makes it an excellent choice for crafting intricate and high-end products.

UV printing takes crafting to the next level by adding full-color designs without damaging or shaping the wood or acrylic below. UV printing is a digital printing technique that uses ultraviolet light to cure specially formulated inks directly onto surfaces. The result is a crisp, high-resolution image that is both durable and visually striking. While laser cutting creates a dimensional figure, UV printing creates a single-depth image cured onto the wood with specialized ink. The resulting image should be crystal-clear, easy-to-read, and long-lasting. 

Combining Laser Cutting and UV Printing 

Individually, laser cutting and UV printing are impressive techniques, but when combined, they create truly unique, high-quality products. While the laser ensures that each piece is cut to exact specifications, UV printing allows for high-definition personalization. Whether it’s a detailed map engraving with vibrant colours, or a custom logo on a promotional item, the results are always professional and striking.

Since both processes rely on digital design and precise machinery, it becomes much easier to ensure consistency in the final products produced. As long as the machines are properly maintained and the digital files remain unaltered, you should be receiving exact designs each and every time you cut and print.

Bringing Your Ideas to Life

At KJP Select Hardwoods, we love seeing our customers bring their creative ideas to life. Here are some of the most popular applications of this combined technology:

Custom Signage

Whether it’s for a business storefront, a wedding, or a home decor project, custom wood signs are one of our customers top-selling products. Laser cutting allows for precision lettering and shapes, while UV printing brings those designs to life with rich colours and stunning detail.

Personalized Gifts

From charcuterie boards featuring full-colour family portraits, to laser-cut ornaments with intricate detailing, combining these techniques allows you to create truly one-of-a-kind gifts. 

Branded Merchandise

Small businesses and organizations love using this technique to create high-quality branded merchandise. Whether it’s coasters, promotional keychains, or award plaques, the combination of laser cutting and UV printing ensures a polished and professional look.

Home Decor

Wall art, clocks, and decorative panels take on a new level of sophistication with the precision of laser cutting and the vibrancy of UV printing. Whether you’re looking for a statement piece or a subtle accent, the possibilities are nearly endless.

Bringing Your Ideas to Life

At KJP Select Hardwoods, we love working with customers to turn ideas into reality. Whether you have a fully developed design or just a rough concept, our team can guide you through the process of creating a unique and personalized product. We invite you to browse our selection of crafts plywoods, TruFlat plywood, and acrylic sheets for your next laser cutting adventure. 

We would also love to see whatever you might create with a UV printer if you have one available to you! While we do not yet have a UV printer in our arsenal of crafting supplies, we are keeping an eye on the crafting advancements it provides, and are open to exploring adding one to our shop in the future!