Investing in the best UV flatbed printer means gaining instant-cure versatility on rigid substrates like wood, glass, metal, acrylic, and tumblers – no pre-treatment, no weeding, and no drying delays for durable, scratch-resistant custom signage, merch, and promos.
ColDesi models like the 300H3F and UV 24H3R hybrid, alongside Mutoh's XpertJet 661UF, deliver high ROI through low ink costs and expanded offerings, turning $20K–$50K setups into profit machines for print shops in 2026.
Are you scouring the internet for a UV flatbed printer, digging through every article, video, and review to find the best model? Your search ends here.
We are going to introduce you to the industry leaders: the flagship ColDesi 300H3F and 500H3F, along with the reliable Mutoh XpertJet 461UF and 661UF.
Plus, we are spotlighting the innovative hybrid: the ColDesi UV 24H3R (UV Direct-to-Film).
What Are UV Flatbed Printers?
Let’s start with the basics. UV (Ultraviolet) printing uses high-intensity UV light to cure specialized inks instantly.
Unlike traditional printers that rely on air-drying, UV printers operate with two key components working in harmony:
- UV-Curable Inks: These printers use a CMYKWV color model (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, White, and Varnish). The white ink allows for printing on dark objects, while the varnish adds texture and gloss effects.
- UV Lamps: As the ink hits the substrate, high-energy UV lamps immediately "cure" (harden) the ink in milliseconds.
What Can You Print On?
The short answer: Almost anything.
Because the ink cures instantly and doesn't need to penetrate the material, you can print on rigid substrates and dimensional objects including:
- Metal & Aluminum
- Plastic & Acrylic
- Wood & Canvas
- Glass & Ceramic
- Leather
- PVC & Cardboard
- Tumblers (with rotary attachments)
Best of all? No weeding, no pre-treatment for most items, and no waiting for ink to dry.
Why Invest in a UV Printer?
Here are the four main reasons businesses are upgrading to UV technology:
1. Versatility
From flat signs to cylindrical bottles and textured phone cases, the range of products you can sell is massive. You aren't limited to just t-shirts or just paper.
2. Speed & Efficiency
The UV curing process is instantaneous. There is no drying time. You can take a product off the bed and ship it immediately.
3. Extreme Durability
UV prints are resistant to scratches, water, and sunlight (UV rays). They are durable enough for outdoor signage and items that get handled frequently.
4. Cost Effectiveness
While the initial investment ranges from $20k to $50k+, the low ink costs and elimination of labor (like weeding vinyl) mean the machine pays for itself quickly.
Meet the Lineup: ColDesi & Mutoh UV Printers
Ready to find your match? We offer a range of printers from desktop production to high-volume manufacturing.
ColDesi 300H3F 
ColDesi 500H3F 
ColDesi 24H3R (UV DTF) 
Mutoh 461UF 
Mutoh 661UF Ready to take the next step?
If you have questions or want to see a demo, fill out the form at the bottom of this page. A product specialist will reach out to help you choose the right model for your budget and production needs.
Further Reading & Resources
Still researching? Check out these deep-dive guides on UV printing:
