The demand for customization has never been greater, and we, as consumers, expect more than just basic functionality from a product. There are many ways to meet this demand. Among them is the LONGER ePrint, a desktop UV flatbed printer that combines high-resolution full-color printing with 3D relief printing capabilities and more than 20 creative techniques. But how does this solution work, and what can we expect from it?
Beyond Printing: A New Dimension of Desktop Customization
Over the past few years, personalization has moved from a niche service to a real business for makers, small studios, and online sellers looking for a reliable uv printer for small business. Whether it is a name engraved on a gift, a logo on a tote bag or a limited run of decorated phone cases, the expectation is the same: products that look unique and feel premium. And increasingly, “feel” is meant literally. Raised lettering, embroidered-looking patches, glossy highlights and iridescent finishes are what set a product apart.
LONGER knows this audience well. The company has spent around ten years developing laser engravers and 3D printers for makers and creators, and ePrint is its answer to this shift towards textured, multi-material customization. On paper, the machine stands out with two printheads, 12 ink channels and full-color relief printing, as well as a library of more than 20 creative techniques.
ePrint comes in two configurations. The Dual-UV configuration is aimed at users focused on UV direct printing, detailed graphics, textured surfaces and full-color relief. In its UV+DTF configuration, it also supports four distinct printing workflows: UV direct printing, UV DTF, DTF and DTG. In other words, it aims to bring several production methods that usually require separate machines into a single desktop platform.
Inside LONGER ePrint: A Dual-Head UV Printer Designed for Creative Freedom
As an advanced UV printing machine, first it’s worth noting the presence of two print heads that supply 12 ink channels in LONGER ePrint. This configuration doubles the ink flow rate and allows users to combine multiple channels to create a wider range of effects. Over a million colors can be used, with a print resolution of up to 1,440 dpi. According to the manufacturer, users can achieve crisp, fine text, detailed images, and smooth gradients.
3D Texture UV Printing: Creative Techniques Beyond Color
What truly sets the ePrint 3D Texture UV Printer apart is its advanced texture-printing capabilities and wide range of creative effects. It goes beyond simply adding color to objects, enabling users to create raised textures, tactile finishes, and unique visual effects that take customization to an entirely new level. . These techniques include:
- Faux embroidery: Multiple layers of ink are applied on top of one another to create a raised, stitched effect.
- Wood and stone textures: The machine can add natural-looking surface patterns.
- Mirror-like shine: Through combinations of inks and coatings, a reflective finish can be achieved.
- Double-sided color: Both sides of the same object can be colored.
The list goes on, but as you can see, the possibilities are endless! You can even customize your nails or apply bright colors for a fluorescent print.
Also note that the machine can cure successive layers of ink, creating a physical relief effect. This relief can reach up to 15 mm. It can also play with contrasts to achieve different finishes within the same design (for example, matte/glossy). This is an interesting feature for creating phone cases, signage elements, textured panels, and more.
One Platform, Four Printing Workflows
For makers exploring a UV DTF printer for custom decals, ePrint’s UV+DTF configuration adds
film-transfer printing alongside UV direct printing, DTF and DTG workflows. And in the UV+DTF configuration, ePrint supports four workflows, each with its own materials and use cases:
- UV direct printing: ink is printed and cured via direct-to-object printing directly onto the object, such as acrylic signs, wooden panels, phone cases or gifts.
- UV DTF: the design is printed onto a dedicated UV DTF film, then transferred onto a hard surface. It is ideal for objects that are hard to position inside the printer, such as jars and bottles.
- DTF: the design is printed onto a textile transfer film. After applying adhesive powder, curing and heat pressing, it can be transferred onto compatible fabrics.
- DTG: ink is printed directly onto garments such as T-shirts. Depending on the fabric, pretreatment and curing may be required.
Several accessories are also available for each configuration (transfer films, adhesive powder, soft or hard inks, etc.)
Smart Software: Making Creative Printing Easier
Hardware is only half the story. LONGER Studio is the main software for preparing artwork, laying out jobs, adjusting print settings and managing projects. It is part of LONGER’s wider software ecosystem, which also supports the brand’s laser engraving workflows.
For users who are not designers, the software includes AI design tools: text-to-logo, image-to-image generation, background removal and image optimization. AI material recognition helps identify the material being printed on and suggests suitable settings. The camera positioning feature uses the 16 MP camera to preview the bed, detect object edges and place designs precisely, while 2D-to-3D relief design turns flat images into relief-ready artwork. For small production runs, as a small UV printer solution, batch printing handles automatic layout, batch filling and synchronized placement.
Multiple Applications
No matter what workflow or creative techniques you choose, one thing is certain: there are countless possible applications! It’s also possible to adapt the same design across a full range of products. This is particularly useful for new collection launches, seasonal products, or personalized gift lines. Users can create everything on a single machine.
Take, for example, a ready-to-wear brand unveiling its new collection. It could design a textured acrylic display stand printed directly using UV printing, a glass jar featuring its logo decorated with UV DTF printing, a personalized tote bag using DTF printing, a matching T-shirt printed using DTG printing, and a decorative embossed logo created using four-color process printing.
Ultimately, LONGER aims to provide advanced creative manufacturing tools accessible to makers, designers, and businesses. Its philosophy, “Better Tools for Everyone,” perfectly encapsulates this idea.
You can find LONGER’s products at the Formnext trade show, at booth A07 in Hall 12.0. Alternatively, if you’re ready to get started right away, don’t miss out on Longer’s upcoming Black Friday event, where you can grab the ePrint and other creative fabrication tools at exclusive limited-time prices.
*All Photo Credits: LONGER