In our community discussions, customer feedback, and Kickstarter comments, we've seen many questions about UV ink.

What makes our ink different from what's available on the market? Why does eufyMake ink cost more than other UV inks? And why do we use fully sealed cartridges?

These are fair questions, and in this article, we'll explain everything in detail.

What Makes UV Ink Special

Before we answer those questions, let's take a moment to understand how UV ink works.

UV ink, or Ultraviolet Curing Ink, hardens almost instantly under UV light. It's made of photosensitive resin, pigments, and photoinitiators.

When applied to a surface and exposed to UV light, the photoinitiators trigger a chemical reaction that turns the ink from liquid to solid in seconds, forming a strong, durable coating.

UV ink offers several key benefits:

  • Fast curing: Dries almost immediately, saving time.
  • High durability: Resists wear, water, and chemicals, suitable for outdoor use.
  • Eco-friendly: Contains no volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
  • Versatile: Works on plastics, metals, glass, wood, and more.
  • Vibrant colors: Quick curing keeps colors bright and patterns sharp.

However, high performance comes with high sensitivity. UV ink requires a stable environment to work correctly.

Common UV Ink Challenges

Because UV ink is chemically active, it is highly sensitive to its surroundings. If not handled correctly, it can ruin a print or even damage the machine.

Risk Factor Why It Happens The Result
Exposure to Light UV rays in sunlight or indoor light cause the ink to cure immediately inside the machine. The ink turns into solid clumps inside the tubes or nozzle. This blocks the system and can break the printhead.
Big Temperature Changes Temperature directly affects the ink's viscosity, causing inconsistent droplets or nozzle clogs when too hot or too cold. The printer cannot spray ink evenly. You might get the wrong colors, blank spots, or even damage the printhead.
Mixing Different Inks Different inks have different ingredients that might chemically react with each other. The ink can turn into a gel or clot inside the printer, causing color errors or permanently clogging the printhead.
Contact with Body Photoinitiators are strong oxidizers that react quickly with human tissue/cells. This can cause skin allergies, rashes, or permanent tissue damage. Contact with eyes is extremely dangerous.

And here is a common misconception: thinking all UV inks are the same.

Many users assume that all UV inks work the same way, thinking of them like 3D printing filament.

But it is different. Each brand mixes its ink differently, and even each batch can vary slightly in flow and thickness. Using a different brand or batch can cause colors to print unevenly or inconsistently.

Why Magenta Ink Is Special

In our recent Kickstarter update, we highlighted an issue with magenta ink.

Magenta contains more pigment than the other colors (white ink excluded) to achieve richer, more vibrant tones. This higher pigment concentration makes it more prone to clumping or forming tiny aggregates.

If it comes into contact with dust, oil, or moisture, the dispersing agents can become unbalanced. This may lead to thicker ink, clogged nozzles, or uneven colors during printing.

How We Keep eufyMake UV Ink Reliable and Safe

Before eufyMake, UV printing was mostly done on industrial machines in controlled environments with trained operators.

But your home or workshop is different. The environment is more complex, and you shouldn't need to be a chemical engineer to get a good print.

We wanted people to be able to just set up the printer and start creating, focusing on their ideas rather than worrying about the machine.

That meant tackling these challenges head-on. Here is what we do to make it work reliably.

1. Fully Sealed Cartridges with a Quick-Release Design

We moved away from the open-bottle systems often found in industrial machines.

The cartridge uses a fully sealed, quick-release structure that improves safety, consistency, and ease of use.

Here's what it brings:

No Direct Contact

You never have to pour ink. This prevents leaks, keeps the ink off your skin, and stops dust from contaminating the supply.

Air-Tight Sealing

A tightly sealed structure minimizes exposure to air and blocks ultraviolet light. This is crucial for preventing the ink from drying out or curing prematurely due to environmental factors.

Smart Cartridge Recognition

Each cartridge includes an identification chip that helps the printer recognize the ink type, model, and production date. If the ink is outdated, the system reminds you to replace it.

Built-in temperature monitoring

The printer constantly monitors its temperature. If it's too hot or too cold, it warns you before printing. That way, your colors stay right and your printer stays safe, no matter the room conditions.

2. Solvent-Free, Eco-Friendly Ink

The main ingredient in UV ink is called a "monomer," which is similar to the liquid used in resin printing. Some manufacturers add organic solvents to make the ink flow better.

The problem is, these solvents can evaporate easily, smell strong, and may be harmful.

We decided not to use them. eufyMake UV ink is made without organic solvents. It's safer to handle, better for the air around you, and still prints beautifully, even if it costs more to make.

Solvent Free UV Ink (eufyMake) UV Ink With Organic Solvents
Where it is used Home and consumer use Industrial factories
Environmental Impact Fully solid formula with very low VOC emissions, offering a cleaner and more environmentally responsible option Solvents release volatile organic compounds during curing, which may affect air quality and fall short of strict regulations such as the EU REACH standard
Print Consistency Viscosity is controlled through monomers or oligomers and requires stable formulation Solvents adjust viscosity and allow a wider print window
Safety Higher safety level with reduced exposure to solvent based substances Some solvents can be toxic or irritating
Cost Higher initial material cost Lower material cost

3. Full Quality Control from Start to Finish

We have a strict system to check quality at every step, from the raw ingredients to the final delivery.

  • Raw materials: Each batch is filtered to remove dust and debris. Materials are stored in dark, controlled areas with yellow lighting, and the ink shelf life is fully tracked.
  • Filling process: We use non-contact pumps in a Class 10,000 cleanroom to ensure absolutely no contaminants enter the cartridge.
  • Testing: Each batch is weighed and tested for dust and ink properties to ensure quality.
  • Transport: Cartridges are packed in light-blocking materials. We keep the temperature between 15°C and 35°C during transport. Expiration dates are clearly marked on the outer packaging for easy verification.

Certified for Safety and Sustainability

We are committed to safety and sustainability. Since eufyMake UV ink is formulated without organic solvents, the entire cartridge system complies with major international environmental standards:

  • CP65 (California Proposition 65): Complies with strict warnings regarding chemical exposure.
  • TSCA: Meets U.S. regulations for chemical substance reporting and safety.
  • REACH: Adheres to European Union standards for protecting human health from chemical risks.
  • POPs: Verifies the product is free from persistent organic pollutants.
  • RoHS: Certifies that the product is free from specific hazardous materials found in electronics.

Low Emission Certification

Prints made with eufyMake UV ink have GREENGUARD Gold certification.

This ensures they are safe for sensitive groups such as children and older adults. It limits emissions of more than 360 volatile organic compounds and total chemical emissions. It also meets California's Section 01350 standard for indoor air quality. That makes eufyMake prints suitable for schools, hospitals, and other sensitive environments.

And here's something worth noting: eufyMake is one of the few UV printer brands to hold this certification. It really shows how strict the GREENGUARD Gold standard is.

Cartridge Storage and Safety Guidelines

Cartridge Storage

Store your cartridges in a ventilated, dry, and dark area at a cool indoor temperature between 15 and 35°C, with humidity between 30% and 70% (no condensation). Cartridges have a shelf life of 12 months from the date of manufacture.

Ink Safety Information

Chemical Classification Each cartridge displays standard hazard icons indicating potential risks: warning, health hazard, corrosive, and environmental hazard.

  • Warning: Contains harmful chemicals. Avoid ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact. Keep out of reach of children.
  • Health Hazard: May affect fertility or harm an unborn child. Repeated or prolonged exposure can damage organs.
  • Corrosive: Can irritate skin, cause allergic reactions, and lead to irreversible tissue damage. Severe eye damage possible.
  • Environmental Hazard: Toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects. Do not dispose of into drains or waterways.

Normal Use Precautions

  • Wear rubber or plastic gloves and protective eyewear when handling ink.
  • For small spills, wipe with a clean cloth or paper towel. Residual ink can be removed with alcohol-based cleaners.
  • Always use the printer in a well-ventilated area. If indoors, open windows and doors or use a fan to circulate air. An air purifier can also help improve safety.

Accidental Spill Measures

  • Wear personal protective equipment such as chemical-resistant gloves and a mask with filter.
  • Remove all fire sources, ensure ventilation, and avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing. Prevent inhalation of vapor or dust.
  • Prevent ink from entering drains or waterways. Contain and clean the spill safely using proper materials.

First Aid Measures

  • General advice: Avoid inhaling fumes, and prevent contact with eyes, skin, or clothing.
  • Skin contact: Wash affected area immediately with plenty of soap and water for at least 15 minutes. Remove contaminated clothing. Seek medical attention if irritation persists. Bring the safety data sheet to the doctor.
  • Eye contact: Rinse immediately with clean running water for at least 15 minutes, including under the eyelids. Seek medical attention immediately.
  • Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Call a doctor or poison control center immediately. Do not give anything orally to an unconscious person.
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eufyMake Team
We’re the eufyMake Team, Anker’s creative tools division. We’re here to share everything you need for your printing journey — from what to buy to fresh printing ideas.