Using UV printing technology for the creation of lithographic plates

The article examines the use of UV printing technology as an innovative, fast, and highly precise method for creating printing plates for lithographic printing in fine art graphics. UV printing is considered not only as a technical improvement of traditional processes but also as a new stage in the development of author’s lithography that combines manual craftsmanship with the possibilities of digital production. The principle of this technology is described in detail: the image is transferred directly from a digital file onto the printing surface. This process produces an exceptionally sharp, stable, and uniform image that preserves fine details, textures, and smooth tonal transitions. Such a method allows for high accuracy in reproducing lines, fonts, contours, and graphic ele­ments, which is particularly important for artists working with mixed techniques or complex compositions.

The study explores the possibilities of using UV printing on different bases, such as stone and metal. It is noted that metal surfaces are the most suitable due to their smoothness, stability, and ability to ensure precise adhesion of the ink layer. These properties allow for high repeatability of prints and minimize quality loss during multiple impressions. At the same time, experiments with stone plates reveal the potential of combining the natural texture of the material with the precision of digital transfer, resulting in unique artistic effects. The author emphasizes that UV printing technology does not negate traditional lithographic methods but rather complements them, providing artists with a broader toolkit for experimentation.

The article concludes that UV printing opens new prospects for the development of author’s lithography, expanding the boundaries of artistic experimentation and forming a new relationship between traditional printmaking and digital technologies. It becomes not only a tool of technical optimization but also a medium of artistic exploration.

Keywords: UV printing, lithography, plate-making processes, flat printing, prepress preparation, printing technologies, fine art graphics, image transfer, tonal fill, outline, font, metal plates, printing plate, experimental techniques, digital methods, reproduction accuracy, process speed, ultraviolet radiation, modern materials.

doi: 10.32403/1998-6912-2025-2-71-209-215