3D Coins With Color: Get to Know the UV Print Process

If there’s one thing that really makes a design stand out, it’s 3D.

A 3D coin has incredibly realistic detail, thanks to our intricate molding process. We use real-life images and references to sculpt beautiful reliefs of faces, monuments, and more, and the results are nothing less than spectacular. But if you want to add color to a 3D design, you have one option - UV printing.

Many of our customers opt to let the metal plating of their coins act as the primary color for a 3D design. We recommend antique plating options because the darker tone of the metal allows the details of the 3D to really stand out. However, when we add the UV printing option, it takes 3D to a whole new level.

What is UV Printing and How Does It Work?

UV printing is a digital color printing process we use for certain types of challenge coins and lapel pins. The UV ink is layered onto the surface of a coin and immediately cured by ultraviolet light, making it ideal for 3D artwork.

While normal soft enamel paint would slide off a 3D surface before it has a chance to cure, UV colors dry almost instantly with high-quality results. Another great feature of UV colors is that it allows us to create color gradients in your design. Soft enamel coins separate colors by enclosing recessed areas with raised metal, but since UV colors are layered one on top of the other, it’s easy to create more dynamic patterns and images!

If you choose UV color for your project, production will start out much the same as any other coin project. We start by cutting a unique coin mold and then we stamp the coins one by one. Once they go through the metal plating process, they are ready for color. Traditional soft enamel coins will be colored by hand and cured in an oven to solidify the paint. UV printed coins will be sent through our printing machine. The process is fast, and the results are incredible!

What Are the Benefits of Using UV Printing for Your Challenge Coins?

When you’re deciding what type of color process is right for your challenge coins, UV printing comes with a number of advantages, including:

1. Enhanced detail: UV printing makes it possible to capture even the smallest details without having to worry about minimum tolerance for stamped metal surfaces.
2. Highly durable, scratch-resistant finish: Thanks to a refined printing process, the UV printed enamel is strong and resistant to scratches and dents.
3. Ability to introduce color gradients: Soft enamel coins need to separate colors to prevent them from mixing, but UV colors are printed in layers that create realistic detail.
4. Faster production times: The UV printing process saves time in production because multiple coins are put through the printing machine at once. Soft enamel coins need to be colored by hand and cured in an oven.
5. Creates flexibility in design: Choosing the type of challenge coin you want - whether it’s 3D, soft enamel, or die struck - will always require some tradeoffs when it comes to finalizing your design. But with UV printing, you gain a high level of flexibility in what’s possible. Whether it’s including fine details or adding color to a 3D image, UV printing will make it possible.

Ready to see UV printing in action? Fill out a free quote form and see how UV printing can elevate your design!