Why the Best Label Workflows Use Both

As UV flatbed printers continue to evolve, many print providers are asking a fair question: If a UV flatbed can print direct-to-film labels, do I still need dedicated label printing equipment? 

The short answer: yes—if you care about efficiency, scalability, and long-term profitability. 

The better answer: UV flatbeds and Afinia Label systems aren’t redundant. They’re complementary. 

At Print Digital Solutions, we see successful label shops building hybrid workflows—using UV flatbeds for flexibility and value-added work, and Afinia Label systems for streamlined, roll-to-roll production. Here’s why that combination works so well. 

What UV Flatbeds Bring to Label Production

Modern UV flatbeds such as the Komodo UV9060, UV1315, and Mimaki JFX series have redefined what’s possible in short-run and specialty label production. 

Where UV Flatbeds Excel 

• UV flatbeds shine when jobs require: 
• Short runs or one-off production 
• White ink, spot varnish, and textured effects 
• Printing on unconventional films or rigid substrates 
• Fast prototyping or design validation 
• Multi-purpose production beyond labels 

Why Customers Love Them 

• Print anything on demand 
• No dies required 
• Perfect for prototyping or premium labels 
•  Easy crossover into signage, décor, promotional products 

With direct-to-film capability, UV flatbeds allow print shops to produce high-impact labels without plates, dies, or long setup times. For many businesses, this is the fastest way to enter label production—or to add premium label offerings without disrupting existing workflows. 

The Trade-Off

While UV flatbeds are incredibly versatile, they aren’t optimized for: 

• Continuous roll printing 
• High-volume repeat SKUs 
• Automated finishing 
• Lowest cost per label at scale 

This is where dedicated label printers from Afinia Label get to work. 

The Role of Dedicated Label Equipment

Afinia Label printers and finishers are purpose-built for one thing: efficient, repeatable label production. Systems like the Afinia Label L901 and DLF-220S Dual are designed to handle labels from start to finish—printing, laminating, cutting, slitting, and rewinding in a single, streamlined workflow. 

What Afinia Label Does Best 

• Consistent color over long production runs 
• Faster throughput for roll-to-roll jobs 
• Automated finishing with minimal operator input 
• Lower cost per label at volume 
• Reliable output for repeat customers and SKUs 

Ideal jobs 

• Product labels 
• Food & beverage 
• Health & beauty 
• Chemical and industrial labels 
• Private-label manufacturing 

For businesses producing product labels daily—food, beverage, cosmetics, chemicals, private-label manufacturing—this level of efficiency isn’t optional. It’s what protects margins. 

Why UV Flatbeds and Afinia Label Are Not Redundant

The misconception comes from focusing on capability instead of workflow. Both systems can produce labels, but think of it this way: 

UV flatbeds = What (versatility & application-driven labels) 

Afinia Label systems = How Much, How Fast, How Often (efficiency, consistency & scalability) 

Trying to force one machine to handle every label job often leads to bottlenecks, higher costs, and missed opportunities. 

The Hybrid Label Workflow We Recommend

Many PDS customers follow a simple, highly effective model: 

Step 1: UV Flatbed for Flexibility 

Use a UV flatbed to: 

• Create prototypes and samples 
• Produce specialty labels with white ink or texture 
• Handle unusual substrates or short runs 
• Offer premium, high-margin label applications 

Step 2: Afinia for Production 

• Once a label design is approved and volume increases: 
• Move production to the Afinia L901 
• Finish rolls automatically with the DLF-220S Dual 
• Maintain consistency across repeat orders 
• Reduce labor and turnaround time 

This workflow allows shops to say “yes” to more jobs—without sacrificing efficiency. Instead of replacing one system with another, they expand capability without compromise. 

The PDS Perspective: Build for Growth, Not Just Today 

At Print Digital Solutions, we don’t position UV and Afinia Label as either/or. We position them as growth stages and workflow tools. 

UV flatbeds are ideal for: 

• Entering label production 
• Expanding into specialty applications 
• Supporting cross-over work like signage, décor, and industrial marking 

Afinia Label systems are ideal for: 

• Growing label volume 
• Bringing production in-house 
• Protecting margins as demand increases 
• Together, they form a future-proof label strategy. 

Conclusion

UV flatbeds create possibilities.

Afinia Label systems create production efficiency. 

When combined, they give print providers the flexibility to innovate and the structure to grow—without choosing one at the expense of the other. If labels are part of your future, the smartest move isn’t replacing tools—it’s using the right ones together.