UV Printers
ArtistJet FreeBird 3000 & 6090 UV Printers – Features, Pricing & Applications Guide
Nov
The Complete Guide to the ArtistJet FreeBird UV Printers (South Africa Edition)
A MaxLaser Expert Deep Dive into the FreeBird 3000 & FreeBird 6090 UV Printers
UV printing has rapidly become one of South Africa’s fastest-growing personalised product technologies. From custom phone covers to acrylic blocks, gift boxes, leather wallets, signage, and corporate gifting, UV printers are enabling new businesses and helping established brands expand into highly profitable product lines.
The ArtistJet FreeBird UV Printer Series, now available through MaxLaser, represents the next generation of compact commercial UV printers built for quality, durability, and high-volume output.
This guide explores everything business owners, creators, and print studios need to know about the FreeBird 3000 and FreeBird 6090 — including capabilities, print quality, materials, applications, maintenance, and real-world business ideas.
What Makes the ArtistJet FreeBird UV Printers Different?
The FreeBird UV series stands out because of its industrial-grade build, professional results, and ease of use. What makes these printers special?
✔ Epson i3200 Industrial Printhead
Known for ultra-sharp detail, smooth gradients, long lifespan, and stable ink performance.
✔ White + Colour + Varnish
Creates:
- White ink underlays
- Full colour on any material
- Gloss or matte finishes
- Raised 3D embossed textures
✔ Automatic White Ink Circulation
The FreeBird 3000 and 6090 both feature automatic white ink circulation, eliminating separation issues and removing the need to manually shake white ink bottles.
✔ 170mm Z-Axis Height
Allows printing on:
- Wooden boxes
- Thick acrylic
- Packaging
- Large gift items
- Decor panels
✔ Commercial Print Bed Sizes
- FreeBird 3000: 500 × 360 mm
- FreeBird 6090: 900 × 600 mm
Both models support batch printing, dramatically improving production speed and reducing labour time.
✔ Full MaxLaser Support
With every FreeBird, you receive:
- Installation
- Training
- Lifetime technical support
- Spare parts
- WhatsApp support groups
- 2-year warranty (printhead excluded)
➡️ View all UV printers available at MaxLaser
ArtistJet FreeBird Models Explained
ArtistJet FreeBird 3000 UV Printer
Print Area: 500 × 360 mm
The FreeBird 3000 is a mid-sized commercial UV printer perfect for:
- Startups
- Home studios
- Small print shops
- Gift businesses
- Laser entrepreneurs who want to add colour printing
Recommended Applications
- Phone covers
- Wooden boxes
- Keyrings & name tags
- Acrylic blocks
- Leather wallets
- Corporate gifting
- Product packaging
- Small signage
Why It’s Popular
- Balanced price-to-size ratio
- Raised gloss & textured printing
- Built-in automatic white ink circulation
- Relatively low maintenance
- Suitable for both beginners and professionals
ArtistJet FreeBird 3000 UV Printer – Specifications & Pricing
ArtistJet FreeBird 6090 UV Printer
Print Area: 900 × 600 mm
The FreeBird 6090 is a heavy-duty machine designed for large output, mass production, and full-bed printing.
Recommended Applications
- Commercial gifting companies
- Laser + UV production lines
- Event branding companies
- Large acrylic signage
- MDF & wooden boards
- Batch printing 20–80 small items per run
- High-volume phone cover production
- Custom decor & homeware printing
Why It’s Popular
- Massive print bed
- Commercial-grade output
- Industrial build
- Highly profitable for medium–large businesses
ArtistJet FreeBird 6090 UV Printer – Specifications & Pricing
What Can You Print with the FreeBird UV Printers?
Both FreeBird models print on almost any flat material:
✔ Materials
- Acrylic
- Wood (MDF, bamboo, birch, pine)
- Leather
- PU leather & PVC
- Metal (aluminium cards, steel tags)
- Glass
- Slate
- ABS & plastics
- Paperboard & cardboard
- Stone
- Phone cover materials (TPU, ABS)
✔ Products You Can Offer
- Phone covers
- Name tags & badges
- Wedding gifts
- Corporate branded sets
- Leather wallets & diaries
- Acrylic photo blocks
- Wooden packaging boxes
- Restaurant table signs
- Custom flasks
- Event signage
- Kids room decor
- Promotional products
- Luxury product packaging
- MDF magnets & boards
- Larger signage boards (6090 model)
The FreeBird 6090’s large print bed makes it especially good for mass production, significantly lowering cost per unit.
How UV Printing Works on the FreeBird (Simple Explanation)
Even beginners can master UV printing. Here’s the step-by-step process:
1. Prepare the Material
Clean the surface.
Apply primer if printing on glass, polished metals, ceramics, or slippery acrylic.
2. Load the Item
Place it on the bed.
Adjust the Z-axis height (up to 170mm).
3. Select Print Mode
Choose:
- White ink underlay
- Full colour
- Gloss varnish
- Raised 3D texture (optional)
4. Print Execution
The printer lays down white first (if required), then colour, then varnish.
5. UV Curing
UV lamps instantly cure the ink, leaving it hardened, durable, and ready for use.
6. Finished Product
Fully cured, scratch-resistant, premium-quality print — typically ready within minutes.
FreeBird UV Printer Features (Deep Dive)
Epson i3200 Printhead
- High resolution
- Stable ink firing
- Smooth gradients
- Efficient ink usage
- Long lifespan with correct care
170mm Z-Axis Height
Allows printing on:
- Gift boxes
- Thick wood
- Large acrylic blocks
- Product sample boards
- Signage materials
White Ink + Colour + Varnish System
This three-layer system allows:
- Printing on dark items
- Ultra vibrant colours
- Spot gloss
- Full gloss varnish
- Matte varnish
- Raised emboss textures
- High-definition artwork
➡️ Shop UV inks, primers, and consumables here
Large Print Bed Advantages
- Print 30+ phone covers at a time
- Print dozens of keyrings per run
- Print multiple acrylic blocks at once
- Print large signage panels (6090)
- Faster turnaround
- Lower labour costs
- Higher business scalability
20 Profitable Business Ideas for FreeBird Owners
Whether you choose the 3000 or the 6090, here are 20 proven, profitable applications:
- Phone covers (very high demand)
- Leather wallets
- Acrylic blocks
- MDF magnets
- Fridge magnets
- Keyrings
- Name badges
- Corporate gift sets
- Groom/bride gifts
- Restaurant tabletop signs
- QR code signs
- Laser-cut + UV printed products
- Custom flasks
- Metal tags
- Acrylic signage
- Packaging printing
- Product sample boards
- Kids personalised décor
- Luxury invitations
- Full-bed commercial printing batches
Maintenance Guide for the FreeBird (Updated for Automatic White Circulation)
The FreeBird series is designed to be stable and low-maintenance. Here’s the updated routine:
Daily Maintenance
- Run nozzle check
- Wipe around print head gently
- Ensure humidity between 45%–60%
- Keep the machine plugged in (important for auto-circulation)
- ✔ White ink does NOT need manual shaking – circulation is automatic
Weekly Maintenance
- Clean capping station
- Clean wiper blade
- Light internal dusting
- Ensure rails remain clean and smooth
Monthly Maintenance
- Check UV lamp intensity
- Clean rails & main frame
- Inspect varnish overspray buildup
- Perform printhead alignment
White Ink Handling (Updated)
The FreeBird 3000 & 6090 include full automatic white ink circulation, which prevents:
- Settling
- Separation
- Sediment buildup
This dramatically reduces white ink maintenance.
Troubleshooting Common UV Printing Issues
1. Print Not Sticking
Cause: No primer used or surface not cleaned
Fix: Clean surface + apply correct primer (glass, metal, acrylic)
2. Banding
Cause: Nozzle blockage or incorrect height
Fix: Run printhead clean + adjust printhead height
3. Varnish Not Glossy
Cause: Incorrect varnish mode
Fix: Enable gloss or multi-pass varnish mode
4. Uneven Curing Across 6090 Bed
Cause: UV lamp angle or distance
Fix: Recalibrate UV lamp position
5. White Ink Separation (Updated for Automatic Circulation)
Cause:
- Printer left off for long periods
- Auto-circulation disabled
- Low humidity
- Expired ink
- Dried capping station
Fix:
- Turn on printer and allow automatic circulation to run
- Perform nozzle check
- Keep humidity between 45%–60%
- Replace expired ink
- Keep printer plugged in so the built-in circulation cycles run
Manual shaking is not required.
Pricing: FreeBird 3000 vs FreeBird 6090
FreeBird 3000 (500×360 mm)
- Best for smaller to mid-sized businesses
- Affordable entry-level commercial UV
- Great balance between size and cost
- Suitable for personalised gifts & small signage
FreeBird 6090 (900×600 mm)
- For commercial producers
- High-volume output
- Lower cost per print due to batch layouts
- Ideal for corporate gifting & signage manufacturing
Why Buy Your UV Printer from MaxLaser?
MaxLaser includes:
- Installation nationwide
- Training on software, maintenance, and workflows
- Lifetime technical support
- Active WhatsApp support groups
- 2-year warranty (excluding printhead)
- Stock of inks & spare parts
- Demonstrations available
- Access training and tutorials on the MaxLaser Academy
- Expert advice on business growth
Frequently Asked Questions
Can UV printers print on dark items?
Yes — thanks to the white ink underlay.
Do FreeBird printers require primer?
Only for glass, polished acrylic, ceramics, and smooth metal surfaces.
Does UV printing scratch off?
The cured UV ink is extremely durable.
Do I need to shake white ink?
No — FreeBird printers have automatic white ink circulation.
Can the FreeBird print curved items?
Only flat surfaces. Curved items require jigs or specialised machines.
Does UV ink smell?
There is a mild odour during curing, but it dissipates quickly.
Are UV printers profitable?
Yes — high retail value, low ink usage, fast production, and strong demand.
Book a Free Demo or Request Pricing
You can book:
- ✔ In-person demo at the MaxLaser showroom
- ✔ Online demo via video call
- ✔ WhatsApp or phone consultation
- ✔ Full business guidance
Your next profitable business could start with a FreeBird UV printer.
