OMTech Spectra vs Procolored V11: Best Small Business UV Printer
Comparing Two Popular Desktop UV Printers for Customization, Signage, and Promotional Products
UV printing is rapidly gaining popularity across Australia as more makers, online sellers, sign shops, and promotional product businesses discover the benefits of direct-to-object printing. From personalized drinkware and business signage to custom gifts and branded merchandise, UV printers allow businesses to create high-value products without the setup costs associated with traditional printing methods.
Among the growing number of desktop UV printers on the market, two names frequently appear: the OMTech Spectra Series and the Procolored V11 Series.
Both offer compact footprints suitable for home workshops and small studios, but they differ significantly in speed, automation, running costs, and production capability.
If you're considering adding UV printing to your business, this guide compares the OMTech Spectra U1 and U1 Pro against the Procolored V11 and V11 Pro to help you understand which platform is best suited to your production needs.
Quick Comparison Overview
| Feature | OMTech Spectra U1 | OMTech Spectra U1 Pro | Procolored V11 | Procolored V11 Pro |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $4,999 | $5,499 | $5,199 | $5,999 |
| Ink Cost | $66.7/kg | $66.7/kg | $76–120/kg | $76–120/kg |
| Printheads | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Printhead Model | Epson F1080 | Epson F1080 | Epson R1390 | Epson TX800 |
| Print Area | 350 × 450 mm | 350 × 450 mm | 290 × 420 mm | 290 × 420 mm |
| Max Material Height | 140 mm | 140 mm | 140 mm | 140 mm |
| Print Speed | 2.39 m²/h | 2.39 m²/h | 0.27 m²/h | 0.44 m²/h |
| Resolution | 720 × 1440 DPI | 720 × 1440 DPI | 1440 × 1440 DPI | 720 × 1440 DPI |
| Bed Type | Honeycomb Vacuum Bed | Honeycomb Vacuum Bed | Sheet Metal Bed | Sheet Metal Bed |
| White Ink Stirring | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Auto Moisturising | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| White Ink Circulation | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Software | OMTech Print + Third-Party | OMTech Print + Third-Party | Third-Party Only | Third-Party Only |
Upfront Investment vs Ongoing Running Costs
At first glance, both printer ranges sit within a similar price bracket.
However, long-term operating costs often have a greater impact on profitability than the initial purchase price.
The Spectra U1 starts at $4,999, while the Procolored V11 begins at $5,199.
Ink costs create an even bigger difference.
OMTech UV ink averages around $66.70 per kilogram, while Procolored inks typically range between $76 and $120 per kilogram.
For businesses producing products every day, lower ink costs can significantly improve profit margins over time—especially when running larger batches of promotional products, signage, or drinkware.
Print Area: More Room Means More Productivity
For Australian businesses selling personalised products, production efficiency matters.
The Spectra's 350 × 450 mm print area provides noticeably more usable space than the Procolored's 290 × 420 mm bed.
That extra space allows you to:
- Print more items per batch
- Produce larger signage panels
- Improve material nesting
- Reduce production time
Whether you're printing house signs, corporate awards, acrylic displays, or multiple phone cases, a larger bed can make a meaningful difference to productivity.
Both systems accommodate materials up to 140 mm thick, making them suitable for products such as:
- Timber plaques
- Drink bottles
- Presentation boxes
- Awards
- Acrylic blocks
- Promotional items
Speed Matters When Orders Start Growing
One of the most significant differences between the two platforms is production speed.
The Procolored V11 produces approximately:
- 0.27 m²/h (single-head model)
- 0.44 m²/h (dual-head Pro model)
The OMTech Spectra delivers:
- Up to 2.39 m²/h
In practical terms, this means the Spectra can be five to eight times faster in many real-world production environments.
For hobby users, this may not be critical.
For businesses fulfilling daily orders, attending markets, or producing branded merchandise, faster output directly translates into greater revenue potential.
Print Quality: Does Higher DPI Matter?
The Procolored V11 advertises a maximum resolution of 1440 × 1440 DPI, while the Spectra operates at 720 × 1440 DPI.
On paper, the Procolored appears to have an advantage.
In reality, the difference is often difficult to notice on typical UV printing applications.
For products such as:
- Timber signs
- Leather patches
- Acrylic displays
- Drinkware
- Promotional products
Both systems are capable of producing sharp, professional-quality results.
Most customers are unlikely to notice any difference in everyday commercial applications.
Software and User Experience
One area where OMTech offers a significant advantage is workflow management.
The Spectra includes OMTech Print, an integrated platform that combines:
- Artwork import
- RIP processing
- Colour management
- Printer controls
- Maintenance functions
into a single interface.
This reduces setup complexity and simplifies training for new users.
Procolored relies on third-party RIP software, which remains effective but generally requires additional setup, licensing, and technical knowledge.
For businesses new to UV printing, an integrated software ecosystem can significantly reduce the learning curve.
Automation and Maintenance
UV printers require regular maintenance, particularly when using white ink.
White pigments naturally settle over time and can cause clogging if not properly managed.
The OMTech Spectra includes:
- Automatic cleaning
- Automatic printhead moisturising
- White ink stirring
- Continuous white ink circulation
- Touchscreen diagnostics
These systems help reduce maintenance requirements and improve reliability.
The Procolored V11 series includes:
- Auto cleaning
- White ink circulation
but does not include:
- White ink stirring
- Automatic moisturising
This means users may need to perform more manual maintenance, particularly during periods of lower usage.
For businesses running production every day, automated maintenance can significantly reduce downtime.
Bed Design and Material Handling
One of the less obvious but highly important differences is the print bed construction.
The Spectra uses an aluminum honeycomb vacuum bed.
Benefits include:
- Improved material flatness
- Better airflow
- Enhanced heat dissipation
- Integrated vacuum hold-down
This is particularly useful when printing:
- PVC sheets
- Thin acrylic
- Leather
- Card stock
- Flexible materials
The vacuum system helps prevent movement during printing and eliminates the need for excessive taping or clamping.
The Procolored V11 uses a standard sheet-metal bed, which offers fewer material-handling advantages for production environments.
Which Printer Is Best for Your Business?
OMTech Spectra U1
The U1 is ideal for:
- Start-up businesses
- Promotional product suppliers
- Sign makers
- Etsy sellers scaling up
- Custom gift businesses
It combines fast output, low operating costs, and advanced automation in an affordable package.
OMTech Spectra U1 Pro
The U1 Pro adds:
- Dual printheads
- Varnish printing
- Textured effects
- Spot gloss finishes
making it well-suited for premium products and higher-value applications.
Procolored V11
The V11 is best suited for:
- Hobby users
- Artists
- Occasional production
- Small-batch projects
where speed is less important than compact size.
Procolored V11 Pro
The V11 Pro improves productivity with dual printheads and varnish support but remains slower than the Spectra series and carries higher long-term ink costs.
Final Thoughts
Both OMTech and Procolored offer capable UV printing solutions.
The Procolored V11 series is a strong option for hobbyists and creators producing occasional runs of custom products.
However, for Australian businesses looking to generate consistent revenue through UV printing, the OMTech Spectra U1 and U1 Pro provide several significant advantages:
- Larger print area
- Faster production speeds
- Lower ink costs
- Better automation
- Integrated software
- Professional-grade vacuum bed construction
As production volumes increase, these advantages can have a direct impact on efficiency, profitability, and scalability.
Ready to Grow Your UV Printing Business?
Whether you're producing personalized drinkware, custom signage, promotional products, awards, or retail displays, the OMTech Spectra series is designed to help Australian businesses move from occasional production to consistent commercial output.
Explore the OMTech Spectra U1 and U1 Pro and discover how professional UV printing can help you expand your product range, increase efficiency, and unlock new revenue opportunities.