OMTech Spectra vs Procolored V11: Best Small Business UV Printer

UV printers are becoming more popular among small businesses and crafters, enabling them to print directly on wood, acrylic, leather, plastics, and more. As the industry gains traction, companies like OMTech and Procolored offer desktop UV printers that meet the needs of makers and business owners. 

The OMTech Spectra and the Procolored V11 are two popular choices for UV printing, offering automated production for makers and small businesses. In this guide, we’ll compare the two machines along with their upgraded counterparts to help you choose the best UV printer for your situation. If you’ve been searching for a way into the UV printing industry, keep reading to learn more! 

Printer Comparison Chart

Upfront Cost vs Long-Term Ink Costs

In terms of upfront costs, the OMTech Spectra and the Procolored V11 are within similar budgets, with the Spectra around $200 less than the V11. While this may not be a big deal for some people, the Spectra also has the advantage in ink cost. The Spectra averages $66.70 per kilogram, while Procolored’s ink ranges from $76 to $120 per kilogram. When it comes to upfront costs and operating expenses, you’re saving more with the Spectra. 

Print Area and Material Capacity

Both OMTech Spectra models offer a 350 × 450 mm print area, noticeably larger than Procolored’s 290 × 420 mm workspace. That extra room allows more items per batch, larger signage panels, and better layout flexibility. All the machines support materials up to 140 mm thick, good for wood slabs, tumblers, plaques, boxes, and specialty items.

If you’re looking for a larger print area for batch production or larger projects, OMTech’s larger bed is the best fit. 

Printing Speed and Production Output

The Procolored V11 prints at 0.27 m²/h, while the V11 Pro increases at 0.44 m²/h. The Spectra takes it even further, printing at 2.39 m²/h for some of the fastest speeds on the market. That means the Spectra is around 5-8 times faster in real production environments. 

Print Quality and Resolution

The Procolored V11 lists a higher maximum resolution of 1440 × 1440 DPI, while OMTech machines operate at 720 × 1440 DPI.

In practice, both produce professional-grade output. On textured materials like wood and leather, resolution differences aren’t very noticeable. On acrylic and coated surfaces, both deliver sharp, commercial-quality prints.

Software and Ease of Use

OMTech includes both third-party RIP compatibility and its own in-house software platform, OMTech Print. This consolidates design import, RIP processing, maintenance controls, and printer management into a single system.

Procolored relies entirely on third-party RIP software, which works well but requires more setup, licensing, and technical knowledge.

Maintenance, Automation, and Reliability

The Spectra U1 and U1 Pro include:

• Automatic printhead moisturizing

• White ink stirring systems

• Continuous white ink circulation

• Touchscreen diagnostics and control

• Automatic cleaning cycles

These features reduce clogging, pigment separation, and downtime—common problems in UV printing.

Procolored machines include auto-cleaning and white-ink circulation but lack moisturizing systems and ink stirring, which means more manual maintenance and a higher risk of nozzle blockages during idle periods.

For businesses printing daily, automation directly impacts uptime and long-term reliability.

Bed Construction and Build Quality

A key difference between the OMTech Spectra and Procolored V11 models is the bed design. The Spectra uses an aluminum honeycomb vacuum bed, while Procolored relies on a standard sheet metal platform. The honeycomb structure provides significantly better rigidity and flatness across the entire print area, helping maintain a consistent printhead distance for more reliable UV printing. Sheet metal beds are more susceptible to minor flex or warping over time, which can affect print consistency.

The Spectra’s honeycomb design also improves heat dissipation and airflow. The open cell structure allows heat from the UV lamps to escape quickly, reducing thermal buildup that can distort materials or impact print quality. Improved airflow helps minimize ink misting during operation, resulting in cleaner, sharper prints—especially during longer production runs.

Another major advantage is the integrated vacuum suction system. The Spectra securely holds thin or flexible materials like film, paper, PVC, or lightweight leather flat against the bed without tape or clamps. This prevents curling and shifting while eliminating obstructions that reduce usable print space. Procolored’s sheet metal beds lack built-in material fixation, making the Spectra better suited for professional, high-precision UV printing workflows.

Model-by-Model Breakdown

OMTech Spectra U1

The U1 is OMTech’s base production model. It offers fast printing, low ink cost, a large print bed, and full automation features. It’s ideal for small businesses moving from hobby work into daily production.

OMTech Spectra U1 Pro

The U1 Pro adds dual printheads and varnish support for textured or glossy finishes. It’s designed for businesses producing premium signage, packaging, and decorative items.

Procolored V11

The V11 is aimed at creators who value high resolution and compact size. It’s slower but capable of fine-detail prints, making it suitable for art studios and light production.

Procolored V11 Pro

The Pro model adds dual printheads and varnish layers but remains limited by slower speed and higher ink costs.

Which UV Printer Is Right for You?

The Procolored V11 and V11 Pro work for hobbyists, small creators, and light-duty shops that value compact size and occasional production over speed and automation. They work well for Etsy sellers, artists, and makers producing small batches on a limited schedule.

The OMTech Spectra U1 and U1 Pro are built for businesses that rely on UV printing every day. Sign shops, promotional product companies, personalization businesses, and growing online brands benefit most from Spectra’s faster output, larger print area, lower ink costs, and automated maintenance. If UV printing is a core part of your operation, Spectra offers better long-term efficiency and scalability.

In short: Procolored fits casual production. OMTech fits professional production.

Final Thoughts

The Procolored V11 series serves creative users well, but it is optimized for small-scale workflows.

The OMTech Spectra U1 and U1 Pro are built as true production machines. Their speed, automation, ink efficiency, build quality, and affordability make them better suited for businesses that rely on UV printing for revenue rather than experimentation.

Ready to Upgrade Your UV Printing Operation?

If you’re looking to scale your printing business with professional output, lower operating costs, and reliable automation, the OMTech Spectra series is designed to grow with you.

Explore the OMTech Spectra U1 and U1 Pro today and invest in a UV printer built not just to print—but to produce, scale, and succeed.