If you’re wondering what machine is used to print phone cases, the short answer is a UV flatbed printer — but if you want the one that prints them automatically in a vending machine format, that’s the WM880 series from Wider Matrix. I’ve been in the automated retail industry for over a decade, and I’ve personally helped deploy phone case printers in malls, airports, and even a university campus in Texas. Let me walk you through the real deal.
How Phone Case Printing Machines Work
Phone case printing machines use UV-curable ink that’s jetted directly onto the case surface. Unlike sublimation (which requires a special coating and heat), UV printing works on any rigid material — TPU, PC, silicone, you name it. The machine sprays the ink, and UV lamps cure it instantly. The result? A durable, scratch-resistant print that’s ready the second it comes out.
At Wider Matrix, we manufacture two primary phone case vending machines: the WM880 i1600u1 and the WM880 F1080. Both are self-contained kiosks that print and vend custom phone cases on demand. Customers upload a photo via touchscreen, pay, and grab their case in under two minutes.
WM880 i1600u1 vs. WM880 F1080 — Which One Should You Pick?
I’ve seen operators agonize over this choice, so here’s the breakdown from someone who’s benchmarked both in real-world locations.
| Feature | WM880 i1600u1 | WM880 F1080 |
|---|---|---|
| Print head | Industrial-grade UV i1600 nozzle (standard) | Epson F1080 (basic model) |
| Print speed | 3x faster than standard | Standard speed |
| Nozzle lifespan | 4x longer | Standard |
| Print clarity | 2x higher | Standard |
| Phone case capacity | 1,025 cases | 1,020 cases |
| Upgrade option | Can upgrade to i3200 nozzle (+$680) | Inventory recognition feature (+$350) |
| Single unit reference price | US$6,299 | US$5,299 |
The i1600u1 is our premium model — it’s what I’d recommend for high-traffic locations where print speed and image quality make a real difference. The F1080 is a workhorse that’s more budget-friendly and still delivers excellent results.
What About Ink and Consumables?
Both use Epson UV hard ink. The i1600 version uses 4 colors (CMYK), while the F1080 uses 6 colors (adds light cyan and light magenta for smoother gradients). Ink bottles are 500ml each, and a set runs around US$100 for the i1600 and US$160 for the F1080. Phone cases themselves are standard TPU+PC at US$1.50 per unit, or magnetic cases at US$2.50. You can find details on our delivery page for shipping lead times.
Real-World Experience: A Mall Installation in Dubai
Last year, we shipped two WM880 i1600u1 units to a retail operator in Dubai Mall. The biggest challenge was the ambient heat — the mall’s interior stays cool, but the machines’ internal temperatures needed extra ventilation. We adjusted the firmware fan curves and added thermal paste on the printhead heatsink. After that, they’ve been running 14 hours a day, seven days a week, with zero downtime. The operator now sees an average of 45 prints per day at $18 per case — that’s solid ROI.
Can You Start a Business With These Machines?
Absolutely. If you’re thinking about a custom phone case vending business, check out our article on why it’s a profitable business. The upfront investment is manageable: a single WM880 F1080 at $5,299 plus cases and ink gets you started. For high-traffic spots, spring for the i1600u1. Our USA supplier guide has more ROI data.
Maintenance Tips From Our Factory Floor
One thing I always tell customers: keep a spare printhead in stock. Even though the i1600 nozzle lasts 4x longer, a sudden failure in a busy spot can cost you a day’s revenue. Both models have automatic nozzle cleaning cycles, but I recommend a manual clean every 500 prints. Our machines come with ISO 9001 and CE certifications — we test every unit in our 20,000 sqm facility before shipping. If you need OEM/ODM customization, our team can tailor the software interface and hardware to your brand.
Final Thoughts
So, what machine should you use to print phone cases? For a vending operation, the WM880 series is the answer. The choice between i1600u1 and F1080 comes down to your volume and budget. I’ve seen both models succeed — it’s all about matching the machine to your location. If you want personalized advice, reach out to our sales team for a quote. We offer competitive bulk pricing — just contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the WM880 print on silicone phone cases?
Yes, UV ink adheres well to silicone, but we recommend using our standard TPU+PC cases for best durability. Silicone requires a primer for long-term adhesion.
How long does it take to print one phone case?
With the i1600u1, about 45 seconds. The F1080 takes around 90 seconds. That includes the curing time.
Do I need internet for the machine to work?
Not for printing, but Wi-Fi is required for remote monitoring and payment processing. Both models support Wi-Fi and 4G (optional).
What’s the warranty on these machines?
All our machines come with a one-year warranty on parts. Extended warranties are available. Contact us for details.
Can I print on other items besides phone cases?
The WM880 is designed for phone cases, but with a custom jig, it can print on flat objects like tablet cases or small accessories. We don’t recommend it for irregular shapes.
How many cases can the machine hold?
1,025 cases for the i1600u1 and 1,020 for the F1080. Plus, you can store multiple sizes if you adjust the carousel.
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