THE PAST FEW YEARS have underscored the importance of wide-format signage throughout various industries. Signage printing stands out in its ability to cater to both B2B and B2C clientele, offering nearly endless opportunities ranging from trade show signage to billboards, restaurant menu boards to tactical restroom signage, window clings, floor graphics, and T-shirts and promotional goods.

Sign shops require workflow versatility to help customers share their message where they want, whether that’s in-store signage for a brick-and-mortar location or outdoor ads at a bus stop or a logo on a T-shirt. Regardless of application, image quality is imperative for creating an impactful first impression. To offer true versatility and meet the breadth of incoming orders, sign shops rely on multiple printing solutions and a productive workflow.

Today, UV flatbed printers offer many advantages that result in greater output capabilities. Given the options on the market, following are a few features to consider when looking for a flatbed printer to complement your signage workflow.

INK FORMULATION

When researching ink technology for a UV flatbed printer, consider the number of inks and color gamut, as well as the versatility of the ink set. Currently, there are flatbed printers ranging from 4-color CMYK ink sets to 10-color ink sets that include colors such as red, gray, opaque white, and varnish. These extended ink sets allow for an expanded color gamut to better match branding color requirements and provide the ability to produce bright, colorful, prints with smooth gradations. The addition of white ink is ideal for producing standout results on transparent and dark media, and varnish helps to create visual experiences and tactical prints for clients.

Another factor to consider is how many UV and direct-to-substrate inks require customers to select a specific formulation for either rigid or flexible materials. These ink formulations have specific adhesion properties that align with particular substrates and thereby can limit the output and project capabilities. Keep in mind the type of output the sign shop is currently producing, as well as future opportunities, to ensure that the selected formulation is best suited for current and future needs.

For example, one of the most versatile ink technologies is a semi-flexible formulation. This mixture adheres to both rigid and flexible material, including everything from traditional plyboard, to flexible polystyrene, corrugated plastic and wood, reducing limitations to output and future-proofing the investment.

Regardless of ink type, checking in with manufacturers about pretreatment requirements prior to printing can be a critical step in the print process. Some inks will require pretreatment on all substrates, while others will only require it on certain materials. Often untreated metals or items that may have a lot of friction, such as a cell phone cover, will require a pretreatment to help promote ink adhesion, regardless of the manufacturer.

A significant benefit of UV flatbed printers — which directly enhances productivity and user convenience — lies in their accelerated drying times. To ensure this is the case, look for a printer that includes an LED light for curing prints inside the printer.

MEDIA VERSATILITY

Flatbed printers are reputable for their versatility and hold the potential for a robust ROI. Their versatility to print items ranging from tumblers, golf balls, and cell phone cases to outdoor real estate signage and wooden menu boards not only expands a print shop’s product offerings, but also enhances its profit potential.

To ensure a flatbed printer can handle a vast array of projects, it’s important to access its capability in handling different media thicknesses. There are cost-effective flatbed printers that can diversify product offerings by supporting both thick and thin substrates, further increasing output potential for clients.

Sign shops require workflow versatility to help customers share their message where they want, whether that’s in-store signage for a brick-and-mortar location or outdoor ads at a bus stop or a logo on a T-shirt.

EASE OF USE

Investing in a UV flatbed printer is a decision with long-term implications; it’s essential to research available features and identify which will work with your established workflow. Like purchasing a new car, each printer manufacturer offers different features on different models.

A significant benefit of UV flatbed printers — which directly enhances productivity and user convenience — lies in their accelerated drying times. To ensure this is the case with the model in consideration, look for a printer that includes an LED light for curing prints inside the printer. There are manufacturers who have gone through rigorous testing to find and program optimal drying times and methods suitable for various media, so printer operators can redirect their attention to other projects, thereby maximizing overall operational efficiency and workflow management.

For increased durability and reliability year-round — from frigid and dry warehouse temperatures in the winter to humid and sticky in the summer — look for a built-in ionizer. Ionizers remove static electricity that may have collected on the substrate and in the printer, to increase printer reliability and output quality. This is a feature often overlooked, but essential for print shops in harsh climates.

Additional ease of use features that help increase productivity and shop output include quick loading application tools and automatic thickness adjustments to detect and adjust printhead alignment for the loaded media. When combined with a multi-zone vacuum, the printer itself can align and hold media in place for printing, with no taping required. The automated alignment and secure media hold streamlines the printing process and reduces the likelihood of human errors, minimizing the need for costly reprints.

Image quality is imperative for creating an impactful first impression.

EXPANDING PRODUCT OFFERINGS

In addition to printing direct-to-object, UV flatbed printers also can print direct-to-film (DTF). This is an emerging trend that enables a UV flatbed printer to print to UV transfer film, followed by transferring the image to the final product. Transferred prints are permanent and hold the same qualities as printing direct-to-object or substrate, making it ideal for rounded objects such as mugs and tumblers, as well as larger applications such as sail boats.

Flatbed printing also offers the unique ability to create a multi-layer print, resulting in raised output with a tactile feel. This is another emerging trend for the industry, and it’s currently being used for signage, such as bathroom signs, with growth potential in wall installations and fine art reproduction.

The demand for versatility will continue to increase just like the demand for new technology. Customers like to be loyal, and it’s easier to retain a customer than onboard a new one.

As roll-to-roll signage customers’ orders change, and customer expectations continue to increase, having a flatbed printer can help ensure a printshop is able to meet their changing demands by introducing the ability for thick signage boards, foam boards, tactile prints, and personalized rigid objects, some with the assistance of DTF transfer printing.

When looking to purchase a flatbed printer, consider both the incoming customer demands today, as well as what may come. Reliable flatbed printers should last years and be able to easily integrate into an existing workflow and operate for years, producing high-quality, sellable output.