Moving from Metal to Thermoplastic

The Job

After meeting the artist at New York's ArtExpo, California-based IPG
was given the job of producing fine-art giclee prints of Chris
De Rubeis' airbrush art. The challenge: His originals are done on 24
x 48-in. metal panels-aluminum or copper.

The Client

Chris De Rubeis, airbrush artist

The Players

IPG Imaging Professionals

Tools & Supplies

Cruse CS 220/450 SL 42 x 72-in. scanner

Roland Hi-Fi JET Pro FJ-600

8-color pigment-based inks

Roland PETG Super Hi-Gloss media

Westen Magnum XRL-480 hot roll laminator

Alcan Sintra board

Lexan high-gloss laminate

Production

IPG scanned the original works with its Cruse scanner (at 460 dpi,
450-MB file), then used its Roland Hi-Fi JET Pro to output the file
onto Roland PETG, a clear thermoplastic material that allows for
high-res printing while providing a metallic look. The final prints
were mounted onto Sintra and laminated with Lexan for maximum
durability. Each giclee was numbered and sent to the artist.
The prints, which took 3 days from start to finish, will be sold at
galleries and on the artist's website (a 24 x 48-in. giclee
sells for $900 to $1100). Of note: The project is ongoing and IPG is
working with artists to print directly onto aluminum and copper, now
using its Nur Tempo.

Comment

The 8 colors (CMYKcmOG) on the Roland Hi-Fi JET were an important
factor in producing these prints, says Rick Farrell, president of
IPG. “The available 8 colors give you the color gamut necessary from
a production standpoint-this is an example of a job that could not be
done without the 8-color.”
”

Contact

IPG Imaging Professionals: www.ipgdigital.com

Chris De Rubeis: www.derubeisfineart.com