28   Sign Update      ISSUE 190 MARCH 2020

Sticking to rigid By Jack Gocher

Sign Update looks at challenges and trends in the large format direct to rigid substrate market and how changing technology and sustainability are presenting new opportunities for large format digital printers. As its description suggests, direct to substrate printing involves applying the design directly to the media. Traditionally, applying graphics to rigid substrates required multiple processes, where pre- printed material would be applied to a solid substrate and then, depending on the application, laminated for additional protection or finishing options. Now, with the wide availability of UV-cure and UV LED printers, there are many more options for printing directly to rigid.   The key rigid products, which are particularly popular for indoor environments   are generally foam PVC and display board. These work really well for retail environments, lending themselves to point of sale, but can also be seen extensively at exhibitions and events. They often work out relatively cost effective due to their material cost and so are great for more temporary based signage and graphics. For a more permanent solution acrylics and glass can be used for retail, alongside fine art applications. In some instances, also seen for fine art and more typically industrial applications is aluminium composite. According to Ben Woodruff, Had of JETRIX Sales for Inktec Europe, “If a piece is going to be used externally, then it generally requires a more durable and lightweight rigid media such as fluted polypropylene is popular for outdoor signage as it is durable and lightweight.

However, it has not been unknown for media such as aluminium composite to be used for outdoor graphics where something more hardwearing and robust is required for longer term use.”   Whichever media is chosen it’s critical that the right sort of printer is used and that the ink achieves an excellent adhesion regardless of the texture of the medium being printed onto. “This is where the JETRIX LED UV printer range is ideal,” says Woodruff, adding, “With an extensive range of flatbed sizes available to suit every   budget and printer environment, the JETRIX   printers are ideal for commercial printers either already in or looking to enter the wide-format, signage and packaging

arenas. All of which demonstrate incredible   flexibility and production capabilities.” He continues, “Of particular note is the JETRIX printers’ ability to integrate white and deliver multi-layer printing. The significant advantage of the white ink ability is that it can easily print on clear and dark substrates and lay down a base layer which can then be printed over to create more intensive colours.  In addition, the LED UV technology means that the printers run relatively cold and so the range of media it can print on is even more extensive, as it does not lead to distortion or curling due to excessive heat. Compared to others in the sector, the JETRIX flatbed range can also actually

      RIGID SUBSTRATES   Feature

Direct print to just about anything - notebooks, acrylic phone cases and even polystyrene

The JETRIX LED UV printhead enables direct to rigid printing for a broader range of substrates

JETRIX printer can apply textured finish onto rigid substrate