34   Sign Update      ISSUE 190 MARCH 2020

Environmental advances from Antalis

The large format digital inkjet print market offers a wealth of opportunities as new applications, trends and new sectors look to take advantage of the capabilities of the changing technology. Change is also being supported by new media as more sustainable options for direct print become available.   The introduction of new UV/UV LED technology has brought with it the possibility of even more applications and an increase in compatible substrates for direct print are further driving market demand.  Traditionally flatbed print used UV curing lamps that generated heat so substrate choice was limited. Because LED is cold cure, very thin substrates, and media that is susceptible to damage from heat, can now be directly printed.   Hybrid printer – changing technology Hybrid printers, which are capable of printing both roll and rigid media, are becoming increasingly popular thanks to their flexibility and smaller footprint.  They are much easier for most printers to accommodate than their true flatbed counterparts as they take up less space and harness the latest LED lamp (cold cure) technology allowing for a wider range of substrate print.

Paul Duffy, Hardware Development Manager for Antalis, says, “A UV/UV LED hybrid printer really comes into its own for jobs that require print across both roll and rigid media. Because all media can be printed on the same machine, it is easier to achieve consistency of colour. This is much more difficult for jobs run on separate flatbed and roll to roll printers because the process colours of the ink will differ between solvent, latex and UV. For larger clients, who require brand integrity for colour consistency, it is hugely beneficial to print using hybrids.” Flatbed printers According to Duffy, when a customer’s application requires only rigid media, then a true flatbed is the best option.  “These printers are capable of printing large boards up to 50mm thick on machines with maximum width of 5 meters. On some of the very large flatbeds, it is possible to be printing one sheet while loading the next, or by laying several sheets side by side and printing multiple jobs in one go – a factor that can help to speed up production.” The dot placement on a flatbed printer is more precise, compared to any other printing process, which opens up more

applications.  This is due to the way they work and the way the substrate is loaded.   Because true flatbed printers are very robust – and because sheets can be fixed in position – they can be used to print heavy substrates.  In fact, it’s not uncommon to see sheet metal, doors or sheets of wood being printed.   Small format flatbed printers, such as the Mimaki UJF and Roland LEC printers work in much the same way.  These are predominantly used for printing personalised products or a variety of promotional merchandise, for example, golf balls, phone cases, trophies and acrylic photo blocks.   However, as Paul Duffy explains, there is a misconception that you can use UV/UV LED technology to print onto absolutely anything.  “It is possible to print onto most things, but manufacturers produce different inks for different applications; some ink is more flexible while some ink is harder with a more durable finish.  Some substrates may need help with ink key; there are primers available for this but some printers print their own primer as they go. Antalis offers support to achieve the best results for each substrate.”

      RIGID SUBSTRATES   Feature

Paul Duffy, Hardware Development Manager for Antalis

Xanita is lightweight and very strong, making it the ideal solution for a wide range of decorative and structural applications