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| Monday, 01 September 2008 15:06 |
Why choose digital?The FESPA-InfoTrends “Wide Survey” (2007) provides evidence to support the view that the displacement of screen-printing by digital has begun. At drupa, journalists were for the first time talking about wide format digital printing as a “screen replacement” not just as a complementary technology.While such claims need to be treated with some caution, there are signs that the market is headed in that direction. The availability of lower-cost, entry level systems, printers that can print both rigid and flexible substrates; a wide range of printers for the different ink types; the continuing movement of the market to shorter, more targeted (personalised or versioned) products, and pressure on costs, all support the argument that the future will be digital. Why choose UV-curable ink?Several years ago, UV-curable ink became something of a buzz word, but there are real benefits to sign and display and commercial PSPs who are looking for new revenue sources to improve profitability. First, less ink is required to achieve the same image quality as is needed with solvent inks. Secondly, as the UV curing process is carried out at the same time as the printing, there is no need for space-consuming dryers. Thirdly, as the materials are dry when they come off the printer, they can be finished immediately without risk of damage. This eliminates the need for racks and other storage facilities. With work able to be finished immediately, faster turn-arounds are possible, opening new markets, while companies can increase the number of jobs they can handle without increasing the size of their premises. Together, these advantages can deliver straight to bottom-line profitability. The HP Designjet H Printer series has a small footprint(1) and can print banners, POP displays, exhibition graphics (rigid or flexible), pop-ups, and a full range of signage. Apart from being able to print on banner and adhesive vinyl, canvas, back-lit films, mesh and paper, it can print on a wide range of rigid substrates up to 25mm (1”) thick, including corrugated board, corrugated PVC, Styrofoam, and Foamex, as well as less conventional printing substrates: MDF, wood, aluminium and glass. Maximum print sizes are 1.7 x 2.44m (rigid) and up to 1.37m wide (flexible). The HP Designjet H Printer series uses established technology and is highly automated. Each of the printers’ six piezoelectric printheads has 192 nozzles delivering variable drop sizes from 10 to 30 picolitres. This results in a high image quality with resolutions up to 1200 x 600dpi – an apparent 1800dpi. Even with all these attractions, HP knows that making the decision to change a production method is one that needs careful consideration. To facilitate the process, HP and its channel partners can help customers calculate the return delivered by the HP Designjet H Printer series with an ROI tool that calculates breakeven points and the effect that different job mixes and selling prices have on profitability. Real-world experience Maritime Progress Ltd, of Redhill, Surrey is a specialist supplier of signage and other printed materials for the maritime industry, including a range of safety awareness and training posters. Until recently, the company produced most of its signage using screen printing, with some digital printing provided by a large format solvent printer. Maritime Progress Operations Manager Yvonne Aldridge explains, “We found that individual ships and companies are demanding more specialist signage and posters. This meant we needed to look very seriously at a new digital option.” “We did not have a lot of space for the printer, so the HP Designjet H35500 Printer’s smaller footprint and multifunctionality was important to us,” Yvonne Aldridge continues. “The UV-curable ink not only gives us the quality and durability that our customers want, but it means that we don’t lose space to dryers, and can finish work straight from the printer.” Signage for maritime applications has to be especially robust to withstand the marine environment and the demands on signage are particularly critical. An ISO 9001 certified company, Maritime Progress specialises in producing signage on photoluminescent substrates. “While it’s normal to run rigid and flexible PVC and vinyl on the HP Designjet H35500 Printer, we are also asked to print on some challenging materials and we have found the HPDesignjet H35500 very capable.” Yvonne Aldridge says, “It’s having the flexibility to respond to what customers want that has contributed to the company’s success. Colour reproduction is another area where the HP Designjet H35500 Printer can ensure quality: Maritime Progress uses the printer’s six-colour capability to print special PANTONE® Colours for corporate or brand identity. “ (1) The HP Designjet H35500 series and the HP Designjet H45500 series measure 2.74 x 0.72 x 1.45cm (108” x 27.6” x 57.1”) in roll-fed configuration, and 2.74 x 3.25 x 1.45cm (108” x 127.6” x 57.1”) when configured for rigid substrate printing. 
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