UV-FLATBED PRINTERS MEET FLATBED-CUTTING MACHINES

In the vast market of commercial printing, flatbed, wide-format digital printing refers to a digital printer, which is roll fed or has a table where the substrate is loaded. Either the roll is fed through the printer or the table moves under a printhead array. UV-solvent inks are then printed directly onto the substrate through inkjets. Solvent-based inks adhere to a wide range of substrates and have exceptionally good weather, UV and abrasion resistance.

If a business relies on digital printing, produces a lot of marketing materials or frequently prints oversized items, a large-format printing machine may well be the right choice. If a company currently outsources these types of print jobs, a large-format machine can help lower costs and improve workflow. A flatbed printer can print on just about any material including paper, foam board, acrylic and plastics. From retail stores and shopping malls to office buildings and industrial complexes, there are many environments where large-format printing can have a big impact.

It is no surprise that a flatbed printer might be followed by a flatbed cutter. What the market is getting more and more accustomed to is seeing the synergy between flatbed-cutting machines with flatbed printers. This can be witnessed in the visual communication field, where print providers are looking for diversified production, waste and costs reduction, thus leading to better overall margins and faster turnaround times. 

A common technical feature with print and cut is the concept of uptime. Uptime is key in any print operation. The same holds true in finishing operations. One operator can handle both the printer and the cutter. Maximising uptimes and minimising operation costs can drive print providers to complement their machine range with a flatbed-cutting machine.

The meeting point between the two worlds is provided by a camera-recognition system. This necessary tool for cutting printed media comes at no extra cost. The system finds the print marks and adjusts the cut to the actual print condition. The camera system – pegged to a software – supports outputs from print RIPs, thus allowing printing companies to look for two different devices. One for printing with UV technology and one as finishing equipment.

It is no surprise that a flatbed printer might be followed by a flatbed cutter

Furthermore, when it comes to finishing, it is important to consider milling machines. As a response to market demand, cutting and milling paths are converging. Multifunctional powerful cutting and routing plotters can be used on rigid boards, panels and packaging production, and are becoming more and more popular. 

A common technical feature with print and cut is the concept of uptime

With milling, the printing market is used to referring to real computer numerical control (CNC) routers. However, there are cutting machines which can be equipped with a spindle of varying kilowatts to face the evolving needs of the industry. On the one hand, the classic CNC router is perfect for very rigid panels. On the other, cutting and milling machines provide more versatility because mill panels – using a spindle or cutting softer materials using a blade knife – can be used. The cutting knife is generally used for plastic, foam, cardboard and paper materials. The powerful spindle cleanly mills materials including acrylic or plexiglass, dibond, PVC forex and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). Based on the hardness as well as the thickness of the substrate, the spindle can rotate at different speeds and RPM.

For rigid and flexible media, flatbed-cutting and milling machines have been seen to be a future-proof and popular solution for printing houses. These include signage and outdoor applications, as well as plastics, gaskets and rubber, packaging to point-of-purchase (POP) and point-of-sale (POS) for store and interior design, and fabrics and textiles to canvas. 

When it comes to finishing, it is important to consider milling machines

Large-format printing allows for creativity and flexibility in the post-press phase. This versatility means that modules can be added later, so that the plotter can grow with a printing business. Thanks to the interchangeable modules, the possibilities of material processing are widespread. New materials can easily be processed and new applications invented, to create eye-catching oversized graphics.

Large-format printing allows for creativity and flexibility in the post-press phase

POP displays – as part of a more general background made up of floor graphics and furniture – draw attention to particular brands or special offers that create additional value as well as showcasing the advantages of the product. This marketing tactic has considerable impact as it is in place at the very moment that the consumer makes a decision to purchase. These can be found in the advertising industry or at trade shows. Different materials are used such as cardboard, foam board, PVC, acrylic or polystyrene. Each piece of furniture is custom-made and all these variables are analysed according to the client’s budget and the duration required for the display.

Large-format printing is an ideal solution for businesses needing to make a big impact with their marketing materials. Posters and banners can be used to draw attention to a sale or promote a new product, while trade-show displays can help businesses stand out from the competition. However, the printer is only the first step in a bigger process, which ends with the cutting phase. 

An all-round printing company can access new, profitable business opportunities with stunning and durable applications on a vast range of media. One of these is represented by the purchase of a flatbed-cutting and milling machine. This can be the smart choice that enables sign makers and print-service providers to open up exciting new commercial opportunities and stay current. If practiced in-house, there is no need to outsource. This provides better control over quality, complete independence and customer loyalty, enabling an A–Z service.