Digital Output Dec 23

DECEMBER 2023

pg. 12

Floor Graphics Spotlight | pg. 6 Latex (Resin) & Eco-Solvent Roll Printers | pg. 21 VOL XXIX, NO. 12 • $6.95 USA DIGITALOUTPUT.NET

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Pretreatment and Primers | pg. 23

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ON THE COVER: Monadnock Paper Mills stocks an array of solutions for both pasted and unpasted fiber-based wallcoverings. See page 12.

Departments

features 12 } Painting the Walls Green

Marketplace ................................................................. { 5

PVC-Free Wallcoverings Bene�its reign beyond sustainability and recyclability.

Application Spotlight ................................................. { 6

21 } Rollin’ With It

Sign Business ............................................................... { 8

Latex (Resin) and Eco-Solvent Printers Printers for the modern wide format print shop.

Editor’s Input ................................................................ { 4

Target Chart ................................................................ { 20

Plus Marketplace Spotlight ................................................ { 5 Advertiser’s Index/Companies Mentioned ........... { 19 Showcase Advertisers............................................... { 19

digitaloutput.net

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by Melissa Donovan

by Cassandra Balentine

23 } Companionable Print Ink Sets, Pretreatments, and Primers Make ink stick—to anything.

by Digital Output Staff

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C A P T U R E

C R E AT I O N

O U TPUT

FINIS HING

VOLUME XXIX, NO. 12 DIGITALOUTPUT.NET ISSN: 1083-5121

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Thomas Tetreault ttetreault@rockportpubs.com

End of Year Concluding 2023, our December edition presents relevant topics for your consideration.

Stricter regulations and a focus on indoor air quality and safety have brand owners, designers, architects, and print providers considering PVC-free wallcoverings. Options range from paperbased to textile and polypropylene products. Along with advantages, there are drawbacks—which means studying and understanding the needs of the job at hand are important. Read more in Painting the Walls Green.

Concluding 2023, our December edition presents relevant topics for your consideration.

In the roll-to-roll wide format space, latex/resin- and eco-solvent-based devices are popular options for the modern wide format print shop. The technology as well as its potential uses continue to advance. Rollin’ With It catches up on the latest and greatest product evolutions in this segment. If you’re wondering about UV—look for an article in January.

Ink adhesion is an important part of any print process. If the ink doesn’t stay on the substrate—what’s the point? Companionable Print examines pretreatments and primers and how they are an ink set’s best friend.

While engineers continue to advance ink chemistries, sometimes they need a little help.

Our final issue of the year features a spotlight on an exciting floor graphics job conducted by Drytac customer Premier Graphics Inc., a quick look into what web to print storefronts can do for your business, and a chart listing wallcovering media vendors.

Merry Christmas, Melissa Donovan, editor mdonovan@rockportpubs.com

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EDITOR Melissa Donovan mdonovan@rockportpubs.com ASSOCIATE EDITOR Cassandra Balentine cbalentine@rockportpubs.com WEB EDITOR Melissa Mueller ART DIRECTOR Sarah M. White swhite@rockportpubs.com CONTRIBUTORS Olivia Cahoon, Tim Greene, Mark Hanley, Melinda Tetreault, Amber Watson ADVERTISING SALES PUBLISHER Thomas Tetreault NATIONAL ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Amanda Doyon adoyon@rockportpubs.com 978-921-7850, Ext. 170 Subscribe online at digitaloutput.net

CORPORATE & PUBLISHING OFFICE 100 Cummings Center, STE 321E Beverly, Massachusetts 01915 ROCKPORT CUSTOM PUBLISHING, LLC CHAIRMAN Jeffrey Jensen PRESIDENT & CEO Thomas Tetreault Digital Output is published monthly by Rockport Custom Publishing LLC. ©Rockport Custom Publishing, LLC 2023. Reproduction by any means of the whole or part of Digital Output without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. Views expressed in the editorial pages do not imply our endorsement.

Vendors: We welcome your product news. Include prices, slides, photos, and digital files with your press release. Please forward product samples and media kits to Reviews Editor, Digital Output, 100 Cummings Center, STE 321E Beverly, MA 01915. We cannot be responsible for unsolicited product samples.

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Six to eight weeks prior to moving, please clip the mailing label from the most recent issue and send it along with your new address (including zip code) to: Digital Output magazine, change of address notice, 100 Cummings Center, STE 321E, Beverly, MA 01915. Attention: Circulation Department.

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Caldera Announces Version 17 of CalderaRIP Caldera releases the latest version of CalderaRIP, its RIP program for large format digital printing and cutting. Users are able to upgrade their RIP to Version 17 in order to experience the full range of new features and improvements.

Highlights of this new version include the official support of macOS Sonoma, the integration of Ado-

MUTOH AMERICA, INC.

SUPPLY55, INC.

be PDF Print Engine 6.2, more than 30 new drivers, and an extended range of new features to facilitate color management, printing, and cutting tasks.

Furthermore, Caldera introduces its own REST API, enabling seamless integration of CalderaRIP with third-party applications such as webshops or ERP software.

#170

LogoJET Leaps into Large Format LogoJET announces its Strata Series. With 18 years of delivering small format printers, LogoJET expands its product offering into the large format flatbed sector to meet its customers’ growing needs and reinforces its commitment to profitable, scalable solutions. The Strata Series features two flatbed printers—Luna, with a print area of

Print Braille Legally

Direct-to-Film Cutting

Printing ADA compliant Braille signage with a Mutoh UV LED printer is a great way to increase profits. Mutoh is the only printer manufacturer legally authorized to offer UV LED printed ADA compliant Braille signage using DCS’ patented intellectual property. Don’t be caught violating those patents by using an unauthorized printer.

Engineered and manufactured by Saga, the ExpressCutPRO reduces labor and increases profits by eliminating the task of manually cutting direct to film (DTF) or UV DTF transfers. It features an integrated conveyor belt and QR workflow, allowing for a fully unattended workflow. Our line of automatic XY cutters is ideal for processing wallpaper, paper, DTF, canvas, laminated/encapsulated films, banner material, polycarbonate, and non-woven roll goods. Increase output while reducing operation costs with KalaXY Cutters. For more information visit supply55.com, call 734668-0755, or email sales@supply55.com. INFO# 176

Don’t let other printer manufacturers blindside you into thousands of dollars in legal fees by violating those patents. Request a print sample from the XpertJet 461UF and XpertJet 661UF printers today. Visit mutoh.com. INFO# 175

3.2x5.9 feet, and Terra, 4.9x8.2 feet. These additions represent industrial engineering excellence, built

GF Launches AutoMark Cast Laminates

New KODAK Premium Textured Display Film

to provide consistent, high-quality prints across a

General Formulations (GF) announces two new

KODAK Wide-Format Media introduces KODAK

AutoMark Cast Laminates; GF 813 AutoMark Cast

Premium Textured Display Film, an opaque banner

1.3 Mil Gloss Clear and GF 844 AutoMark Cast 2.0

material that prints sharp graphics on both sides

Mil Ulti-Matte Clear.

for twice the impact and no need for lamination.

diverse range of substrates.

#171

Flexcon Refreshes Brand

Users can print, trim, and ship.

Flexcon Global announces a transformation of its

GF 813 AutoMark Cast is a high gloss and highly

corporate brand. The company’s evolution to be-

conformable laminate with maximized flexibility. GF

Highly scratch- and water-resistant, this durable

come the preferred provider of innovative coatings

844 AutoMark Cast is a conformable laminate with

film is a PVC/PET hybrid material, making it a high-

and functional technologies continues after almost

a pure matte finish. GF Cast Laminate and Film so-

performance yet cost-effective solution for indoor

70 years. With this new brand, Flexcon introduces

lutions are engineered for full vehicle wraps, partial

and outdoor use, including trade show and event

the next chapter in its story.

wraps, fleet graphics, as well as long-term applica-

exhibits, banner stands, and point of purchase

tions where a high-quality cast laminate is required.

displays. The double-sided base material is stable,

Flexcon’s evolution rolls out over the coming

GF AutoMark Cast Laminates provide graphic pro-

resists curl, and stays flat when unrolled.

months across all platforms, showcasing not only a

tection from UV exposure, moisture, and abrasion.

new brand but symbolizing the fusion of brand with

GF AutoMark Cast Films are highly conformable

KODAK Premium Textured Display Film is compat-

business. This includes an updated website, creat-

with maximized flexibility, enhanced slidability, and

ible with solvent, eco-solvent, resin, and UV-cur-

ing an enhanced customer experience.

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#172

superior repositionability.

#173

able printers.

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All Things Graphics With a Hint of Floor Work

by Melissa Donovan

F

loor graphics are more than a simple decal, they are an extension of a brand, a complement to an interior display, or part of an immersive experience.

Digitally printed floor graphics offer all of this at a fraction of the cost of more permanent flooring alternatives.

All Things Graphics

Founded in 2006 by Mark Sorley, Premier Graphics Inc. is well known throughout Canada and into the U.S. for its large format production and installation of graphics and wayfinding signage. The company works out of Richmond, BC, Canada with 17,500 square feet of space to call home. It employs a total of 24 staff members.

Part of this crew is Sorley’s son, Jordan, who joined the company full time in 2018. Then Taylor Sellinger, partner/ GM, Premier Graphics, became a member of the staff. “I

1, 2 & 3) Premier Graphics recently wrapped furniture pieces, a bar, and the floor around and leading up to the space for a client exhibiting at a large interior design show.

A gloss red material was requested and ultimately used with 3M Controltac Graphic Film with Comply Adhesive 180mC. Drytac Interlam Pro Emerytex laminate was placed on top to prevent slipping when walking over the floor graphics.

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joined the team with our sights set on Premier Graphics being the company synonymous with all things graphics in the Vancouver, BC area,” shares Sellinger.

And “all things graphics” is indeed what the print provider stands for. Large format graphics are approximately 60 percent of its offering. The remaining 40 percent is made up of wayfinding signage, window privacy films, displays, and installation services.

Hint of Floor Work

Under large format graphics comes a number of applications, including floor graphics. The company creates anything from short-term promotional to long-term floor graphics used in immersive spaces.

With Drytac Interlam Pro Emerytex

laminate, you feel secure walking on it even in wet conditions.

— Taylor Sellinger, partner/GM, Premier Graphics

Sellinger believes floor graphics “help to create spaces at the varying levels of budgets we are given to work with and in a

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way that is fully removable when the time is needed.”

To create floor graphics, Premier Graphics works with media from multiple vendors, but favors Drytac. Specifically, the company’s Polar Grip material is a favorite for longer term floor graphics. Polar Grip is a polymeric self-adhesive vinyl featuring unique aggressive high bond adhesive. It also uses Drytac Interlam Pro Emerytex anti-slip laminate, which offers a matte pebble textured finish.

“We’ve had outdoor installations removed after two years installed to concrete with minimal adhesion issues. With Drytac Interlam Pro Emerytex laminate, you feel secure walking on it even in wet conditions,” explains Sellinger.

To print its floor graphics Premier Graphics uses HP Latex printers— an entire fleet actually, including the HP Latex R1000 Plus with White Ink, HP Latex 365, and HP Latex 800. Two main reasons for committing to HP are performance and sustainability.

“We love the HP Latex technology and the flexibility it provides in printing on a variety of surfaces.

We also chose to increase our investment in HP Latex technology to better position ourselves as a sustainable provider, as well as for the health and well being of our staff,” shares Sellinger.

Seeing Red

Creativity and awareness are top of mind when it comes to floor graphics. Sellinger says more requests are coming in to use digitally printed floor graphics in immersive digitaloutput.net

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spaces like virtual reality rooms and even in temporary environments like film sets or trade shows.

Digitally printed floor graphics are an ideal alternative in this scenario compared to other options like paint, which is considered more costly.

An example of this is seen in a recent project Premier Graphics completed for a client exhibiting at a large interior design show. The request came in with a four week lead time and the client wanted the print provider to prepare a graphic that would serve as a focal point of the space. Furniture pieces, a bar, and the floor were all planned to be wrapped.

The floor graphic would be placed around a bar, so high on the criteria list was a substrate that needed to resist slipping even when wet, for example if a drink spilled.

adhesive; and then Drytac Interlam Pro Emerytex laminate was placed on top.

Combining the products through the laminator, roll slitters were then used to create a factory finished edge when 3 the final product came off the laminator. Doing it in this way meant the team didn’t need to trim by hand.

Everything was completed on time and the client was thrilled with the final result. “We worked with them throughout the process, including having them in for a facilities tour during our initial planning process to ensure the best end results,” shares Sellinger.

Cost-Effective Alternative

Digitally printed floor graphics, whether an intricate image or a solid color, are popping up all over. Their ability to offer a costeffective alternative to paint or permanent flooring like carpet, in addition to being easily removable, drives demand. D See page 19 for more info.

The entire graphic was a solid color—gloss red—and being so specific a hue, Premier Graphics was tasked with creating a three-layered product with the help of its laminator from Graphic Finishing Partners, LLC.

“A specific red material was needed to match the client’s color, but this material has a permanent adhesive and we needed the material to have a removable adhesive as well as an anti-slip laminate,” explains Sellinger.

As a result, the gloss red permanent adhesive material was combined with 3M Controltac Graphic Film with Comply Adhesive 180mC, which has a removable

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Wide Format W2P Adding Automation and Order Management

by Cassandra Balentine

W

eb to print (W2P) tools help automate many parts of the ordering processes for print providers, which can bring big benefits relative to productivity, efficiency, and even customer loyalty.

However, wide format print service providers (PSPs) are historically slow to adopt W2P due to time constraints and concerns with customer service. In this segment in particular, David Graves, VP of sales and marketing, Aleyant, says there are numerous options for projects and some shops are dependent on traditionally estimating jobs.

“Wide format businesses are typically very busy and have been slow to spend the time on setting up a solution. Having said that, the ones that do spend the time have seen great improvements in order entry,

1 & 2) OnPrintShop offers wide format printer software to ensure its clients deliver customers 100 percent customizable wide format products in a fast turnaround time.

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automatic pricing, as well as speed to completion,” shares Graves.

The time commitment—whether real or perceived—is one hurdle of adoption. Graves admits the time onboarding and time typically spent to get a W2P solution up and running can be 45 to 60 days, depending on number of products, templates, and pricing parameters.

The ability of immediate pricing based on different options involved, order entry, immediate payment, and automated file processing into current workflow are key storefront features in demand …the ones that do spend the time among wide format have seen great improvements in print providers, comments Graves.

order entry, automatic pricing, as well as speed to completion.

— - David Graves, VP of sales and marketing, Aleyant

Further, integrations into current workflows, RIPs, enterprise resource

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planning, and fulfillment solutions are additional features that wide format print environments look for from a W2P.

While it is difficult to generalize the return on investment (ROI) , Graves says most companies can see a ROI on as little as ten orders a day. “In this case, customers can expect to see a 500 percent ROI based on current order entry versus W2P.”

In Action

For PSPs that have taken the step to incorporate some portion of W2P, the value is apparent.

Rapid Printing is a digital print provider located in Kelowna, BC, Canada. The shop offers a range of applications, from printing and copying to wide format offerings and canvas prints to banners stands and rigid signage for indoor needs, as well as banners, yard signs, magnets, A-Frame signs, and rigid applications on materials like aluminum panels and coroplast for outdoor demands.

With the implementation of OnPrintShop, Philip Walker, owner, Rapid Printing, says in a case study by OnPrintShop, that clients easily personalize products with an easy-to-understand backend. Additionally, automated updates and notifications attract new customers through effective communications and personalized customer service.

The OnPrintShop team helped the print provider set up products on its storefront to expedite online ordering.

Finishing Tables Color Change Films Roll-to-Roll Printers Textiles Finishing & Web to Print Charts

“The website is a valuable tool for a business moving forward.

In order to compete in today’s market, you need a great online presence with an easy to navigate website, and OnPrintShop offers a complete package,” shares Walker.

When Rapid Printing decided it was necessary to simplify ordering and reordering for customers it reevaluated its W2P set up. It had been using multiple W2P solutions for more than a decade, but none of these options were quite what it needed to allow the company to achieve its goals.

In addition to W2P for ordering, the shop wanted a provider that could offer the technical support needed to get to market quickly.

Enter OnPrintShop. digitaloutput.net

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3 Online ordering brings Rapid Printing increased productivity through easy order processing, reduced labor costs due to order management automation tools, as well as increased repeat orders.

Round Up

Wide format environments have many options when it comes to W2P. Here we highlight a few.

Aleyant offers W2P solutions through Pressero; management information system/estimating/ scheduling with PrintJobManager; as well as prepress automation with tFLOW. With these solutions, Aleyant allows for quick, consistent pricing, W2P capabilities including pulling pricing from PrintJobManager for consistent pricing, personalization, and file upload to job management. When an order/job is created, it can then be automatically preflighted, fix issues—including missing bleed, and have an automated proof sent to the customer. Once approved, automated finishing scripts are applied to the 3) PressWise by SmartSoft includes unlimited web storefronts, designed to help users capture more business, lower service costs, and retain valuable accounts.

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job—adding printer marks or enacting simple imposition—and then sent directly to a RIP or hot folder from completion.

For the sign and display industry, the eProductivity Software Midmarket Print Suite is a comprehensive solution designed for sign and display companies that want to take their operations to the next level. Its features are designed to help users optimize workflow, enhance customer engagement, and help achieve business goals.

Design ‘N’ Buy’s wide format printing software enables online print shops to offer design and print management services for large-sized print products.

Firespring helps users create and print custom signage and displays as well as creative store signs, banners, window graphics, and vehicle wraps. Stand out from the crowd with signage that inspires and engages.

Infigo encourages PSPs to create branded W2P storefronts to target different markets—from custom suitcases to promotional

banners. The solution offers a range of customizable products and allow customers to tailor designs with its personalization software. PSPs are able to show instant live pricing and take payments securely from an integrated ecommerce shop. Behind the scenes, users are able to create automated workflows for seamless print production and automatically email customer updates on order status progress for any sized product.

InkSoft is the all-in-one ecommerce platform designed for print, promotional, and decorated apparel businesses.

OnPrintShop offers wide format printer software to assure its clients deliver customers 100 percent customizable products in a fast turnaround time.

Using artificial intelligence and machine learning, Ordant can intelligently coordinate the cost, customer, job, and invoicing data needed to complete complex, multi-item projects within tight deadlines—and at a profit. Employees can track the status of all jobs in progress and proactively prevent missed deadlines and unsatisfied customers.

PressCentric’s pricing engine includes support for large format products. All of its editions come preconfigured with a variety of products to get users started.

From banners to coroplast signs and oversized posters, the system provides live pricing with easy to

set up pricing based on calculations that PSPs are used to.

PressWise by SmartSoft includes unlimited web storefronts, designed to help users capture more business, lower service costs, and retain valuable accounts.

For print providers that already have customers on other W2P products, PressWise integrates seamlessly with most leading web storefront products and many customers use both PressWise storefronts and third-party storefronts to serve their clients.

Printmatics is a sign estimating and order management software designed to streamline workflow and improve bottom lines.

Racad Tech offers overarching technologies ePOWER and Web to Print CLOUD. The company addresses W2P for wide format similarly to the way it addresses the rest of the industry in general.

RedTie Ltd. has developed W2P software delivered as a SaaS for over ten years. It specializes in software that is easy to use, feature rich, and cost effective.

ShopVox allows users to price by the square foot or time and materials with premade product templates. Track production with custom workflows to never miss a deadline.

A Leg Up

Although the benefits of W2P are well known, there is still a lot of hesitation in wide format print environments. Is it time to reevaluate your order management strategy? D digitaloutput.net

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by Melissa Donovan

PVC-free media like polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), fabric, olefin, or paper offer a host of benefits. This goes beyond reducing environmental impact with features including sustainability and recyclability. When considering media for wallcovering graphics, an eco-friendly alternative is { 12 } December 2023 | Digital Output

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beneficial for any print service provider (PSP) serving this segment.

“Over the years, there has been a growing demand for PVC-free media in wallcoverings, predominantly driven by end users who are increasingly particular about the materials

being employed. This surge is attributed to the rising viability of sustainable print media options,” shares Vince Queau, senior sales representative, Monadnock Paper Mills.

Above) ER2 printed and installed this wallcovering at LinkedIn headquarters using DreamScape Terralon, which is PVC-free, phthalatefree, highly breathable, and contributes to LEED credits.

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However, not all environments or projects necessitate a PVC-free wallcovering. It is important to recognize these materials’ limitations and vet each and every job before determining what to use.

Collaborative Improvement

PVC-free wallcovering materials are a common request. This isn’t something that occurred overnight but a gradual movement that continues to build momentum.

“There is more of a demand— especially over the last few years—in public places like hotels, restaurants, and retail stores. This is mostly from the focus on ‘green’ and recycling options. This also is good as there is no volatile organic compound (VOC) outgassing from these products,” explains Michael Aldrich, product support specialist, FDC Graphic Films, Inc. Roy Ritchie Jr., president, DreamScape, agrees that consumers are becoming more environmentally conscious, wanting products that are safe for their spaces and the planet. “With stricter regulations in place and a focus on indoor air quality and safety, PVC-free wallcoverings are popular.”

“With the focus on energy conservation great strides are made on improving insulation and reducing air infiltration in residential and commercial buildings,” adds David Williams, technical director, Innova Art Ltd. This movement contributes to increased interest in PVC-free wallcoverings as well.

Architectural firms and interior designers also drive demand.

“New era designers try to be digitaloutput.net

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3

1 more environmentally friendly.

LEED programs from architectural specifications on buildings push this,” shares Angel Georgiou, senior product marketing specialist, Canon U.S.A., Inc.

“Many of our inquiries were for commercial applications—corporate, education, and retail, but we have also received inquiries from printers selling into the do-it-yourself home markets,”

admits Mark Shaneyfelt, VP sales and marketing, Aurora Specialty Textiles Group, Inc. Advancements in the composition of the media and how it is

manufactured also bolster use.

“Technological advancements make it possible to develop PVC-free wallcovering materials that offer comparable durability, ease of maintenance, and aesthetic qualities to traditional PVC-based options,” shares Mike Richardson, business development manager, Jessup Manufacturing Company.

Jay Kroll, product manager for cut, transit, and wall solutions, General Formulations, points out that PVC-based films carry a bias, but it is based on old chemistries and poor information. PVC media in the past was made with different plasticizer packages. “Those films had a

2

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1) Roland WallFlair Paste Paper used in a hotel lobby. 2) Scenic Expressions Taffeta is a 100 percent woven polyester fabric coated with Aurora Specialty’s Expressions coating. Backside coated with a repositionable and removal pressure-sensitive adhesive, it is ideal for peel-and-stick wallcoverings.

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tendency to release harmful VOCs with a noticeable odor, and vinyl film in general carried a bad reputation. This changed with the introduction of improved film and ink chemistries combined with advanced manufacturing and printing methods.”

“While demand for PVC-free wallcoverings is on the rise, it’s important to note that demand varies by region and market segment. In some areas, the shift away from PVC may be more pronounced, driven by stricter regulations or heightened environmental awareness. In others, traditional PVC wallcoverings

may still be prevalent due to factors like cost considerations or a lack of alternative materials,” adds Richardson.

Benefits for the Environment PVC-free wallcoverings reduce environmental impact in a number of ways—all while offering the quality and performance that PSPs and their customers desire.

Primary ways PVC-free wallcoverings positively impact the environment include “reduced toxicity, improved indoor air quality, decreased environmental impact of burning as well as landfilling releasing dioxins, and

minimal human health risks,” says Shaneyfelt.

Recyclability is another reason.

“Users can recycle PVC-free products or throw some of them away knowing this is not harming the environment. This is good for companies trying to stay greener when products could be changed annually in some cases or multiple times a year,” explains Aldrich.

“PVC is known to be harmful to the environment and hard to dispose of. Knowing it leaches out chemicals using carcinogenic components, we believe it is only natural for print services to feel

proud they are doing their part to help the environment using PVC-free products,” notes Walter Gierlach Jr., president, Photo Tex Group, Inc.

Producing the material as environmentally friendly as possible is also a notable action. “Neschen utilizes an in-house wastewater treatment facility that unburdens the environment. We use release liners made from sustainable paper for more than 90 percent of our products, which are sourced from suppliers with FSC, PEFC, or SFI certifications. Neschen also utilizes a high-efficiency energy recovery system in production

#1

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“Beyond the material itself, it is important to consider how it’s made, the company’s values, and their impact on the community. Sustainability goes beyond environmental concerns, it encompasses social and ethical dimensions too. A high-quality material that aligns with these principles can indeed justify its adoption, ensuring a responsible and attractive choice for projects,” agrees Milene Ribas, business development manager, Neenah.

3 and a large portion of power used comes from renewable sources,” shares Steve Yarbrough, customer experience manager, Neschen Inc.

The manufacturing process varies material to material. “Fiber alternatives undergo manufacturing processes distinct from

companies mentioned

INFO# COMPANY 115 Aurora Specialty Textiles Group, Inc. 116

Canon U.S.A., Inc.

PVC. By incorporating recycled content companies like Monadnock bolster the sustainability of our offerings without compromising on their quality or affordability,” adds Queau.

Products can be sourced from sustainable material. “Alternative materials such as paper, fabric,

See page 19 for more info.

WEBSITE auroratextile.com usa.canon.com

117

DreamScape

dreamscapewalls.com

118

FDC Graphic Films, Inc.

fdcfilms.com generalformulations.com

119

General Formulations

120

Innova Art Ltd.

innovaart.com

121

Jessup Manufacturing Company

jessupmfg.com

122

Monadnock Paper Mills

mpm.com

123

Neenah

neenahpaper.com

124

Neschen Inc.

neschen.com

125

Photo Tex Group, Inc.

phototexgroup.com

126

Roland DGA Corporation

rolanddga.com

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natural fibers, or non-vinyl polymers are often more sustainable and renewable compared to PVC. Some PVC-free options incorporate recycled content, further reducing their environmental footprint,” explains Richardson.

Beyond reducing environmental impact, PSPs benefit from a branding perspective. “Businesses can reinforce their eco-friendly image to gain broader appeal and increase consumer trust and loyalty.

While there might be a perception of higher upfront costs, the longterm savings—both monetary and in terms of reputation—is significant,” suggests Brian Brooks, manager of product management, Roland DGA Corporation.

3) Jessup WallPro 4 is an environmentally safe, PVC-free, 4-mil printable white material for promotional, signage, and décor needs.

PSPs need to be careful though.

“PVC free is really about removing chlorine from a material.

Because PVC is so well adapted for its purpose, it is very difficult not to sacrifice something, and most products sold as alternatives make this abundantly clear as they are deficient in one way or another,” cautions Ritchie.

An additional word of warning, not all PVC-free wallcovering media is created equal, and as such, is not as sustainable as one might think. “Generally there are still oil-based products that go into these alternative materials with specialized coatings, and this goes along with their transportation and manufacturing footprint to produce,” shares Kroll.

Additional Advantages

Reasons a PSP might feel encouraged to work with PVC-free wallcovering media involve sustainable ones, however the media offers a host of other benefits and features that might be considered depending on the job at hand.

One advantage, though Georgiou says it depends on the product

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portfolio, Type II PVC-free materials offer excellent mold and mildew resistance. Also, many PVC-free options feature a nice feel to the touch for residential projects, but simultaneously provide durability.

Aesthetically and performancewise, PVC-free wallcoverings provide other strengths. “These materials boast impressive print clarity, resilience, and diverse finishes,” comments Brooks.

“PVC-free wallcovering media is available in various textures, finishes, and designs, allowing PSPs to offer clients a diverse range of options to suit their design preferences,” shares Richardson.

Kroll points out that PVC-free wallcoverings are usually more dimensionally stable than their vinyl counterparts.

More specifically, textile-based non-PVC wallcoverings offer stiffness and dimensional stability that eliminates stretch and shrinkage concerns during installation, making the process much easier. Also, textile-based materials mask wall defects well, adds Shaneyfelt.

Broad Category

Determining which wallcovering material is PVC-free is not difficult.

However, the options are vast with many different substrates. Some are fabric, others may be primarily made up of PP or PET, and then there are paper or fibers.

PVC-free in the wallcovering realm is “extremely broad,” admits Kroll. In his experience digitaloutput.net

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the majority of product tends to be woven polyester fabrics or a polyester fiber reinforced paperbased material.

“There is a wide array of PVC-free options available in the market, including materials made from pulp and synthetic fibers, polyurethane, thermoplastic polyolefin, or fabric,” shares Ribas.

Non-woven fabrics used for wallcoverings are often a mix of alpha cellulose and synthetic fibers, notes Williams.

“Many of these wallcoverings are crafted from fabrics that blend natural fibers—such as cotton or linen—with synthetic fibers for added durability. Some wallcoverings utilize PP or PET, which are popular choices for durability and versatility. PET is often derived from recycled plastic bottles, which accounts for part of the sustainability benefits,” says Brooks.

Aldrich lists some variations.

“Wallcovering fabrics are typically PP, many adhesive-backed films are also PP, and multiple adhesive-backed films are available today that are PET.”

While PVC-free wallcoverings are made up of non-woven fabrics and polyesters, there are also products introduced using olefin materials.

“These are becoming prevalent and will grow in use because they do a better job approximating the cost and performance of standard vinyl,” predicts Ritchie.

Paying a Premium

Cost per square foot of each media type considered free of

PVC—paper, fabric, PET, PP—ranges significantly. Price varies because of the different grades, thicknesses, adhesive options, and textures between each individual substrate.

“Costs range from around $0.50 per square foot to several dollars depending on a variety of factors,” notes Kroll.

The base structure of the material is a consideration in determining price.

“PP could cost ten percent more than PVC. However, a paper-based substrate could cost the same or even less,” comments Richardson.

“Prices vary from material. You can’t compare a low-quality thin PVC to a higher quality product like PET or PP, and expect the same price,” admits Yarbrough.

If it’s a textile-based wallcovering, something like a woven polyester, Shaneyfelt believes these are priced about 15 to 20 percent higher than other materials.

“Fabrics have always been more expensive

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these products have decreased in recent years.

“There are some cost differences in PVC-free wallcoverings. This is usually a few cents more at the most. Some PVC-free films are the same cost as PVC or even less expensive because it seems there is more of a demand now than in past years, which drives down the price,” suggests Aldrich.

Queau shares that, “the cost of fiber-based wallcoverings align closely with conventional options, especially when viewed in the context of total cost of ownership (TCO).”

4 to manufacture than vinyl as the process takes a lot longer and more engineering is involved,” explains Gierlach.

While PVC-free wallcoverings were once available at a premium over vinyl textured materials, Georgiou says prices for

TCO is an important factor. “It depends on the types of material you are comparing. It is also important to consider the total cost of production, including print and installation. Non-PVC materials often come with advantages like improved print quality, faster installation, and the elimination of potential issues related to off gassing. These factors vary from material to material, and from project to project,” adds Ribas.

Not for Everyone

While PVC-free wallcovering options have many advantages, they are not a fit for every installation or ink set.

5

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There is a lot of good in using a sustainable or recyclable material, but if it cannot yield success for the print provider and its customers, it negates the environmental benefits.

4 & 5) The Decal Doctor printed and installed General Formulations GF 234 GraphiTex for a recent wallcovering project.

For example, “environments with high humidity, such as an indoor swimming pool, or an area likely to get dirty from human contact, which requires cleaning, would be better suited for a PVC-based wallcovering,” shares Richardson.

“A site survey is pivotal for any wallcovering project. It’s essential to gauge the projected durability requirements at the installation site and understand what challenges the graphics might encounter. While fiber-based options offer robustness, they’re best shielded from the most extreme environments,” suggests Queau.

Printing processes must be considered. “PVC-free wallcovering options are available, but PSPs should pay attention to which materials are compatible with their machinery. PVC is well established in the inkjet industry, whereas some of these newer materials may be more limited on what prints well,” recommends Ritchie.

Georgiou says that “depending on the printer technology some inks might need a UV coating or laminate to protect what is considered a Type II PVC-free product.”

Decorate the Walls

PVC-free wallcovering materials include PP, PET, nonwoven/woven fabric, and paper. With a variety of products available it is easier than ever for a PSP to meet environmental regulations and standards as requested by their customers and desired by consumers.

For more on this topic, visit us online to view a webinar or read a roundup on PVC-free options. D digitaloutput.net

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#9

PAGE

INFO#

23

119 General Formulations

12

123 Neenah

12

9 Alpina Manufacturing, LLC

19 bannergrip.com

180 Aleyant

8

101 Graphic Finishing Partners, LLC

6

124 Neschen Inc.

12

10 Delivery Signs

19 yardsignsresellers.com

115 Aurora Specialty Textiles Group, Inc.

12

102 HP Inc.

6

186 Ordant

8

12 DreamScape

13 dreamscapewalls.com

116 Canon U.S.A., Inc.

12

131 HP Inc.

21

125 Photo Tex Group, Inc.

12

1 FDC Graphic Films, Inc.

15 fdcfilms.com/2100

182 Design ’N’Buy

8

184 Infigo

8

187 PressCentric

8

2 FELLERS

27 fellers.com

117 DreamScape

12

185 InkSoft

8

188 PressWise by SmartSoft

8

3 Flatbed Tools

9 flatbedtools.com

4 ImagineThis

2 imaginetr.com

100 Drytac

6

120 Innova Art Ltd.

12

189 Printmatics

8

5 Newlife Magnetics LLC

7 newlifemagnetics.com

181 eProductivity Software

8

108 INX International Ink Co.

23

190 Racad Tech

8

11 Photo Tex Group, Inc.

17 phototexgroup.com

130 Epson America

21

121 Jessup Manufacturing Company

12

191 RedTie Ltd.

8

6 Signs365

28 signs365.com

106 Epson America

23

109 Marabu North America

23

133 Ricoh USA, Inc.

21

7 UltraPartners, LLC

11 ultrapartnersllc.com

118 FDC Graphic Films, Inc.

12

122 Monadnock Paper Mills

12

126 Roland DGA Corporation

12

183 Firespring

8

132 Mutoh America, Inc.

21

111 Roland DGA Corporation

23

107 Fluid Color LLC

23

110 Mutoh America, Inc.

23

192 ShopVox

8

WEBSITE

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COMPANY

COMPANY

COMPANY

PAGE

INFO#

105 A.T. Inks

PAGE

19 fastchangeframes.com

INFO#

PAGE

#10

8 Alpina Manufacturing, LLC

ADVERTISER

INFO#

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INFO# Company Name

Website

140

3M

3mgraphics.com

141

Ahlstrom

ahlstrom.com

142

Arlon

arlon.com

143

ASLAN Selbstklebefolien GmbH

aslanvinyls.com

144

Aurora Specialty Textiles Group Inc.

auroratextile.com

145

Avery Dennison Graphics Solutions

graphics.averydennison.com

146

Continental Grafix USA, Inc.

cgxusa.com

147

DreamScape

dreamscapewalls.com

148

Drytac

drytac.com

149

FDC Graphic Films, Inc.

fdcfilms.com

150

FLEXcon

flexcon.com

151

General Formulations

generalformulations.com

152

HP/BMG

hplfmedia.com

153

Innova Art Ltd.

innovaart.com

✓

✓ ✓ ✓

✓

✓ ✓

✓

✓ ✓

156

Mactac

mactac.com

157

Monadnock Paper Mills

mpm.com

✓

158

Neenah Paper

neenahpaper.com

✓ ✓ ✓

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

✓

✓

✓ ✓ ✓

✓

✓ ✓

✓ ✓ ✓

✓

✓

✓

✓ ✓ ✓

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

✓

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

✓

✓ ✓

jessupmfg.com

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

✓

✓ ✓

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

✓

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

✓

✓ ✓ ✓

✓ ✓

✓

✓

✓

✓ ✓

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

159

Neschen Inc

neschen.com

160

Photo Tex Group

phototexgroup.com

✓

161

PrestoTex

prestotex.com

✓

162

Roland DGA

rolanddga.com

163

Saint Clair Textiles

saintclairtextiles.com

164

Simple Walls

simplewalls.com substance.com

✓ ✓

✓

✓ ✓ ✓

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

✓

kodakwfmedia.com

ultraflexx.com

✓

✓

✓ ✓ ✓

Jessup Manufacturing Co.

Substance Incorporated

✓ ✓

✓ ✓

✓

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

✓ ✓ ✓

✓

✓

✓ ✓ ✓

KODAK/BMG

Ultraflex Systems, Inc.

✓ ✓

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

✓

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

✓

155

165

✓

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

✓ ✓

154

166

Compatible Wall Surfaces

Aluminum/Foil Film Paper/Fiber Polyester Fabric PET Polyolefin PP Pulp Textile Vinyl Brick Cement Concrete Drywall Glass Metal Plastic Plaster Tile Wood Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive Back Non-Adhesive Back PVC-Free Option

Material Type

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✓ ✓

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✓ ✓

KEY: PET = Polyethylene Terephthalate PP = Polypropylene

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digitaloutput.net

KEY: PET = Polyethylene Terephthalate PP = Polypropylene

11/22/23 1:33 PM

by Cassandra Balentine

n the roll-to-roll (R2R) wide format space, latex/resin- and eco-solventbased devices are popular options.

The technology as well as its potential uses continue to advance. Here, we catch up on the latest and greatest product evolutions in this segment.

Wide format R2R latex/resin and ecosolvent-based devices excel when it comes to banners and other traditional print shop signage, including vehicle digitaloutput.net

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wraps, stickers, and heat transfer vinyl apparel, says Michael Litardo, marketing manager, Mutoh America, Inc. Speci�ic to resin-based printers, David Lopez, product manager, Professional Imaging, Epson America, points out that wallpaper, wall décor, and �loor graphics are well suited. “There is a trend using textured materials to create wall graphics and add a new level of interest and tactical feel.”

For those R2R latex/resin or eco-solvent printers with white ink capabilities, clear �ilms, colored media, and multi-layer day/night backlit displays are regularly produced applications, says Buddy Riebel, national director, IP/wide format, and advanced �inishing solutions, Ricoh USA, Inc.

Left to right) The Epson SureColor R5070 is a 64-inch, R2R resin printer. The Mutoh XpertJet 1641SR Pro is a 64-inch eco-solvent device.

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like white ink to PSPs that produce a wider range of higher value applications, but also with the most sustainable approach—from ecofriendly cartridges to water-based HP Latex ink to certi�ications like UL ECOLOGO, UL GREENGUARD Gold, and Energy Star.”

1 The most common size for these devices is 64 inches in width. Tom Wittenberg, large format industry relations and events, NA, HP Inc., cites IDC market research. “We see the largest segment is the 64inch value space, with about ten percent growth and just under 2,000 units expected for 2024.”

The Investment

The investment for a latex/resin or eco-solvent R2R wide format printer varies based on speci�ications and user requirements.

Lopez says a common MSRP for an average 64-inch system can range anywhere from $12,000 to $35,000. “The price change is most often attributed to feature set, including speed, color gamut, ink set setup, and software.”

Litardo sees price points generally in the $10,000 to $30,000 price range. “A more expensive machine will have a larger width and typically more printheads for higher output.”

companies mentioned INFO# COMPANY 130 Epson America

Major Advancements

Among players in the latex/resin and eco-solvent R2R print space, each vendor’s priorities vary in terms of future growth.

For example, Lopez says Epson is focused on advancing sustainability, from daily in-of�ice work to product development and manufacturing, with the goal of reducing its carbon footprint. “This is deeply ingrained in our approach to product design. We are building our systems to last longer, and within that process, focusing on developing compact designs to reduce the physical footprint, require fewer physical materials to manufacture, and need less space during transportation.”

Lopez feels that this methodology is inline with industry trends.

“Most of our competitors are also focused on sustainability—everyone is trying to do their part.”

Wittenberg agrees. “HP continues to deliver printers with features

See page 19 for more info.

WEBSITE epson.com

131

HP Inc.

hp.com

132

Mutoh America, Inc.

mutoh.com

133

Ricoh USA, Inc.

ricoh-usa.com

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Optimization is another key word.

“A lot of the work on our Mutoh printers in the last year has been optimizing new systems that we introduced with the XpertJet series printers. Things like launching the Mutoh AccuFine printheads for up to 40 percent faster print speeds; creating new screening patterns for i-screen to mitigate pass-based banding even further; tuning our automatic adjustment calibrations to be superior to manual technician adjustments; and adding a Nozzle Detection Unit to automatically attempt to recover missing nozzles and conduct remapping as needed,” offers Litardo.

Looking ahead, a big push for Mutoh is speeding up the printto-lamination waiting period commonly seen with eco-solvent printing. “There are many different components we can look at such as ink chemistry and heater/dryer systems to reduce outgassing time,” adds Litardo.

Reducing outgas time is becoming a major trend. This allows print shops to provide a quicker turnaround on vehicle graphics and other laminated signage.

Features that expand color gamut are in demand. The most recent advancement to Ricoh’s second

1) The HP Latex 630 printer series includes both standalone and print-and-cut bundle options that also provide an affordable white ink solution.

generation latex product is the addition of orange and green to further expand the color gamut, says Riebel.

In addition to orange and green, white ink is another popular option. “More users are starting to use white ink for high-value applications. Because HP Latex offers an on demand white solution that eliminates time and waste we are seeing a stronger demand for white ink capabilities,” shares Wittenberg.

Replacement Considerations One aspect concerning the health of wide format industry segments is the replacement rate. This is either due to demand for a new technology or replacing a unit as it meets the end of its lifecycle.

Litardo quips that “print shops use equipment until the wheels fall off, and then some,” when it comes to replacing equipment.

Lopez doesn’t expect to see its resin units retired anytime soon, especially with printhead advancements and different ink sets available in this market. “I do see manufacturers upgrading these products. Customers are always looking for faster hardware with higher quality.”

R2R Check In

Latex/resin and eco-solvent R2R printers are popular for a range of applications associated with the modern wide format print shop, from signs and banners to vehicle wraps and backlit signage.

We continue the R2R discussion in the next issue with a look at UV solutions. D

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by Digital Output Staff

dvancements in ink sets address considerations like color gamut, durability, and adhesion.

Over the years, adhesion has become a top feature as more digital print devices are touted as “printing to anything.” Unfortunately, while the machine may print to anything—it doesn’t mean the ink will remain digitaloutput.net

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on that surface or look aesthetically pleasing for that matter.

To address ink adhesion, pretreatments and primers are an ink set’s best friend.

“Primers are used for all ink sets and it really comes down to the substrate or media needing adhesion to find the right one,” explains Syd Northup, VP of sales - digital, Marabu North America.

Evolving Adhesion Needs

Today’s ink sets—for this article’s purposes we look at solvent, latex, and UV—are able to be used without a pretreatment. However, a pretreatment is required in many scenarios.

“Ink sets evolve on a continuous basis with regard to their interaction with various substrates. Ink designers aim

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ink. Most of the time a primer or pretreatment is chosen based on recommendations from the ink manufacturer and—if applicable—the hardware manufacturer.

1 to reduce pretreatment requirements on substrates to achieve good adhesion,” shares Nitin Goswamy, president, A.T. Inks.

Over the last decade, engineers have worked on ink adhesion and how to better adhesion to different substrates and products. “There have been many improvements in the types of substrates and ink application techniques to better adhesion for our customers,” shares David Lopez, product manager, Professional Imaging, Epson America.

According to Paul Edwards, VP of the digital division, INX International Ink Co., “over the last decade, there’s been a transition from solvent through UV and most recently, water-based/latex technology. These ink types do have different challenges with regards to pretreatments.”

However, “adhesion promoters will always be needed for some substrates,” admits Ken Parsley,

1) Several clients of Marabu utilize inline spray booths to pretreat glass. Others flame treat and post spray with a printer to enhance ink adhesion.

2) Epson offers UltraChrome UV ink, used in its SureColor V7000, which is semi-flexible while providing great scratch resistance to printed objects.

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product manager, Mutoh America, Inc.

“It depends on the application and ink set. Each ink technology can work fine without a pretreatment on certain materials. But, this is very limiting. A pretreatment is needed to print to a range of materials,” says Adam Tourville, channel manager, Fluid Color LLC.

Substrates direct printed with UV digital inks may need or even require primers/pretreatments for adhesion. “There is an increase in sales with our primers in the UV market for both flatbed and direct to object printing,” shares Northup.

“We see this more often in applications focused on customization and personalization that involve direct printing on materials such as glass, metal, as well as some plastics. As the popularity of product customization grows, we are often faced with adhesion challenges,” agrees Brian Brooks, manager of product management, Roland DGA Corporation.

Thinking Ink

Pretreatment is used with solvent, latex or resin, and UV

Solvent inks are limited to PVC and polyester fabrics, where pretreatment is generally not needed. However, some of the new substrates used might need pretreatment to use solvent inks, shares Goswamy.

“There isn’t an ink-based pretreatment for solvent ink, however the material needs to be coated specifically for solvent ink. The coating applied allows solvent ink to adhere to the media properly. This is a required step for media providers manufacturing substrates for solvent printing,” explains Lopez.

Latex or resin-based ink is dependent on the manufacturer.

For example, Epson leverages an optimizer built into the SureColor R-Series printers. Epson’s UltraChrome RS ink includes CMYK+Optimizer, and the optimizer acts as a pretreatment.

“The optimizer is printed first, then the color droplets adhere to that in a method called ‘pinning,’ which ensures each dot is applied in the exact spot required for the intended image,” notes Lopez.

Similar to latex/resin, pretreatment for a UV ink is dependent on the manufacturer and the UV ink’s unique chemistry. “Epson developed UltraChrome UV ink as a semi-flexible UV ink that has great scratch resistance and can adhere to a variety of materials,

however there is still a need for pretreatment on certain substrates. Often untreated metals or items that will have a lot of friction, such as a cell phone cover, do require a pretreatment to help promote ink adhesion,” says Lopez.

UV printing opens up a wide assortment of substrates to be printed on. “Each substrate comes in many different configurations, with different properties and special coatings.

Testing a substrate’s adhesion and durability is often the only way to determine if an adhesion promoter is necessary,” recommends Emilio Rangel, UV desktop and Vertelith product manager, Mutoh America, Inc.

“Of the three types of ink, UV ink is more tolerant towards a wider range of substrates with strong adhesion without pretreatment,” adds Goswamy.

Surface Energy

In terms of substrate or surface, a pretreatment or primer is used when the surface energy of the printable item is too low for the ink to adhere properly.

“The primer is used to create surface tension, so that the ink will bond to the substrate/media,” explains Northup.

There is a second reason why pretreatment might be used.

“This is for print quality purposes. In order to maximize print quality, drops need to be positioned correctly and spread to a given size. They also need to have limited interaction with digitaloutput.net

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each other to avoid coalescence, which has an impact on changing the shapes and position of the ink drops,” explains Edwards.

Employing a Dyne Pen is helpful to determine the surface energy of a substrate. “A Dyne Pen contains fluid with a known surface energy.

When the pen draws a line on the substrate, the line of fluid should not flow out and it should also not retract and pull in on itself. Pens are tested until a fluid ‘works’ and that is the surface energy of the material,” explains Tourville.

Once the surface energy is determined, the method of pretreatment can be chosen. This is decided not only based on the surface energy but also the surface type.

Plastic presents a few options, according to Tourville. “The easiest but most expensive is to order the substrate with a digital-grade primer already applied. The second option is to have the plastic corona treated.

Corona treatment applies an electric charge to the surface of the substrate causing the surface energy to increase. The third option is using a propane flame treatment to increase the surface energy and then apply a wipe-on adhesion promoter.”

Polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) substrates need corona/plasma treatment to achieve strong bonding with the ink—regardless of the type. “PE and PP have low surface energies. Corona/plasma treatment increases the surface energy and interfacial adhesion increases. digitaloutput.net

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Some inks may not adhere even after surface treatment. In such cases a primer is applied after the corona/plasma treatment,” explains Goswamy.

Stainless steel as well as glass benefit from both Pyrosil and a wipe-on adhesion promoter.

Propane works well to increase the surface energy of acrylic surfaces, in addition to using a wipe-on adhesion promoter for good adhesion, shares Tourville.

“Materials with highly glossy, smooth, or irregular surfaces might require a pretreatment to optimize ink adhesion. Transparent or translucent materials, typically used for backlit applications, can also benefit from pretreatments to enhance color depth and uniformity. Additionally, when printing on materials that will be subjected to demanding environmental conditions, such as outdoor applications exposed to UV rays, rain, or fluctuating

temperatures, a pretreatment can act as an additional protective layer,” says Brooks.

Another substrate increasingly printed to using digital technologies is corrugated. “This application requires the ink to adhere well, have very good print quality, and an excellent color gamut. However, a large variety of substrate types exist under the term ‘corrugated,’ and vary quite a bit in terms of absorption,” admits Edwards.

In the scenario involving corrugated, the pretreatment is in the form of a coating that is either jetted or applied via an analog technique. If printing with latex ink, “you want to control water absorption into the substrate to maximize the color and to control the drop-to-drop interactions. A pretreatment formulated to ‘crash’ the pigments is commonly used to achieve this.

For UV, you similarly want to reduce absorption and control drop size. In this instance it is more common to use a polymerbased coating,” shares Edwards.

Apply It

Pretreatment can be applied inline, near line, or offline.

“Offline equipment pretreats glassware or creates custom pieces. Wipe-on primers can be used in spray guns to apply primer to an item. Corona, flame, and plasma treatments can be applied inline or as a standalone unit,” explains Tourville.

Goswamy agrees that corona and plasma pretreatment can be easily integrated into a printing line. In addition, pretreatment using a primer can also be added.

“However, the use of primer in the printing line might increase the equipment footprint and may impact the printing speed. Primer may be applied manually or digitally. It is most common to apply the primer manually through rollers or spray coating.”

Marabu has several customers that utilize inline spray booths to pretreat glass.

Others flame treat and post spray with a printer to enhance adhesion.

2

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3

“When looking at different printing methods it is usually easier to provide an inline pretreatment on a single-pass printer than a scanning printer. This is both due to the design challenges and the fact that print quality is easier to achieve consistently on a scanning unit. Latex-type technology often does have pretreatment inline on a scanning printer due to greater challenges with coalescence. However, it is not uncommon to hand apply pretreatments to the substrate before printing on a scanning printer,” notes Edwards.

For example, Epson products do not apply pretreatment inline, but application is conducted manually. “In house we use a wipe-on adhesion promoter and spread the pretreatment on the 3) Mutoh’s XpertJet 1462UF UV LED printer features an optional plasma bar.

companies mentioned INFO# COMPANY 105 A.T. Inks

surface of the substrates we are working with. We let it dry a few minutes before printing.

For print providers looking to streamline the process, there is auxiliary equipment that does the pretreatment application,” shares Lopez.

Adhesion promoters can be applied inline if the printing device is setup to do that, admits Parsley. They can also be applied near line with a separate coating device or manually with minimal investment. Mutoh’s XpertJet 1462UF UV LED printer features an optional plasma bar.

Several of Roland’s UV printers include primer in the ink configuration. “Inline pretreatment involves applying the treatment directly during the printing process with the use of primer inks, offering a seamless integration and time savings,” shares Brooks.

Learn More

Raising awareness of pretreatment and primer options is

See page 19 for more info.

WEBSITE atinks.com

106

Epson America

proimaging.epson.com

107

Fluid Color LLC

fluidcolor.com triangleinx.com

108

INX International Ink Co.

109

Marabu North America

marabu-northamerica.com

110

Mutoh America, Inc.

mutoh.com

111

Roland DGA Corporation

rolanddga.com

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important, especially as more substrates and surfaces are introduced and expected to be digitally printed to.

“Many customers who are new to UV printing say they want to print on glass without a primer, which will inevitably lead to bonding failure. Customers are not aware of the range of surface properties of polyurethane (PU) substrates. When the customer experiences good adhesion on one type of PU, they expect that the ink will/should work on all PU substrates. Typically, issues come up when print service providers (PSPs) move from solvent or other types of printing into UV,” shares Goswamy.

While Edwards believes print providers are generally aware of pretreatment options, this is a truer statement if their printer is already equipped with some form of pretreatment. But this is not always the case, as often service providers are told “this printer/ ink will print on anything.”

“OEM printer trainers cannot train an owner/operator for every substrate so they focus on the most popular. Another issue is that new operators are taught how to use the printer, but do not receive training on chemistry, adhesion, and surface energy. Owners should provide operators with more training to help eliminate downtime and returned signs due to adhesion issues,” suggests Tourville.

Northup also stresses education—especially to those selling the printers and telling their

customers that all products “just work”. Instead, “they will need to test with primers on substrates that ink will not stick to like glass, plastic, acrylic, and metal.”

“It’s not uncommon for a customer to come to us to troubleshoot an application, and when we suggest pretreatment, they are unaware of the process. So, I would say there’s not enough awareness in the market on the benefits of pretreatment and how it helps to improve ink adhesion,” suggests Lopez.

He notes that some media and other products are already pretreated and ready for ink. These are often marketed as “print ready” or “digital print ready.”

“The occasional oversight or lack of awareness among some print providers can sometimes be attributed to rapid technological advancements, where newer inks and printing technologies often reduce the need for pretreatments. In some cases, the number of substrates and applications can also make it challenging for PSPs to keep up with every best practice,” adds Brooks.

Not a Need

Much of the digitally printed output discussed today focuses on durability and longevity. This is made possible thanks to the ink set as well as a pretreatment and/ or primer that allows that ink set to adhere to the surface or object in question. While ink sets like UV, solvent, or latex/resin do not require pretreatment or primers, many applications and environments benefit from their use. D digitaloutput.net

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