Full Color Imaging

FULL COLOR IMAGING-Explained

FULL COLOR IMAGING -Explained The greatest area of new growth in the signmaking industry will be in full color signmaking. Signmakers who get into this area on the ground floor have the opportunity to become "experts" in an emerging industry. There are several imaging systems available, the costs and benefits of each are outlined below:

Resin Based Systems: These systems use resin "ribbons" or films to apply a thin layer of pigmented resin to the surface of material. The Gerber Edge, Roland ColorCam series and Summagraphics machines use this technology. The advantages of this technology include UV (ultraviolet sunlight) resistance, and the capability to print directly on vinyl films. The disadvantages to these systems are the high material costs (realistically $4- $10 per square foot), speed of the output, and the small size of the output (12" for the Edge 24" for the ColorCam's, up to 38" for the Summagraphics & Gerber Maxx. The initial costs of the smaller systems are well within the budget of the average signmaker.
Electrostatic Systems: The best known is the 3m Scotchprint process...use large color laser printers to print on transfer media up to 54" wide. The image is then transferred to vinyl film and laminated for weather resistance. The advantages of this system are the large output size, speed of output, low cost of the output, and UV resistance. The disadvantage of the system are the high initial investment (most installations are over $300,000) and the 3 step process of printing, transferring, and laminating.

Ink Jet Systems: Large format Ink Jet systems have the advantage of low cost output (as low as $0.10 per square foot), and large format (up to 72'"). Output has to be laminated for long term outdoor life (up to 4 years). Short term weather resistant materials (up to 6 months unlaminated) include waterproof vinyls, waterproof Tyvek, banner material, canvas, cloths, backlit films, and view thru bus wrap material. Large Format Inkjet Printing offer the greatest potential for future growth. As new inks and media are developed, we expect to see UV life and water resistance exceed Scotchprint or resin based systems. The initial cost of the printer and software, starting at $4,000 are well within the budget of the average signmaker.

Solvent and EcoSolvent Systems New to the market, these systems have the advantage of low cost output (as low as $0.80 per square foot), and large format (up to 72'"). Output MUST BE LAMINATED for vehicle applications, with life up to 3 years. Short term weather resistant materials include a wide range of untreated materials such as vinyls and banner material.. The initial cost of the printer and software, starting at $12,000 are well within the budget of the average signmaker. Certain products require special venting and are not recommended in small spaces.

Paintjet systems: This is a catch-all category for a variety of Large Format systems. Paintjet systems use a variety of different methods of applying lacquer or solvent based, pigmented or resin based inks to various substrates. These systems are generally very large format, and are mostly used for giant full color banners and billboards. Disadvantages include high maintenance costs, and a large initial investment of $40,000 to $1,000,000. These drawbacks limit these systems to only the largest service bureau environments.

Summary:

Resin Based or Ink Jet systems are affordable entry level systems for the small to medium sized sign shop. Which is right for you? Before buying any system, you need to define your market. If you sell products to retailers, corporations, trade show exhibitors and special event coordinators, the Ink Jet systems are clearly for you. If you want to make small full color images for vehicle identification decals or labels, then a Resin Based system is for you. Explore your market opportunities! Locate another signmaker or service bureau and purchase samples to display and to show your customers. If you aggressively market full color images, you can build your business before you invest!

A word of caution. Spend the time to fully understand the materials, processes and costs. You will quickly find that signs with intricate logos and small text are much better suited to these new technologies.

CALL ADVANTAGE SIGN SUPPLY 1-800-342-0620 International (781) 899-3117