Improving dye sublimation processes

Anyone who has worked with dye sublimation for the production of soft signage is familiar with stories of trouble managing colours effectively, reducing downtime, and preventing clogged nozzles and broken printheads. Fortunately, the sources of all of these issues can be addressed with the following tips, tricks, and techniques.

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How to choose the right bits

In all computer numerical control (CNC) routing applications, from hobbyists’ one-time projects to mass production lines, the bit selected for the job can make an enormous difference to the results. Choosing the right option can be confusing, but making the optimal decision is worthwhile, as it will help cut down on waste and material costs.

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Key concerns in digital fabric printing

The printing of fabrics has seen a revolution in recent years with the advent of digital technology, which has saved significant time, money and labour compared to the days of screenprinting. Today’s large-format dye sublimation presses can meet growing customer demand for the on-demand production of customized soft signage applications, ranging from flags and banners to lightboxes.

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Why vector artwork matters for signs

Design files can entail many potential issues, but the primary formatting problem for channel letter artwork, typically, is when the client submits a rasterized or bitmap file and assumes it will be acceptable for the production department. While such a file might help the signmaker visualize the client’s concept, it will not be usable for fabrication purposes.

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LEDs: A need for illumination standards

In recent years, many incredible innovations have reshaped the sign industry, but some of these changes have produced new challenges that need to be addressed. Lighting, in particular, is among the key areas where technological developments have caused their own difficulties. Lighting is the foundation of the modern sign industry. When the first major trade organization, the National Electric Sign Association (NESA), was established in 1944, it was built around a relatively small group of lighting suppliers that kept tight control over manufacturing standards. Over time, as NESA expanded in scope and became the International Sign Association (ISA), there was a concurrent expansion in signmaking materials and technologies, which made it more difficult to maintain consistency. The replacement of neon lighting with LEDs posed the greatest challenge of all.

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