Eco-solvent printers/cutters: Wider ink gamut and greater productivity
Traditional signage and decals make up the core business applications in the eco-solvent printing business.
In the eco-solvent market, continued evolution in printing equipment and inks has been driven by user feedback.
“End-users are asking for faster lamination, improved performance, and a wider colour gamut—and manufacturers are responding,” says Roland’s product manager of digital print, Daniel Valade.
“The ability to easily match logo and branding colours requires an expanded colour gamut compared to what we have seen in the eco-solvent market over the last five years. The addition of specialty colours to the typical cyan, magenta, yellow, and black (CMYK) ink sets has been extremely beneficial to end-users who are looking for more colour control.”
The trend toward versatility is also continuing in the eco-solvent printer market. Print shop owners are increasingly looking to provide a ‘one-stop’ solution to their clients.
“In addition to traditional signage and decals that make up the core business applications, many customers are looking
to be able to match certain Pantone or other spot colours for higher-end applications like vehicle graphics,” notes Valade.
Along with improved colour management, features like integrated printing and cutting offer streamlined workflows.
“Manufacturers are building on core features to create equipment that is reliable, easier to use, and more efficient,” says Valade.
Going forward, he predicts manufacturers will be focused on developing equipment that can print at the highest levels of quality, while also improving overall productivity.
“Ideally customers want superior quality with the fastest drying ink, plus technology that balances features to make the workflow as efficient and productive as possible—that’s what we’re aiming for,” says Valade.
Printing on fabric: More and better fabric options
Specialized multi-function dye-sublimation printers simplify production for soft signage and textiles by direct-to-fabric printing, while also allowing users to print onto transfer paper for customizing rigid signs, merchandise, and other hard surfaces.
The market for digital fabric printing is expanding rapidly, the results of which can
be seen everywhere. Today, one can see digitally printed T-shirts, fabric signage, and interior decor in retail spaces, offices, and homes. PSPs are looking for ways to dip into these complementary products, and manufacturers are providing a range of equipment to allow them easier access to fabric printing solutions.
Roland’s product manager for textiles, e-commerce, and supplies, Lily Hunter, feels most PSPs are looking for a ‘one-size-fits-all’ or ‘one-size-fits-most’ fabric printer.
“What I hear all the time is ‘I know I need to get into fabric printing,’ because it will help them with short runs or expanding into other markets,” says Hunter. “Many shops are looking to replace their outsource spending with in-house production.”
Manufacturers are responding with versatile offerings, such as specialized multi-function dye-sublimation printers, which offer production onto soft or rigid substrates, as well as fluorescent and CMYK inks. These simplify production for soft signage and textiles by direct-to-fabric printing, while also allowing users to print onto transfer paper for customizing rigid signs, merchandise, and other hard surfaces.
“Dye-sublimation printers are a great solution for PSPs who are looking to broaden their product offerings and want the flexibility of both direct-to-fabric and dye-sub transfer printing,” says Hunter.
For those that are new to fabric printing, Hunter recommends considering a smaller direct-to-garment (DTG) printer.
“Smaller DTG printers are a great introduction to digital fabric printing. These printers are easy to use, have a low investment cost, and a small footprint,” says Hunter.
