A significant benefit for latex is that “ it has no fumes or odour ."
Cover story they generally run at slower speeds , however new LED devices are catching up .
Agfa Graphics presented their new UV LED Jeti Ceres RTR3200 for the first time in North America at this year ’ s Graphics Canada show in April . This ultrawide roll-to-roll printer ( 10.5 feet ) offers six colors , plus an optional white and / or primer . It is designed for high volumes and has the ability to print directly onto mesh and porous substrates , without the need for a liner .
Some manufactures , such as EFI , produce hybrid devices ( VUTEk HS100 ) that leverage a combination of LED and mercury lamps , to meet higher volume production needs .
Latex Originally developed by HP in the mid 2000s , latex-based ink systems today are gaining traction in the marketplace . Latex can create prints on a variety of substrates , including textiles , that are very durable – they can be used outdoors , or for indoor window displays , for years . The inks use a water-based carrier , with additives , and latex polymer and pigment particles . Once applied , radiant heat is used which creates a strong latex polymer film .
Nicola Kidd is the owner of ‘ re-surfaced ’, a custom print provider in Toronto . She also teaches at Ryerson University ’ s School of Graphic Communications Management ( where I work ). Nicola explains that a significant benefit for latex is that “ it has no fumes or odour ,” which can be important for signage used in high pedestrian traffic areas , such as malls or hospitals .
Another part of the appeal of latex inks is that they can adhere to a wider variety of substrates than aqueous inks can , and they are often marketed as a competitor technology to UV inks , as well as a replacement for solvent-based inks .
Last year HP added the thermal inkjet-based 500 Printer series and super-wide HP Latex 1500 Printer ( 126 inch ). These devices can be economically attractive options for companies wishing to explore signage markets - the HP Latex 560 is US $ 18,000 , the HP 570 is US $ 26,000 .
Colour Challenges Certain colours can pose challenges in wide format inkjet printing ; Nicola explains that while historically bright reds could be a challenge , vendors are producing new inks which better achieve these colours . For example , Epson designed new red solvent based inks for their 64-inch SureColor S80600 .
Nicola continues , “ whites can also be a challenge for producing window clings , backlit displays , or for packaging ”. White inks generally use titanium dioxide pigments , and the particles are usually larger to provide coverage . This also means they tend to clog the inkjet heads , and also need to have the cartridges agitated more often , to prevent settling . They can also slow down throughput . A variety of alternatives are becoming available , including HP ’ s latex and Epson ’ s UltraChrome ® HDR Ink with White .
Toner Toner based systems can be an option for some wide format uses . While toner equipment costs more , the toner itself is more economical than ink .
Primarily for higher volume AEC industries , solutions such the 24 x 36 inch Océ PlotWave 450 / 550 offer options for approx . US $ 20,000 . KIP , distributed by Konica Minolta , is another leading supplier of toner-based wide format equipment . Their newer 940 is a roll fed machine , capable of producing full colour work on a variety of media , for indoor and outdoor use .
Substrates
Advances are also being made with substrates - synthetics can be designed that are stronger than paper . Made from a base of polypropylene , the stock is heated and extruded ( pushed into shape ), and run through a calendering process to provide a smooth surface . For wide format signage , this creates a substrate that is resistant to water , chemicals , abrasion and aging .
Zodia is widely available in Canada , and offers stocks for a variety of end uses . Canon has also recently released a new water resist banner media which is claimed to provide excellent short term outdoor durability , without the need for lamination .
Adhesives Jeff Uzbalis , a wide format graphics specialist with 3M , recently presented a workshop on vehicle wrapping at the Graphic Communications Education Association ( GCEA ) conference this July at Ryerson University . He explained to the group that the developments in ‘ getting ink onto a substrate ’ were a part of signage and display , but there has been significant
A significant benefit for latex is that “ it has no fumes or odour ."
development in adhesives , making it easier to install – and remove – signage , to a wider range of materials .
3M continuously develops their trademarked Comply™ Performance adhesives for an increasing number of end uses – stainless steel , glass , concrete finishes , coated metals and brick as well as a variety of non-standard surfaces all present different challenges for adhesion . New types of overlaminates for the signage also offer clients a wider variety of textures , or finishes , such as linen or wood grains .
Different films are available depending on the duration – from permanent for wayfinding or the like , to temporary for
@ graphicarts GRAPHIC ARTS MAGAZINE | November 2017 | 15