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Digital wallpapers offer new revenue opportunities
There is an increasing number of companies in the market. One of the best known is Robert Horne Sign & Display, offering customers a comprehensive range of digital substrates from a single supplier. Perhaps even more important than the product range itself, the company's staff can provide in-depth advice on the suitability of individual substrates, thus ensuring customers can confidently select the optimum product regarding practical, aesthetic and budgetary considerations.
In line with increasing popularity of digital flatbed printers, Robert Horne offers a range of rigid substrates, including: a digital version of Dibond aluminium composite sheet; Fomalux PVC foam sheet; Correx twin-wall polypropylene sheet; Kapa foam centred board; and Repsol, a cast acrylic designed to provide exceptional light diffusion properties. For customers using roll-to-roll machines, options include Avery's digital vinyl range and Robert Horne's own Dtec range, comprising vinyls, films, canvas and banner materials.
Robert Horne is aware that many companies now stipulate ‘greener' materials and is constantly sourcing new and more environmentally friendly products. In fact, its Dtec High Resolution Matt and Dtec inkjet Fotobase media ranges are the latest of its digital products to receive the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) accreditation.
However, the company's Business Development Director, Steve Lister, cautioned: "Whilst we are very aware of the desirability of greener graphics, we do recognise that printers also need to consider durability issues, as well as general ease of use and transportation. After all, our customers still have to be able to make a reasonable profit if they are to sustain their businesses, which is why our staff are trained to help them make the best decisions."
The company's Digital Hardware Division manager, Kevin Wheeler, added that the best results are only achieved when printers, inks and substrates are all primed to work in tandem: "We believe that good colour management in the first instance is crucial to ensuring high quality output. Obviously, nowadays, everyone expects competitive prices and next-day delivery as a given, but we also try to help our customers solve any technical issues they have with their printers and provide the correct profiles for every machine and material. We consider this to be a vital part of our overall service and one which ensures that our customers provide the best possible results for their customers."
Pasting digital wallpaper
Customers are demanding more, leaving suppliers with the job of sourcing new substrates capable of opening up new markets. One new product being launched by Seal Graphics at Fespa Digital is dubbed a revolution for shops, hotels, offices: even the home. If you're not keen on the phrase revolution, perhaps it is time to think again because this range of digital wallpapers could herald a new revenue stream.
Seal Digital Wallpapers have been designed for wide format digital print applications, with the company claiming the only limitation is the user's imagination devising backdrops and messages that create individual and unique interiors.
Comprising a white PVC coating on a woven fabric base, the products can be used with solvent, eco-solvent and UV-curable inks. Stated features include superior print quality, vibrant long-lasting colours, scratch-resistance and NFPA 701 fire rating.
Available in four contemporary textures (Soft Satin, Crushed Rock, Raw Silk and Venetian Plaster) they are designed to be easy to apply without special skills or tools. If used in busy areas they can be liquid laminated for additional protection and longevity.
Looking down
If floors are more your thing, look out for a new PVC banner material added to the Dataplot range of wide format solvent inkjet media. Marketed under the Emblem brand, the surface of this product means it suits floors, counter tops and more. It can be printed using solvent, eco-solvent and UV curable inks to produce a durable, long-lasting finish.
Export director, Jens Wilke, said: "This new material is part of our continuing endeavour to bring imaginative new products to extend the value of the Emblem range of banners, films, canvas, paper, vinyl and laminates for both solvent and aqueous wide format inkjet technologies. The new product which we call Emblem Solvent Rippel Banner is strong enough for intensive use applications such as exhibition stands but can be extended even further with a sealing solution we provide that will protect the printed image for considerably longer."
Exciting opportunities
Another new entrant is Alcan Composites' FOREXprint, dubbed a ‘super-substrate' due to its super-bright white surfaces and other print-friendly features. The company states it comes at a reasonable mid-range price, suiting a range of sign and display applications.
Alcan Composites' Dibond aluminium composite range also sees a new entrant. Dibond décor is a selection of wood effect finishes among a new range of panels with printed textured surfaces. Sign makers and designers looking for a sustainable, high quality and easy-to-fabricate alternative to hardwoods should certainly appreciate the development.
And finally
Just a few years ago one would marvel at the range of paper based products available to work with. Like everything in the digital industry, there is now a huge range of substrates to choose from, each with its own unique ability to open opportunities never before considered.
This choice means printers can now experiment with new applications. It also lets printers look for new ways to help their customers achieve the best results in ways which command the public's attention. The great thing about the digital industry is that it is easy to ‘try before you buy'.
This means contacting the manufacturer for advice on the correct substrate for the application at hand. When you know what can be achieved with a particular substrate you can promote it to your customers confident they will get the best results every time.
