Before You Invest in a Large Format Flatbed Printer, Consider These 9 Questions

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Investing in a piece of equipment that can potentially rival the cost of a luxury car is a step that should definitely not be rushed. And even though the initial price tags on many of the best large format uv flatbed printers on the market may be un-nerving, the potential return on investment for your business can be sky-high &#; as long as you find the right printer and partner.

From pricing to purpose, we&#;ve compiled nine major questions you need to think about as you search for a new industrial flatbed printer.

1. What is the Price of a Flatbed Printer?

Exactly how much is a flatbed printer going to cost you? As we&#;ve mentioned, large format flatbed printers can come with a big price tag, so it&#;s important to understand exactly what you&#;re getting for your investment.

Just like with any tool you&#;re buying, the price will fluctuate from brand to brand and a higher cost may not necessarily mean a better piece of equipment. The price will also vary depending on the size of the printer you need. Printers that are at least 10&#; wide are considered grand format or super wide format flatbed printers. These models will have a bigger price tag than small flatbed printers.

Researching the best manufacturer for your goals will help you find the brand that&#;s right for you, and from there you can select a flatbed printer model with a price you&#;re comfortable with.

Below is a sample of the top 4&#; x 8&#; competing flatbed printers to give you an idea of pricing in the industry.

Flora &#; UV                               $114,995
CET &#; Q5-500 3X                           $74,995
Océ Arizona &#; 318 GL                    $89,995
Roland Versa UV &#; LEJ-640FT     $89,995
Mimaki JFX200-                    $77,995

2. Why Do You Need This Printer?

There are plenty of reasons why you may be exploring your printer options. Maybe your current equipment is outdated or you&#;re looking to add another piece of machinery to the mix in order to boost your production capacity. Or it could be that you&#;re finally ready to purchase your own large format flatbed printer after years of outsourcing to a third party.

Unsure What Printer is Right for You? Try our Printer Finder Tool >>

Here are some tips for whatever your current situation may be:

If it&#;s a Replacement:

If you&#;re looking at replacing an older model, consider if you want to stick with the same brand or possibly move to a new one. Has your current model been reliable? What is the reason you need to find a replacement? If you haven&#;t owned the machinery for very long and it&#;s simply not producing like it used to or should be, you may want to think about switching to a more reliable brand.

If it&#;s an Addition:

If the new printer will be an addition to your current production line, keep in mind the other brands and models you already have.

Maybe you have a roll-to-roll printer from a particular manufacturer and they have a flatbed in their line that will fit all of your needs. Or maybe there&#;s an alternative manufacturer that has the right printer for your specific needs.

Either way you&#;ll also need to consider the software programs that each printer requires and how using multiple brands and models could impact your workflows. (We&#;ll go into detail on software later on in this post.)

But the most important takeaway here is to understand the capabilities of the printers you already have versus the capabilities of the printer you&#;re looking to purchase. This will ensure you get the most for your money.

If it&#;s Your First Flatbed Printer:

If your ultimate goal is to make a step into production after you&#;ve been outsourcing, the transition to UV flatbed printers will be littered with options at various price points. Finding the right model for your printing applications and business needs is a key reason to find a distributor who will be a true partner with a strong knowledge base in the models you&#;re considering. Not only should they help guide you in making the right choice for your current business needs, but should those needs change in the future they may be able to provide more options and help you avoid significant financial loss.

If you&#;re unsure what printer is right for you, try out our Printer Finder Tool and we&#;ll give you recommendations tailored to your specific needs.

3. Will You Lease or Buy?

Like with any large investment, there are pros and cons to leasing and buying. Your financial situation may sway you in one direction, but you should still weigh the benefits and disadvantages of each option before settling on a decision.

Purchasing your printer outright will be the least expensive and fastest option in the long run, while leasing is often a quicker way to bring equipment in vs. financing through a bank, for instance. Bank financing involves an incredible amount of paperwork that can take weeks for approval. On the other hand, the ease of leasing can be offset by interest rates that are generally higher. Financing, though a longer process, can offer lower rates and a lower long-term cost of ownership, but will often do so with little to no flexibility when it comes to the terms of your repayment contract.

You can learn more about the pros and cons of each option in our blog post, Should You Lease or Buy Your Industrial Wide Format Printer?

4. What Do You Need to Print On?

One of the most important factors to think through are your actual production goals. What products are you intending on printing? Fome-cor? Sintra? Acrylic? Dibond? Backlit signage? Point-of-purchase displays? Promotional products? The substrates you use will dictate the type of flatbed that will give you the highest quality end product and best overall value for your investment. Keep in mind the following features and capabilities in your search:

How Big of a Print Bed Do You Need?

Are you printing billboards, or thumb drives? If you&#;re on the smaller side, will you may want the option to expand in the future? The size of the print bed can be a deal breaker for a lot of possible printing projects.

If you&#;re unsure of what the future may bring, it may be most beneficial to look into a manufacturer like Mimaki that has a full line of UV printers. Their desktop flatbed printer, part of the UJF-MkII Series, allows for a great deal of flexibility and growth. Mimaki USA&#;s Senior Manager of Industrial Printing Business Development and Marketing, Josh Hope, says, &#;This can be the first machine that a customer purchases when entering the industrial printing market and later scale up to a full production workflow as the business grows.&#;

Mimaki&#;s range also includes grand format (or super wide) printers like the JFX200-, an 8&#; by 10&#; print bed with a toggle print function so you can print on both small and large products.

What Materials Are You Using?

Even though industrial inkjet printers can print on a variety of materials, the actual quality of the graphics can be hit or miss.

Sure, you may have spent top dollar on a UV flatbed printer that&#;s the highest-rated in the industry, but that will mean nothing if you need to print on films and it&#;s more ideally suited for printing on rigid plastics. Make sure the printer you select is ideal for your intended use.

Do You Need White Ink?

The limits to what you can print on are seemingly non-existent if you go with a printer that has white ink capabilities. That&#;s because white ink will help create high-quality graphics on rigid or flexible substrates, like acrylic sheets or backlit films, and can also be used as a &#;base coat&#; for printing on non-white materials. Printing white simultaneously with color is ideal when required.

Not every machine is capable of printing with white ink; the equipment must be engineered strategically to handle it. White ink requires agitation to keep it from separating &#; think of an old paint can whose pigments have settled. Some machines automate this process while others do not and some simply address it by purging your ink, which is another operational cost to be considered.

Should you go with a printer that can print using white ink &#; like the Mimaki JFX200- &#; you will be pushing the boundaries of value with great production and quality capabilities that can open your business up to an even broader customer base.

5. What is the Upkeep?

The initial investment you make in the printer won&#;t be the end of your financial responsibility. When you own a car, you need to expect added costs for fuel, routine maintenance and servicing when necessary. An industrial printer will have similar needs.

There will be additional expenses like ink, media and other consumables, not to mention the utility costs of actually running the machine. And for the longevity of your printer, you&#;ll want to make sure it&#;s serviced and properly cared for throughout your ownership.

Unsure What Printer is Right for You? Try our Printer Finder Tool >>

You should also figure out the financial implications of having an operator actually run the equipment. Will your current employees have time to learn the ins and outs of the printer? Are they going to have enough bandwidth in their day to monitor production or will you need to hire someone?

6. What is the Alternative?

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While having a printer in-house offers a world of benefits, there are other outlets you can still consider. Working with a third-party printer could be an option depending on your demand, but there is likely to be a premium in pricing and you won&#;t have full control over your end products. You can read more about the impact of outsourcing your printing services in this article.

If you already have equipment that just isn&#;t performing as well as it used to, you could try servicing it or look into replacement parts/heads to increase its efficiency. Or, if you need a new printer for a specific product or job, you may be able to have your customer purchase the equipment and install it at your facility where you can operate it for them.

7. Do You Need a Roll-to-Roll Option?

Flatbed printers are ideal for a wide range of applications but there are still some jobs that are better suited for a roll-to-roll printer. Ink type is a big factor here since flatbeds are primarily UV, while various roll-to-roll models can utilize dye-sublimation, solvent, latex, aqueous or UV inks.

Unsure What Printer is Right for You? Try our Printer Finder Tool >>

If you are looking for a machine that can do both, there are many hybrid printer options and part additions available from a variety of brands. However, having both flatbed and roll-to-roll capabilities in one hybrid printer can slow down production as you are limited to one functionality at a time. Often there is a dedicated roll-to-roll printer option that can outpace an integrated printer at a significantly lower price point. So generally, unless space is a major constraint or you have a very specific need, having a dedicated flatbed and a dedicated roll-to-roll printer (depending on the application) will provide much higher outputs at a lower price point.

• Important to note is that roll-to-roll printers do require a bit more manual labor and material than flatbeds do when working to achieve the same finished product. This is because the roll products will have to be mounted when printing completes, calling for an extra step in the process as well as adhesives and additional materials.

8. How Will Your Other Equipment Integrate?

It&#;s likely that you have other machines or equipment in-house, even if it&#;s just a single small flatbed printer. If you are in a large production house with a variety of printer brands and models running throughout your shop, the software you use should be an important factor to consider.

Modern UV printers require software for processing and managing your printer(s) and often your workflows too. Each manufacturer will have their own version of software that&#;s typically intended for only their brand, but there are a variety of third-party software options available that can manage workflows for multiple printers and printer manufacturers. These third-party software programs are an additional cost &#; sometimes a few thousand dollars &#; which will add on to your expenses.

A lot of these software programs, both OEM and third-party, are only compatible with Windows operating systems. If you&#;re a Mac user, your RIP software options may be more limited or require an altogether different workflow from your existing setup.

9. What Are the Partnership Opportunities?

Where you buy or lease your equipment from will actually be a huge factor in your experience with your printer and is especially important if maximum uptime is expected. You wouldn&#;t want to purchase a car that you hope to have for 10+ years from a sketchy chop shop, right? You should make a similar, wise decision when it comes to where you buy a printer for your business.

You&#;re making an incredible investment in this printer, with the hopes of it providing a great return for your business. But what if it needs servicing? What will you do if you can&#;t understand how it operates? You&#;re going to need a reliable partner to turn to for support, ongoing training and warranty options. The quality of the team you work with will be just as big of a factor in your success as the actual printer itself.

From CET and Flora to Mimaki and Roland, the UV flatbed printer options available to you are endless. Before you make an investment, be sure to research UV flatbed printer reviews, prices, comparisons and as much information you can. The ITNH team would love to help you start and finish your search for the right large format flatbed printer. Contact us for recommendations, advice or even just to get the low-down on the best brands for your business.

What is the Best Heat Transfer Sublimation Heat Press Calender

Heat Press Calender has been widely used in dye sublimation transfer printing, which has become increasingly more popular and affordable. The price of printers and the cost of inks are half of what they used to be. The market has matured, and the technology has become far more prevalent and available. This is due, in part, to a wide color gamut, vivid color, clarity of image, durability, return on investment, short run capabilities, personalization and quick turnaround times. The trending growth can be attributed to the influx of digital-based print companies and the ability to print on a variety of products. Dye sublimation has proven that it will be the decoration of choice, replacing traditional textile printing methods, and will stay around for many years to come.

Dye sublimation application to the media can be either a one- or two-step process. A heat press is needed for both. The two-step process utilizes a more traditional method, where printed transfer paper transfers the ink or the &#;dye stuffs&#; to the polyester, polyester blend, or polyester-coated substrate. As the printed paper connects with the substrate in a heat press, the heat, pressure and time work together to sublimate, or gas the inks. The alternative process removes the transfer paper from the equation, allowing the inks to be directly dispersed. A heat press is still needed to fixate the inks into the substrate. This will improve the color fastness of the fabric and eliminate crocking. Both processes have several advantages and disadvantages.

Many heat press manufacturers and model options are available in the domestic or foreign markets. It can be quite overwhelming to anyone considering this purchase. Some important questions to ask yourself are: Will I be using this machine daily? What will I be transferring onto with this machine? What happens if the machine breaks down? Where can I order parts or get service?

Money being an important consideration, a good rule of thumb is to buy the best heat press from a reliable manufacturer you can afford. Refrain from buying the cheapest machine, because chances are it will not stand the test of time, requiring the need to reinvest in another. Look for one that can be supported and has a warranty. Domestic manufacturers of the more expensive production machines typically offer faster
response times for service, and carry consumable parts such as belts, heaters and electrical components. Consult fellow industry leaders; learn their thoughts and experiences with heat press manufacturers to assist in your decision making process.

Flatbed Or Rotary Heat Press
There are two types of heat transfer machines to consider: Flatbed or Heat Press Calender. Flatbed machines are just like they sound, a definitively sized platen will make up your printing area. Plate offerings range from three- by five-feet up to 120 feet square with several sizes in between; what size you choose should be dependent on the largest size you will be transferring onto. Flatbeds can offer a swing away, clam shell, tray or shuttle style &#; this is usually dependent on your production volume. The latter is usually reserved for higher production or preference; they all will have a similar end result:

A swing away press has a heater that swings away from the lower platen to allow for loading/unloading away from the heat. When the top heater platen comes back into place, it rises up to meet the heater. This style allows for the pressing of thicker substrates, and provides ample workspace.
Clam shell presses are just like they sound. The top opens at an angle (up to 90 degrees), exposing the bottom platen. Once the start button is pressed, the clam comes down, and the bottom platen rises up to meet the heater. Ease of operation, quick loading/unloading, and a small footprint make this one of the most affordable and popular options.

Tray or drawer presses have the advantage of loading or unloading away from the heat source. The reciprocating tray system pulls away from the heater while the other tray is being transferred. These are designed for higher production, and offer a smaller footprint and price tag than the shuttle press. The drawer system works in the same way, but with only one loading platen. The drawer platen will pull away from the heat source to allow for loading and setup. Once the platen is pushed back, it will rise up to meet the heater.

Shuttle style presses are for higher production. There are three platens on a shuttle press. The one upper heater platen is common to the two lower platens. While one platen is in the pressing cycle, you can be setting up the next job. When the timer is satisfied, you simply shuttle the upper platen to the other side and the process begins again. The shuttle machine has higher-pressure capabilities, allowing for up to 100 tons of pressure. These types of machines are common with flag manufacturers and the crumb rubber floor mat companies that demand high performance compression presses.

Flatbeds are suitable for textiles as well as harder and heavier substrates like plastics, wood, ceramic and aluminum. Some textile applications include T-shirt logos, full coverage garments, cut pieces, mouse pads, flags, banners, floor mats, hosiery and more. Keep in mind the heavier substrates and textiles are better suited for the swing away, clam shell, drawer or shuttle presses. This is where you load the part to be printed on a solid lower platen, not a tray or trampoline.

The flatbed machines have a heater on top, requiring the operator to lay the media down first and then the printed paper. Another possibility is to have both a top and bottom heater that will transfer both sides at the same time

Pressure
It is important to consider automatic versus manual pressure. Manual pressure is the physical clamping of a lever or handle. Running one for eight hours is difficult and tiring for the operator. These are common for light duty production environments. Automatic pressure utilizes compressed air with an air cylinder or air bag that adequately controls and applies the pressure, dispersed throughout the platen evenly. The force behind the cylinder or airbag can be quite substantial, providing enough force to get all the ink in every fiber or to transfer onto the harder substrates. Automatic pressure units provide less operator fatigue, promoting a smoother, simpler operation. On a side note, the automatic pressure units need a compressor.

Temperature
Heat is another important feature to keep in mind, and probably the most important. The machines need to have consistent, even heat throughout the area or inconsistent color could result. Once into the larger-format sized on a flatbed, the heaters should have at least two heated zones. One zone alone will not do an adequate job in keeping the temperature even.

Rotary or heat press calender transfer machines apply dye sublimation prints to fabric, and can fixate or cure pre-printed fabrics. These machines are well suited for roll-to-roll applications and also for the transferring of cut parts available in widths that range from 10 to 220 inches. With an optional table feature, the rotary is capable of three setups: Roll-to-roll for both fabric and paper; a roll of printed paper with cut pieces of substrate; or cut paper and cut substrate. In short, the fabric can be cut before or after it has been transferred. The trend is moving toward cutting after transfer with the advent of new cutters that will optically recognize the garment parts. Rotary machines are suited for banners, flags, table drapes, soft signage, exhibits, athletic wear, mouse pads, ribbons/lanyards, casino tables and much more.

The rotary machine needs to have a transferable area that is wider than the width of the paper being printed. Just as the rotary machines come in several widths so do the printers. If you anticipate transferring a larger size, buy the widest heat rotary machine you can afford. In today&#;s market, printers are quickly becoming a consumable, and are relatively inexpensive, disposable and quickly replaced with a newer, faster technology. Contrarily, the heat transfer machine utilizes the same working technology with a life span of 30 years. Another important consideration in regard to buying the correct machine for your printer is speed. Rotary machines offer various sizes of drum heaters. The bigger the diameter of the drum, the faster the machine will run. A drum with a 12-inch diameter can transfer 3.9 feet per minute with a 35-second dwell time. That speed can keep up with three-and-a-half printers.

The standard rotary machine is fitted with three unwinds and three rewinds. The unwinds and rewinds are capable of holding rolls of fabric and paper with a maximum diameter of 10 inches, and a maximum width no wider than the belt. The machine has one set of winds for the tissue paper; this keeps the dye stuffs from contaminating your belt. One set of winds is for the printed paper, utilizing a pneumatic air bar that holds the paper square to the drum when introducing tension. This is especially crucial when dealing with thin-wall cardboard tubes. Lastly, the fabric unwind is fitted on a stationary bar with end caps that prevent lateral movement; a two-bar tensioning device can be rotated to increase the level of tension when required. All of the remaining unwinds and rewind bars are fitted with a clutch that can regulate the tension pneumatically. remaining unwinds and rewind bars are fitted with a clutch that can regulate the tension pneumatically.

Temperature
For heat press calender machines, the heating system is either heated air (radiant) or heated oil. There are advantages and disadvantages to both methods. The oil-heated systems are a bit more expensive, but provide a far more consistent heat compared to the other technology. The oil in the uniquely designed, closed system drum is more dense than the circulating air in the radiant machines; therefore, it is more resistant to change and fluctuation of temperature. Oil offers minimum temperature differentials throughout the entire drum, and a straightforward temperature control system that is more energy efficient with one very manageable single heat zone versus the complex multi-heat zone manipulations that come with air heater systems. Air-heated machines do, however, offer quicker heat up and cool down times in comparison to oil-heated systems. Nonetheless the oil-heated systems have demonstrated themselves as the option of choice, producing better end results steadily.

The learning curve for the art of transferring is imperceptibly low. It is a matter of learning and experience based on three controllable variables: Heat, pressure and time. Luckily, each ink manufacturer has their own recommended dwell time. From that starting point, one can adjust the temperature and/or the time based on the substrate until the results are optimal.

Some other concerns need to be recognized because of their direct correlation to the output. These are moisture in your paper and fabric, temperature of fabric, and the fabric&#;s shrinkage potential. Fabric shrinkage should not exceed more than one-half percent, as wrinkling or ghosting will occur. One can pre-shrink their fabric by running it through the heat press calender alone. Another consideration is the loading of media and printed paper. The fabric and paper that will be unwinding into the machine needs to be from rolls that are straight and even with no possibility of telescoping (tracking from side to side). Both need to be pulled taut to reduce the risk of wrinkling, and the tension maintained as it unwinds into the machine.

Different fabrics require different tensions, as is paper dependent on quality and moisture. Tacky paper or high-temperature tape may need to be utilized to place the printed paper. Tacky paper is better to be used on the flatbed machines; they stay put on the substrate during the heater&#;s movement. Such movement can be caused by static, and may result in ghosting or double printing. Non-tacky paper is a better option for heat press calender machines because it is considered more heat stable, and will not cause wrinkling or ghosting. Once all of these parameters are established, the course of progress is well underway to provide for an efficient, streamlined operation.

Marketing Department
Easty Limited
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