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J u n e 2 0 1 4 / Q U I C K P R I N T I N G 25 w w w. M y P R I N T R e s o u r c e . c o m profitably handle new indoor applications like wall coverings and canvas as well as traditional indoor applications like POP posters and event signage. Ideally, PSPs want to invest in tech- nology that can also reliably produce durable high-quality vinyl banners and shelter and vehicle graphics." David Bennett, president of Bennett Graphics, Tucker, GA, purchased an HP Scitex FB700 industrial printer with an Esko cutter at the end of 2013. "In the beginning we're doing whatever our existing clients need," said Bennett. "This is new space for us, and we haven't been in the habit of asking for this work or even knowing that it was available. We might do a banner one day, POP the next, and retail signage after that. We'll need more time to identify segments and logical targets that exist with our audience." Even as the company attempts to build its base, "volume is definitely building and wide-format has served to open accounts that can feed each of our printing workflows," Bennett noted. While there haven't have been any major challenges, he added, "learning new substrates and handling large materials is something anyone entering this space needs to consider. It isn't heavy lifting, but it is all new for most commercial print- ers like us." Recent technology innovations are driving both the capa- bilities and the demand for new wide-format applications. "HP Latex technology, for example, expands capabilities for new high-value applications like wall décor, backlit displays, canvas photo prints, fabric, indoor and outdoor signage, and more," said Murphy. "This level of quality, performance, and versatility, unmatched by solvent printer technology, is driving new demand from marketers as they become aware of its potential." Commercial printers getting into the market with the latest technologies, such as UV and LED printers, often have an advantage over many established sign businesses that use older, solvent platforms. UV and LED not only offer versatility in what they can produce, but they also are considered a "greener" solution, which can appeal to larger corporations looking to become more environ- mentally friendly. "One of our newest printers, the EFI VUTEk GS3250lxr Pro, is a roll-to-roll, 3.2-meter LED printer, and it is unique in the UV/ LED UV inkjet space because its super flexible ink withstands the stretching that takes place in wrap installations," said Hanulec. "While there are fleet wrap specialists who have purchased this printer, there is demand from the commercial print space as well. We sold a VUTEk GS3250LXr Pro to a commercial printing company in January that needed it for POP signage work, and, by March, the business had identified opportunities in wraps with new and existing customers." Commercial printers are looking for printing equipment that offers the ability to meet short runs in more cost-effective man- ner, acknowledged Guyett. "Digital UV inkjet printing now pro- vides that answer. The changing demographics of today's cus- tomer print requirements means the commercial printer needs to have faster changeover to meet shorter timelines. The Durst Rho 1000 Series is a perfect example of offering that high volume productivity, flexibility, and efficiency that is required," he continued. "The Rho 1012 provides the exceptional quality and high production print speeds up to 5,000 sqft/hr, that allows for quality prints that customers are accustomed to receiving. The Rho 1030 takes production to a new level with prints speeds up to 10,000 sqft/hr. The Rho 1000 series printers allows for being able to configure the printer into a format that is most suited to the customers requirements." What About Workflow and Finishing? From a workflow perspective, inkjet is certainly a different printing process than offset, but whether or not a separate workflow is needed depends on format size and volume require- ments. For example, a commercial printer may want to handle a diverse array of lower-volume applications ranging from back- lit displays to POP posters to outdoor banners. For this use, a 61-inch printer could be acquired for less than $30,000 and almost certainly wouldn't justify the creation of a separate division. The situation may be different for a several-hundred- thousand-dollar investment in a 126-inch industrial press that can produce more than 5,000 square feet per hour. EFI's workflow tools are used to connect and integrate inkjet graphics with a commercial printing company's overall business management environment, said Hunalec. "Native JDF connectivity in the Fiery XF RIP that ships with EFI Wide Format and VUTEk printers enables integration with our MIS and ERP products, like EFI Pace and Monarch, as well as our web-to-print products," he noted. Finishing requirements also need to be considered, and they are dependent upon the type of wide-format output device pur- chased. "For example, with a hybrid UV printer, you can print directly on rigid substrates, eliminating the need for mount- ing devices and lamination," explained Hunalec. "However, commercial printers are adding cutting devices for their rigid substrate work and to create premium-margin specialty applica- tions." Prior to the purchase of a wide-format system, PSPs should explore all potential options and uses of the equipment. Buying a printer for one type of application can limit the jobs you can handle. "Budget concerns and lack of experience in wide format may limit your initial purchases, but what is important is to buy something that can produce the greatest number of applications at the lowest cost/highest quality and satisfy the growing busi- ness for at least a few years—rather than having to replace it within a year," advised Paar. ◗◗ EFI offers its VUTEk H652 wide-format device, a UV, white-ink hybrid printer. QP_22-25_0614_WideFormat.indd 25 5/15/14 8:54 AM