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“Before You Buy a Printer -
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Would you like to know
the 10 most important things to consider when
shopping for a sign printer?
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Most
large format sign printers are intended to print
on vinyl media, such as self-adhesive decal and
sign materials, or banner material, but many will
also print on paper. A few specialty machines will
also print directly on hard surface substrates, for
example wood, plastic, metal, or even ceramic.
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There
are two main types of large format sign printers: Ink Jet
and Thermal Transfer (also called Thermal
Resin).
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Ink jet
printers come in two types, solvent and
eco-solvent. The latter uses
environmentally-friendly ink. The regular solvent
printers require ventilation or an air cleaner on
the operating premises, whereas eco-solvent printers
can be operated safely without implementing these
costlier procedures. They are certainly healthier in
general.
Inkjets
are most suitable for
photo-quality work, fountain fills, and printing on a wider
variety of media. The production costs can be less expensive
than thermal transfer. However, if lamination is
required, production costs will be equal to or
greater than thermal transfer printing. Regular solvent inks are more durable and
scratch-resistant than eco-solvent inks, which makes them better
for outdoor or other high-wear applications. However, research
and development in eco-solvent inks is constantly improving
them. Both types will stand up for 3 years outdoors.
The
main disadvantage of inkjet printers is that lamination of the prints is required for use on
vehicles and other high-scrub applications. Lamination
adds to the production costs, negating the low
production cost advantage in these cases.
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