By Jim Hingst
Several
factors have propelled the growth of the UV-LED printers in the sign market. The
latest generation of the print system design have dramatically increased
production output and reduced scrap rates. The energy efficiency of UV-LED
systems, compared to other print technologies, has also helped lower printer
operating costs.
factors have propelled the growth of the UV-LED printers in the sign market. The
latest generation of the print system design have dramatically increased
production output and reduced scrap rates. The energy efficiency of UV-LED
systems, compared to other print technologies, has also helped lower printer
operating costs.
Unlike
solvent and ecosolvent printers, UV inks do not emit VOCs (Volatile Organic
Compounds) that pollute our environment and your workplace. Just because you can’t smell some inks doesn’t mean that these vapors aren’t in your shop’s air
and are good for your health.
solvent and ecosolvent printers, UV inks do not emit VOCs (Volatile Organic
Compounds) that pollute our environment and your workplace. Just because you can’t smell some inks doesn’t mean that these vapors aren’t in your shop’s air
and are good for your health.
Because
UV-LED inks do not cure by evaporation, there is no need for ventilation and they
should satisfy any governmental standards for air quality. What’s more, UV inks
provide the durability, chemical and abrasion resistance, as well as the print
quality and color consistency needed for a broad range of interior and exterior
signage applications.
UV-LED inks do not cure by evaporation, there is no need for ventilation and they
should satisfy any governmental standards for air quality. What’s more, UV inks
provide the durability, chemical and abrasion resistance, as well as the print
quality and color consistency needed for a broad range of interior and exterior
signage applications.
Advances
in machine design and ink technology have arguably made UV-LED printers more
versatile than other print systems, providing sign makers with opportunities to
expand into a variety of market segments from exhibit and display to
vehicle graphics. What’s more, UV-LED print systems are faster, safer and more
affordable.
in machine design and ink technology have arguably made UV-LED printers more
versatile than other print systems, providing sign makers with opportunities to
expand into a variety of market segments from exhibit and display to
vehicle graphics. What’s more, UV-LED print systems are faster, safer and more
affordable.
Wider Range of Applications
Compared to solvent and ecosolvent printers, UV curable inkjet
inks adhere to a wider
range of substrates. In fact, you may have
heard that you can print on virtually any type of substrate with UV inks. That
sweeping generality definitely needs some qualification.
inks adhere to a wider
range of substrates. In fact, you may have
heard that you can print on virtually any type of substrate with UV inks. That
sweeping generality definitely needs some qualification.
It is true that with UV-curable inks you can print on a wide
range of flexible and rigid substrates, including pressure-sensitive vinyl,
rigid vinyl, expanded PVC, polycarbonate, acrylic,
polystyrene, polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, metal and
glass. “With advances in ink chemistry,” says Mark Rugen, Mutoh Director
of Product Marketing & Education, “one ink system fits all print
applications.” Rugen explains that some substrates may require an adhesion
promoter.
range of flexible and rigid substrates, including pressure-sensitive vinyl,
rigid vinyl, expanded PVC, polycarbonate, acrylic,
polystyrene, polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, metal and
glass. “With advances in ink chemistry,” says Mark Rugen, Mutoh Director
of Product Marketing & Education, “one ink system fits all print
applications.” Rugen explains that some substrates may require an adhesion
promoter.
The
versatility and flexibility of today’s inks allows printers to print on a vast
array of both porous and non-porous substrates. “This opens the door for
printers to venture into new markets including labels, advertising specialties,
backlit signage, custom wall covering
and POP displays” Rugen says.
versatility and flexibility of today’s inks allows printers to print on a vast
array of both porous and non-porous substrates. “This opens the door for
printers to venture into new markets including labels, advertising specialties,
backlit signage, custom wall covering
and POP displays” Rugen says.
Most
small sign shops do not specialize in a specific segment of the graphics
market, such as wall graphics, vehicle wraps or museum graphics. Instead, these
shops provide a range of products and services. “When a shop owner invests in a
printer”, Rugen explains, “he needs one system, which will print on a variety
of substrates for a wide range of indoor and outdoor applications.”
small sign shops do not specialize in a specific segment of the graphics
market, such as wall graphics, vehicle wraps or museum graphics. Instead, these
shops provide a range of products and services. “When a shop owner invests in a
printer”, Rugen explains, “he needs one system, which will print on a variety
of substrates for a wide range of indoor and outdoor applications.”
Technological Advancements
● Faster printing speeds. Speed
of the UV-LED printers have increased greatly. The latest generation of UV-LED
systems have attained output speeds between 1100 square feet per hour to 3900
square feet per hour.
of the UV-LED printers have increased greatly. The latest generation of UV-LED
systems have attained output speeds between 1100 square feet per hour to 3900
square feet per hour.
● More Flexible Inks.
Early generations of UV curable inks were
somewhat brittle and prone to cracking. However, the once brittle inks have
improved significantly. Later generations of UV inks are flexible and
durable enough for fleet graphics applied to vehicle surfaces with compound
curves, rivets and corrugations.
Early generations of UV curable inks were
somewhat brittle and prone to cracking. However, the once brittle inks have
improved significantly. Later generations of UV inks are flexible and
durable enough for fleet graphics applied to vehicle surfaces with compound
curves, rivets and corrugations.
● Lower Costs. At a purchase price of approximately
$25,000, a 64” Roll to Roll UV-LED printer is comparably priced with ecosolvent,
solvent and latex printers.
At this price, shop owners
can lease a new printer for $500 to $600 per month.
$25,000, a 64” Roll to Roll UV-LED printer is comparably priced with ecosolvent,
solvent and latex printers.
At this price, shop owners
can lease a new printer for $500 to $600 per month.
● Improved Curing. One of the criticisms of UV LED systems is that the spectrum of
light emitted is much narrower than that of Mercury vapor UV curing systems. In
recent years, this issue has been diminished with the development of new UV LED
systems and new ink formulations.
light emitted is much narrower than that of Mercury vapor UV curing systems. In
recent years, this issue has been diminished with the development of new UV LED
systems and new ink formulations.
The latest generation of LED curing systems, which feature a
more dense arrangement of the LEDs, produces a more energy to more fully cure
the ink. The higher output of these newer systems also allows for higher
production speeds.
more dense arrangement of the LEDs, produces a more energy to more fully cure
the ink. The higher output of these newer systems also allows for higher
production speeds.
Differences in Adhesion.
Solvent inks and UV inks adhere to a
substrate in different ways. Solvent inks are designed to partially solvate or
dissolve the outer surface of a pressure-sensitive vinyl film in order to
chemically bite into it. Printed on board stock or other porous materials,
solvent inks adhere to the substrate through absorption.
substrate in different ways. Solvent inks are designed to partially solvate or
dissolve the outer surface of a pressure-sensitive vinyl film in order to
chemically bite into it. Printed on board stock or other porous materials,
solvent inks adhere to the substrate through absorption.
While
UV inks are 100% solids, solvent inks are comprised of as much as 80% solvent.
Not only is solvent evaporation an environmental problem, but can be a problem
when printing on some media. On some substrates, such as vinyl films, the
solvent solvates the surface. As well as causing the media to soften and swell,
strong solvent inks can cause some plastic films to shrink, warp or crack.
What’s more, when the printed image is a bleed, in which the ink is printed
edge-to-edge, the effect of solvents on plastic films can results in edge
lifting.
UV inks are 100% solids, solvent inks are comprised of as much as 80% solvent.
Not only is solvent evaporation an environmental problem, but can be a problem
when printing on some media. On some substrates, such as vinyl films, the
solvent solvates the surface. As well as causing the media to soften and swell,
strong solvent inks can cause some plastic films to shrink, warp or crack.
What’s more, when the printed image is a bleed, in which the ink is printed
edge-to-edge, the effect of solvents on plastic films can results in edge
lifting.
Free radical UV inks adhere in a very different way. They don’t
solvate the substrate and don’t bond by being absorbed. Instead, these UV
inks anchor to a material mechanically, in much the same way as a pressure
sensitive adhesive does. After the ink is printed, it wets out and fills
in the microscopic pores on surface of the substrate, holding on for dear life
as the ink cures and becomes a solid sheet.
solvate the substrate and don’t bond by being absorbed. Instead, these UV
inks anchor to a material mechanically, in much the same way as a pressure
sensitive adhesive does. After the ink is printed, it wets out and fills
in the microscopic pores on surface of the substrate, holding on for dear life
as the ink cures and becomes a solid sheet.
Another major factor in adhesion is the surface tension
difference between the ink and the substrate. The ink should always be lower in
surface tension than the substrate. Some substrates, Coroplast in particular,
change dramatically in surface tension over relatively short periods of time.
As the surface tension or dyne level of the substrate drops, ink adhesion can
become problematic.
difference between the ink and the substrate. The ink should always be lower in
surface tension than the substrate. Some substrates, Coroplast in particular,
change dramatically in surface tension over relatively short periods of time.
As the surface tension or dyne level of the substrate drops, ink adhesion can
become problematic.
White Ink Option.
Many of the new UV-LED
printers feature white ink capability. Because UV curable inks are 100% solids,
they typically provide better opacity than solvent-based inks. This is a big advantage, when you print on
colored or metalized films, because the ink has more hiding power, which helps
prevent the background from overpowering the printed image.
printers feature white ink capability. Because UV curable inks are 100% solids,
they typically provide better opacity than solvent-based inks. This is a big advantage, when you print on
colored or metalized films, because the ink has more hiding power, which helps
prevent the background from overpowering the printed image.
The ability to print CMYK plus white is also an advantage when
you are printing subsurface on clear films. In these cases, you can print a
wrong-reading image on the second surface and then back it up with white,
before printing the background. This is ideal for printing backlit
signage.
you are printing subsurface on clear films. In these cases, you can print a
wrong-reading image on the second surface and then back it up with white,
before printing the background. This is ideal for printing backlit
signage.
Higher Quality Printing
Because UV inks dry
immediately following exposure to the curing lamps, inks do not bleed and there
is no dot gain. “UV systems can print a finer dot,” Mark Rugen explains. “That
results in sharper images and finer detail as well as a wider color gamut
compared to other print technologies.”
immediately following exposure to the curing lamps, inks do not bleed and there
is no dot gain. “UV systems can print a finer dot,” Mark Rugen explains. “That
results in sharper images and finer detail as well as a wider color gamut
compared to other print technologies.”
How UV-Curable Inks
Work
Work
Unlike solvent, eco-solvent or water-based inks, UV-curable inks
do not evaporate into the air. Instead these inks dry or
“cure” instantly through a polymerization process. This process is
initiated by exposing the inks to a certain spectrum and intensity of UV light.
do not evaporate into the air. Instead these inks dry or
“cure” instantly through a polymerization process. This process is
initiated by exposing the inks to a certain spectrum and intensity of UV light.
UV inkjet inks are classified as 100% solids. The term “100%
solids” may be confusing to many. You might wonder how an ink could
be a liquid and be classified as 100% solids.
solids” may be confusing to many. You might wonder how an ink could
be a liquid and be classified as 100% solids.
Here’s what they mean: 100% of what is printed on the media,
stays on the media – it’s kind of like the way Vegas works. By comparison,
solvent inkjet inks are less than 20% solids. Everything that isn’t a
solid evaporates into thin air, which is neither good for the health of your
employees or the environment.
stays on the media – it’s kind of like the way Vegas works. By comparison,
solvent inkjet inks are less than 20% solids. Everything that isn’t a
solid evaporates into thin air, which is neither good for the health of your
employees or the environment.
Here are the nuts and bolts of how UV-curable inks are
formulated and how they cure. Two of the key ingredients in UV curable ink
formulations are monomers and oligomers. Monomers are very small molecules that can
combine, through a chemical process called polymerization, to form much larger
molecules called polymers.
formulated and how they cure. Two of the key ingredients in UV curable ink
formulations are monomers and oligomers. Monomers are very small molecules that can
combine, through a chemical process called polymerization, to form much larger
molecules called polymers.
Monomers are classified as “reactive diluents”. Reactive diluents are materials that ink manufacturers can
use to replace organic solvents. In an ink formulation, the monomers perform
the same purpose as a solvent, by reducing or thinning the viscosity of the
ink.
use to replace organic solvents. In an ink formulation, the monomers perform
the same purpose as a solvent, by reducing or thinning the viscosity of the
ink.
But here’s the difference, and it’s an important one. Monomers
don’t evaporate; solvents do. As the solvent in a conventional ink dries,
it evaporates and these volatile organic chemicals or VOCs get into
the air, which contributes to air pollution. Solvents in the air also
pose a health risk to your employees, which are breathing this contaminated
air.
don’t evaporate; solvents do. As the solvent in a conventional ink dries,
it evaporates and these volatile organic chemicals or VOCs get into
the air, which contributes to air pollution. Solvents in the air also
pose a health risk to your employees, which are breathing this contaminated
air.
What are Oligomers? Now that we covered monomers, what are
oligomers? Just like monomers, these molecules combine with monomers to
form polymers. One difference between the two is that monomers are very
small particles with a low molecular weight, whereas oligomers are larger
molecules with a high molecular weight.
oligomers? Just like monomers, these molecules combine with monomers to
form polymers. One difference between the two is that monomers are very
small particles with a low molecular weight, whereas oligomers are larger
molecules with a high molecular weight.
The function of an oligomer in the ink formulation is different,
too. Whereas monomers are “reactive diluents” and perform the function of
a thinner, oligomers are “reactive resins”. Just as a resin binds a paint
or ink or vinyl film together, the larger reactive resins or oligomers of a UV
curable ink form the backbone of the molecular chain to which the monomers bond
in the polymerization process.
too. Whereas monomers are “reactive diluents” and perform the function of
a thinner, oligomers are “reactive resins”. Just as a resin binds a paint
or ink or vinyl film together, the larger reactive resins or oligomers of a UV
curable ink form the backbone of the molecular chain to which the monomers bond
in the polymerization process.
Of course, monomer and oligomers aren’t the only components that
comprise a UV curable ink. The other components include photo initiators,
pigments, and additives.
comprise a UV curable ink. The other components include photo initiators,
pigments, and additives.
Photo initiators are the components that get the ball
rolling in the polymerization process. When the ink is exposed to UV
light, the photo initiators absorb the UV energy and break down into
reactive components that initiate the polymerization process.
Polymerization is the chemical process in which the smaller monomers and
oligomers bond together to form the much larger polymer molecules. As the
smaller molecules polymerize, they entrap the pigments, which give the ink its
color and the additives in the cured solid inks.
rolling in the polymerization process. When the ink is exposed to UV
light, the photo initiators absorb the UV energy and break down into
reactive components that initiate the polymerization process.
Polymerization is the chemical process in which the smaller monomers and
oligomers bond together to form the much larger polymer molecules. As the
smaller molecules polymerize, they entrap the pigments, which give the ink its
color and the additives in the cured solid inks.
Instant Cure.
One of the major benefits of UV inkjet systems is that the inks
dry almost instantly, after being exposed to intense UV light. Exposure
to certain wavelengths of intense UV light initiates a chemical reaction, which
cures or hardens the ink.
dry almost instantly, after being exposed to intense UV light. Exposure
to certain wavelengths of intense UV light initiates a chemical reaction, which
cures or hardens the ink.
You will note that I hedged my bet by saying that the inks dried
“almost” instantly. After exposure to UV light, prints are dry to the touch and
can be handled. Not all prints, however, are totally dry. When printing
with some UV inks, you should wait an hour or two before rolling up a print,
just to play it safe. Some UV inks can continue to chemically crosslink
and cure for as long as three days after the initial
exposure. As this crosslinking process continues, the inks
will become harder and harder.
“almost” instantly. After exposure to UV light, prints are dry to the touch and
can be handled. Not all prints, however, are totally dry. When printing
with some UV inks, you should wait an hour or two before rolling up a print,
just to play it safe. Some UV inks can continue to chemically crosslink
and cure for as long as three days after the initial
exposure. As this crosslinking process continues, the inks
will become harder and harder.
By comparison, solvent and ecosolvent inks take time to dry. To
fully cure, solvent an ecosolvent inks can require at least 24 hours. Often
longer. This slows production time, especially when you need to laminate a
print.
fully cure, solvent an ecosolvent inks can require at least 24 hours. Often
longer. This slows production time, especially when you need to laminate a
print.
How UV-LED Printers
Differ from Traditional UV Print Systems
Differ from Traditional UV Print Systems
There are two basic curing units used for curing UV inkjet
prints: Mercury vapor UV lamps and UV LED curing systems. Mercury vapor
lighting is an old technology, which has been around for at least a
century. UV inks were originally developed for this type of lighting,
which emits a broad spectrum of UV light.
prints: Mercury vapor UV lamps and UV LED curing systems. Mercury vapor
lighting is an old technology, which has been around for at least a
century. UV inks were originally developed for this type of lighting,
which emits a broad spectrum of UV light.
Compared to traditional metal halide and mercury vapor arc type
UV curing systems, LED UV curing systems feature significant advantages. LED
curing systems feature greater service life; require less maintenance; are
easier to maintain; provide lower operating costs; and are safer to operate in
your shop as well as being safer for the environment.
UV curing systems, LED UV curing systems feature significant advantages. LED
curing systems feature greater service life; require less maintenance; are
easier to maintain; provide lower operating costs; and are safer to operate in
your shop as well as being safer for the environment.
LED lamps generate a very
narrow band of UV light, compared to the broader light band that mercury lamps
produce. On the surface, this may seem a limitation. In fact, the UV-A light from
LED lamps is very focused, capable of penetrating heavy ink deposits. The
results are ink is more thoroughly cured and adhesion to the print media is
improved.
narrow band of UV light, compared to the broader light band that mercury lamps
produce. On the surface, this may seem a limitation. In fact, the UV-A light from
LED lamps is very focused, capable of penetrating heavy ink deposits. The
results are ink is more thoroughly cured and adhesion to the print media is
improved.
As UV LED technology has improved and more
printer manufacturers have entered this market space, competitive pressures
have driven prices lower, making these systems a more economically feasible
option for sign makers.
printer manufacturers have entered this market space, competitive pressures
have driven prices lower, making these systems a more economically feasible
option for sign makers.
As UV-LED printers have grown in popularity,
traditional UV print systems have lost market share, especially in the sign
shop universe. What accounts in part for the emergence of UV-LED is its
affordability. Printers, such as Mutoh’s ValueJet 1638UR
roll to roll printer, are affordably priced
to compete with solvent, ecosolvent and latex printers. Mutoh’s 64” 1638UR
costs a little less than $25,000. A 4-foot by 8-foot flatbed UV printers, which
allow you to print on rigid substrates, can cost as little as $80,000. That’s
significantly less than most traditional UV flatbed printers.
traditional UV print systems have lost market share, especially in the sign
shop universe. What accounts in part for the emergence of UV-LED is its
affordability. Printers, such as Mutoh’s ValueJet 1638UR
roll to roll printer, are affordably priced
to compete with solvent, ecosolvent and latex printers. Mutoh’s 64” 1638UR
costs a little less than $25,000. A 4-foot by 8-foot flatbed UV printers, which
allow you to print on rigid substrates, can cost as little as $80,000. That’s
significantly less than most traditional UV flatbed printers.
If You Can’t Stand the Heat
Mercury vapor UV lamps also generate
significant heat-producing infrared light. As much as 40% of the energy
consumed is converted to heat, which serves no function in the curing process.
significant heat-producing infrared light. As much as 40% of the energy
consumed is converted to heat, which serves no function in the curing process.
Heat was the “Achilles
Heel” of conventional UV inkjet printers, which has helped propel the growth of
UV-LED curing. Conventional
UV arc lamps can generate temperatures higher than 600°F. Many of these thin
plastic films cannot withstand sustained temperatures greater than 150°F to
190°F. The operating temperature of UV-LED units, by comparison, is
typically about 140°F.
Heel” of conventional UV inkjet printers, which has helped propel the growth of
UV-LED curing. Conventional
UV arc lamps can generate temperatures higher than 600°F. Many of these thin
plastic films cannot withstand sustained temperatures greater than 150°F to
190°F. The operating temperature of UV-LED units, by comparison, is
typically about 140°F.
High
curing temperatures not only damage some thinner media, but when these substrates
warp and buckle, the result is a potential head strike. Since much of the media
used in wide format digital printing is plastic, that heat can cause problems
including shrinking, warping and discoloration.
curing temperatures not only damage some thinner media, but when these substrates
warp and buckle, the result is a potential head strike. Since much of the media
used in wide format digital printing is plastic, that heat can cause problems
including shrinking, warping and discoloration.
Longer
Service Life
Service Life
UV-LED lamps last 10
times longer and provide lower operational and maintenance costs than UV lamps.
Whereas UV-LED lamps
operate effectively for 10,000 to 20,000 hours, the lifetime of conventional UV
lamps averages about 1,000 hours. Regular maintenance also includes cleaning the
lamps, reflectors, light shield and air filters.
times longer and provide lower operational and maintenance costs than UV lamps.
Whereas UV-LED lamps
operate effectively for 10,000 to 20,000 hours, the lifetime of conventional UV
lamps averages about 1,000 hours. Regular maintenance also includes cleaning the
lamps, reflectors, light shield and air filters.
The output of LED
bulbs also remains relatively constant for much of its service life, while the
efficiency of mercury arc lamps begins to degrade within months of operation.
bulbs also remains relatively constant for much of its service life, while the
efficiency of mercury arc lamps begins to degrade within months of operation.
Compared to mercury vapor lamps, UV-LED bulbs have very few
service issues, which reduces maintenance costs. Component
replacement costs are also significantly lower.
service issues, which reduces maintenance costs. Component
replacement costs are also significantly lower.
Faster Start Up
Unlike
UV systems utilizing mercury vapor lamps, UV-LED units are ready for printing
with the flip of a switch. What’s more, if you are concerned about the
environment, you will be happy to know that UV-LED lamps consume about
one-quarter to one-half the energy that mercury vapor lamps consume.
UV systems utilizing mercury vapor lamps, UV-LED units are ready for printing
with the flip of a switch. What’s more, if you are concerned about the
environment, you will be happy to know that UV-LED lamps consume about
one-quarter to one-half the energy that mercury vapor lamps consume.
Lower Operating Costs
Traditional UV curing lamps consume a tremendous amount of
electricity. LED curing lamps are much more cost effective to operate. Shops
may realize savings of 60% to 80% in their utility expenses.
electricity. LED curing lamps are much more cost effective to operate. Shops
may realize savings of 60% to 80% in their utility expenses.
Safer Operation
UV-LED systems are not only a much safer to
operate than solvent or ecosolvent, but also much safer than conventional UV
print systems in the following ways:
operate than solvent or ecosolvent, but also much safer than conventional UV
print systems in the following ways:
● No Ozone. Traditional
UV lamps produce ozone, which require ventilation. LED curing lamps don’t
generate significant amounts of ozone, if any, and require no
ventilation.
UV lamps produce ozone, which require ventilation. LED curing lamps don’t
generate significant amounts of ozone, if any, and require no
ventilation.
● No Mercury. Mercury vapor lamps contain toxic mercury requiring
special handling in disposal. On the other hand, LED curing lamps are mercury
free.
special handling in disposal. On the other hand, LED curing lamps are mercury
free.
● No Harmful Light. Conventional UV curing lamps emit a spectrum of light, which is
as damaging to a person’s eyesight as the lights used in tanning salons. By
comparison, operating LED curing lamps are nearly as safe as the LED lights on
your holiday decorations.
as damaging to a person’s eyesight as the lights used in tanning salons. By
comparison, operating LED curing lamps are nearly as safe as the LED lights on
your holiday decorations.
Conclusion
Inkjet printers utilizing LED UV curing systems have grown in
popularity as the technology has advanced. Improvements in these systems
ensure reliable and faster curing of inks, and provide for high quality
printing as well as improved production output.
popularity as the technology has advanced. Improvements in these systems
ensure reliable and faster curing of inks, and provide for high quality
printing as well as improved production output.
In deciding whether to
purchase any print system for your shop, make sure that it is best suited for
your intended applications. Is the printer compatible with all of the media
that you plan to print on?
purchase any print system for your shop, make sure that it is best suited for
your intended applications. Is the printer compatible with all of the media
that you plan to print on?
You
also need to evaluate it the new printer provides your shop with any
efficiencies in production or any reduction in direct material costs. In making
a decision to buy a flatbed printer, you should determine what you will save printing
directly onto a substrate instead of applying pressure sensitive graphics to a substrate.
You also need to calculate any reduction in direct labor costs.
also need to evaluate it the new printer provides your shop with any
efficiencies in production or any reduction in direct material costs. In making
a decision to buy a flatbed printer, you should determine what you will save printing
directly onto a substrate instead of applying pressure sensitive graphics to a substrate.
You also need to calculate any reduction in direct labor costs.
If the equipment is a
good fit with your shop, determine if you
have the base of business which will support the expense of a new printer. A
new UV-LED printer will provide your shop with new capabilities and new
business opportunities as well as additional revenue. Based on the new revenue
that you anticipate to generate with the printer, you should calculate how long
it will take for you to pay off the equipment.
good fit with your shop, determine if you
have the base of business which will support the expense of a new printer. A
new UV-LED printer will provide your shop with new capabilities and new
business opportunities as well as additional revenue. Based on the new revenue
that you anticipate to generate with the printer, you should calculate how long
it will take for you to pay off the equipment.
About Jim Hingst: Sign business authority on vehicle wraps, vinyl graphics, screen printing, marketing, sales, gold leaf, woodcarving and painting.
After fourteen years as Business Development Manager at RTape, Jim Hingst retired. He was involved in many facets of the company’s business, including marketing, sales, product development and technical service.
Hingst began his career 42 years ago in the graphic arts field creating and producing advertising and promotional materials for a large test equipment manufacturer. Working for offset printers, large format screen printers, vinyl film manufacturers, and application tape companies, his experience included estimating, production planning, purchasing and production art, as well as sales and marketing. In his capacity as a salesman, Hingst was recognized with numerous sales achievement awards.
Drawing on his experience in production and as graphics installation subcontractor, Hingst provided the industry with practical advice, publishing more than 190 articles for publications, such as Signs Canada, SignCraft, Signs of the Times, Screen Printing, Sign and Digital Graphics and Sign Builder Illustrated. He also posted more than 500 stories on his blog (hingstssignpost.blogspot.com). In 2007 Hingst’s book, Vinyl Sign Techniques, was published. Vinyl Sign Techniques is available at sign supply distributors and at Amazon.
© 2019 Jim Hingst, All Rights Reserved.
