By: Shadi Bakhour, B2B Business Unit Director at Canon Middle East
As the year draws to a close, it provides an opportunity for print service providers (PSPs) to evaluate the trends in the roll-to-roll market. Despite seeing growth in print volumes in this market, print service providers (PSPs) face a number of challenges owing to -shorter turnaround times for orders. A recent Keypoint Intelligence research shows demand for large format print jobs that need to be turned around within 24 hours has grown exponentially over the last decade. Investing in the right roll-to-roll printer is therefore a crucial decision for print businesses to keep up with rising customer demands.
Purchasing a new roll-to-roll printer can be a time-consuming process – buying the right device to fit the business’s specific needs. Although the initial cost will always be a factor in the decision-making process of any business, checking the specifications to ensure the printer will be capable of delivering the right speeds, volumes, quality and media types holds equal weight. Only considering the upfront price when two printers offer similar features can therefore be misleading. PSPs have to decide which device will provide the best solution for the business by weighing up cost versus capabilities and considering the total cost of ownership (TCO) of the printer. The TCO calculation should include energy usage, which is especially important because of the increased uncertainty around utility costs, running and maintenance costs, the cost of peripherals and any other hidden costs over time.
Selecting the right technology fit Hidden costs such as high running, maintenance costs and high ink consumption can quickly add up. Businesses should consider ink costs, not just in terms of upfront price, but also consumption per square meter. The choice of inks such as including latex, eco-solvent, UV and UVgel technology need to be factored in while choosing a device.
Latex is water-based with good stretchability, and prints come out fully dry and odourless, ready to be finished straight away. However, due to the translucency of the ink, more ink is required to achieve a given colour, making ink usage costs higher than a UV-curable ink. Whereas eco-solvent inks are affordable and are suitable for most indoor uses and some outdoor signs (three to five years), they take time to dry and give off an odour.
With normal UV ink technology, the ink is cured and dries quickly, so they’re often used to print on vinyl as they also produce a high-quality finish on vinyl material, however, they do have an odour meaning they aren’t suitable for all applications.
Turning to UVgel, it’s a gel-based ink that solidifies under UV light with the same principles as a UV ink – the prints dry instantly, eliminating smudging or sticking concerns – but the gel properties reduce the amount of ink required to produce the same level of density and colour as other inks, while also creating a robust ink surface and micro-textured print for special surface effects. UVgel is durable, resulting in little need for lamination, and UVgel prints are odourless making them suitable for indoor environments, so ideal for wallpapers and signage. The gel properties of the patented UVgel ink prevents ink coalescence and ensures optimal dot control, resulting in precise and vibrant prints. All in all, UVgel technology is a good all-rounder, delivering the benefits of other ink types without their downsides and providing the flexibility to print on a wider range of substrates.
A holistic view of other key features and expenditures
Sustainability has become an imperative for businesses, driven by government regulations and increasing customer demand. This is especially relevant in the Middle East as well, where environmental consciousness is rapidly gaining traction. PSPs are increasingly recognizing the importance of sustainable practices, both for environmental responsibility and for long-term cost savings.
By opting for modular devices, PSPs will be able to find a printer that will stand the test of time. Choosing a roll-to-roll printer that’s upgradable, for example, with extra ink channels, with roll media options, and even to a higher speed version, will allow businesses to stay on top of the latest technology so they can deliver the right quality and the latest trends to keep up with customer demand.
Similarly, investing in a single, robust, high-volume roll-to-roll printer can often be more cost-effective than managing multiple smaller machines. This approach not only reduces running and maintenance costs. A streamlined, efficient workflow and automated maintenance concept will not only create a fast production line but will also help to save on operator time and bring further cost savings helping to futureproof a business. When choosing a roll-to-roll printer, it’s important PSPs implement a strategic approach to look at all the associated costs to prevent any hidden surprises that will push up monthly outgoings. By focusing on modular devices and improving productivity and automation, businesses can invest in sturdy roll-to-roll printers that should stand the test of time and provide years of use. For instance, Canon’s Colorado M-series, compatible with UVgel inks, enables PSPs to configure the system to their current needs and upgrade later as their business grows, providing flexibility and future-proofing their investment. Coupled with supporting a variety of applications, the Colorado M-series leverages automated features like roll feeding and an advanced maintenance system, while also saving on running costs with reduced ink and energy usage.
To learn more about Canon’s wide format roll-to-roll printer and technology portfolio, visit: https://www.canon-emirates.ae/business/products/large-format-printers/uvgel-roll-tol-roll/
