As the lines between the print and sign industries continue to blur, sign-makers continue to explore ways in which they can capitalise on demand for certain printed applications and take on work that was, in years gone by, reserved for their printing cousins. Personalised print has been a growing market for a number of years now and many signage businesses have already taken the plunge and moved into this sector. However, in order to make this move a successful one, you need the right sort of kit to take on work. Direct-to-object (DTO) printers allow sign-makers to print almost anything onto a whole host of items. From pens and skateboards, to mugs and USB sticks, there is a whole world of new opportunities for sign companies. SignLink speaks with manufacturers and suppliers to find out more. Broader appeal One manufacturer with its foot firmly planted in the DTO printer market is Mimaki. Martin Southworth, reseller account manager at Hybrid Services, Mimaki’s exclusive distributor for the UK and Ireland, explains that as DTO is such a wide-ranging market, there are lots of opportunities for sign-makers. “DTO printing is a broad term that can mean anything from industrial printing whereby component parts are printed in order to add functionality – such as a scale, gauge, or other kinds of practical marking – right through to creating promotional items where the value add comes from the brand, design, or pattern applied to an already functional item,” Southworth says. “The result is with these opportunities, and the wider market’s desire for personalisation, there is substantial demand for DTO printed products across a wide range of industries. The surge seen during Covid, triggered by the buying public’s desire for personalised products has abated somewhat, however, DTO printing has a far broader appeal and the most tangible growth is being seen in the industrial printing sector.” With this in mind, Southworth offers advice on the type of work and marker sectors that sign-makers should be looking to target when it comes to DTO printing, picking out three broad areas of growth in particular. Firstly, adding functional markings to products as part of the manufacturing process, which he says is a popular area for the Mimaki UJF Series printers in industrial printing. “Harnessing the power of both digital printing and LED UV cure inks enables a wide variety of items to be printed, such PRINT ON POINT With demand for personalised print still on the increase, could investment in a new direct-to-object printer help sign-makers make inroads into a host of profitable markets? 43 MARKET TRENDS / DIRECT-TO-OBJECT PRINTERS www.signlink.co.uk Issue 245 - February / March 2023
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