personalisation printing brings the production of event collateral and commemorative items into the realms and budgets of most event organisers and brand managers,” Southworth says. Going into more detail on the Mimaki UJF Series of flatbed DTO printers, which he says combine a powerful mix of high print quality and incredible opportunity in terms of its ability to print to a vast range of materials, Southworth sounds out a number of models in particular. These include the entry-level UJF3042FX, which he says is the ideal option for businesses looking to take their first steps into DTO printing. The A3 format flatbed printer incorporates white and clear inks as well as the opportunity to use a primer for the most demanding substrates. Also in the range are the Mimaki UJF3042MII e and UJF-6042MkII e, which offer A3 and A2 format bed sizes, coupled with cutting-edge image quality and stability for printing onto what Southworth says is an almost limitless array of materials and objects, up to 153mm thick. “Mimaki’s opaque white ink, primer, and clear printable varnish all offer significant creative potential, ensuring there are few material or application limits, and with proprietary Mimaki technologies such as ‘long drop’, even non-flat surfaces (such as golf balls) can be printed to,” Southworth says, as data plates, electrical covers, gauges, and control panels,” Southworth explains, adding: “With instantly dry ink, there is little to no delay in the manufacturing process, and the fine detail achievable with the Mimaki UJF ensures small type, fine lines, and colour gradients are accurately reproduced.” Secondly, Southworth says there is the capability to respond to the simple requirement of personalising products for individual customers. He explains personalisation, and therefore adding an element of emotion to the product, is a great way to increase revenue in any print-related business. With DTO printing, he says this could be something as simple as a personalised phone case, or products that command a higher value such as large acrylic photo blocks, or even printed and laser engraved artwork. Finally, Southworth says sign-makers can look to the potential corporate personalisation offers. This is where, he says, a print becomes personal to a brand, and the Mimaki UJF range of printers are the preferred route for companies producing short-to-medium length runs of branded promotional items for events or corporate giveaways. “Capable of printing direct to pens, golf balls, name badges, and stationery, as well as many other items, digital DTO corporate adding: “With the addition of the optional Kebab unit, it’s also possible to personalise the entire circumference of objects such as aluminium water bottles and other cylindrical items.” In addition, Southworth says the Mimaki UJF-7151 plusII is designed for seamless and reliable high-speed production. The latest iteration of Mimaki’s 710 x 510mm UV flatbed, the UJF-7151 plusII sports eight printheads that enable dual four-colour ink configurations, resulting in 190% faster print speeds when compared to the previous model. “The printer breaks creative boundaries with several features developed to enhance image quality, such as MFD2 processing functionality to further control dot position, delivering the very sharpest edges and finest lines,” Southworth says. Positive direction Another major manufacturer that has a significant presence in the DTO market is Roland DG, with a number of machines on offer to customers. Rob Goleniowski, head of sales at Roland DG, says that as the modern shopper continues to ask for something different and is increasingly 44 ▲ Examples of products printed using Roland DG’s VersaUV LEF2 series technology Direct-to-object is a growing market with plenty of untapped potential, but it's important to have a backup when trying something new ▼ The Mimaki UJF-7151 plusII has eight printheads that enable dual four-colour ink configurations MARKET TRENDS / DIRECT-TO-OBJECT PRINTERS www.signlink.co.uk February / March 2023 - Issue 245
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