43 Issue 247 - June / July 2023 email: news@signlink.co.uk MARKET TRENDS / RIGID SUBSTRATES thickness, a consistent blemish-free finish, and - crucially - good ink adhesion. “Where applicable, an easily removable, residue-free, liner is also highly desirable. If cut-to-size substrates are to be sourced they need to be ‘square’ cut with no raised, blurred, or frayed edges.” Going further, Pridham says inconsistent, poor-quality rigid media can adversely affect print quality and printer reliability, sometimes causing significant damage, material wastage, and excessive downtime, with increased costs in operation and damage to a company’s reputation. He adds that the selection of rigid substrates purely on the basis of cost, while initially attractive, can often lead to lower productivity and inconsistent results. These, he says, are two consequences of buying the cheapest option that may not become apparent until it is too late. “While using quality products might initially seem unnecessarily costly, the decision to 'buy right, buy once' will almost invariably pay dividends in the longer term; a single removal of the need for a reprint could be the difference between profit and loss on a project. “In an ideal world, the use of the best quality substrates available for every application is of course preferable. There will still be instances where 'standard' substrates might seem sufficient, for high-volume, low-margin applications. But the reduction in wasted materials and production time by using quality substrates may still contribute to enhanced profitability in the long run, even on these projects.” However, Pridham warned that there are many sectors in the sign-making industry where the use of quality, certified, and tested substrates will also provide print service provider clients with the peace of mind they seek. He offers the example of any application where public liability is a concern or extended durability is required. “While perhaps initially unseen by the client, this decision, if factored into the value of the work will often contribute to repeat business or new work, from clients looking to source consistent ‘dependable’ media,” he explains. Finally, Pridham says the benefits of choosing high-quality rigid substrates reach beyond their enhanced performance in printing; with another factor that should not be overlooked being the supply and delivery process. However well produced, he says 'value' substrates can be easily damaged by poor storage or handling during the delivery phase. Easily crushed substrates such as fluted card being bound too tightly can lead to a significant percentage of the supplied material being unusable. “Additionally, sourcing media that has not been stored for too long in a delivery hub is also advisable, especially for substrates that have been treated during the manufacturing process to make them more suitable for UV printing,” he says, adding: “Thus, the advantages of buying lower cost rigid substrates can be reduced through wastage, even before printing has begun.” There is more than enough food for thought here for sign-makers. While the temptation may be there to go down the route of cheaper materials to save on costs for both yourself and the customer, the reality is that you are simply not going to get the high-quality results that you and your clients are after. Have conversations with suppliers and manufacturers in order to identify the most effective solutions for each project you are working on. This could include highlighting some of the key requirements for the job, such as sustainable targets or the environment where the piece will be installed. Selecting the right material for each job will cut down on errors and allow you to reap the benefits in the long run. Our strategy is to continue to add polypropylene-based materials to our range in order to drive wider use of this polymer type The latest opaque grades in the Antalis Exten Opaque PP range retains between 98-100% opacity for two-sided printing by way of UV litho, screen, and digital inkjet Factoid ► swissQprint says printer choice is equally as important as selecting the right rigid substrate
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