Collins says, adding: “Businesses can use window graphics to showcase their brand, promote sales, offers, or simply create an inviting environment for customers. “Lastly, it's worth mentioning that window graphics can also add seclusion and security to a space. By using materials with frosted or opaque finishes, businesses can ensure privacy without sacrificing natural light. This is particularly useful for office spaces, meeting rooms, clinics, or other areas where privacy may be important.” Invest In Quality Away from material solutions, sign-makers and wide-format printers need to be aware of the printing equipment that they are using to produce window graphics. After all, visuals are everything when it comes to high-impact applications like this. HP works with businesses both in the UK and overseas to support them with their hardware requirements in this market, with its HP Latex technology proving a popular choice. HP Latex runs water-based HP Latex inks, reducing not only the environmental impact of printed work, but also reducing volatile organic compound (VOC) output, allowing companies to take on work in environments where health and safety requirements are at their strictest. “One lesson we have learnt in a postCovid world is that a business needs to be both agile and lean,” HP says, adding: “HP Latex technology is versatile; it can print onto a wide range of media for multiple applications meaning a business can be more agile adjusting to the market’s demands – without having to make significant investment in multiple devices. “By embracing flexible technology like HP Latex, sign-makers can become more productive. There are several devices that have white ink, which is important when doing window graphics, but only HP Latex has the combination of flexibility, the whitest white inks in the segment, plus all the other benefits associated with HP Latex ink.” As for the importance of investing in quality machinery and materials for this type of work, HP says this cannot be understated. The manufacturer explains low quality materials and equipment will give unreliable results, such as poor colours, bad image quality, and low performance. “Spending a little more on good quality media will give you better productivity, increase your print speeds, and deliver better colours,” HP says, adding: “As for machinery, having a reliable and up to date printer has many benefits. Newer printers are Energy Star compliant, more efficient, use less energy, and produce less waste. “It is essential to be able to react quickly to customers’ requests in this fast-moving market. Latex ink can be laminated as soon as it comes off the printer, without the need for de-gassing, and can be installed as fast as you can print it, without any odour. “It is also important to consider the removability of window vinyls, specifically that they can be removed quickly and easily in all temperatures without breaking. Nontoxic HP Latex inks also make responsible disposal easier.” Looking at the options available from HP, there are plenty to choose from, with its HP Latex solutions ranging from 1.6m to 3.2m. White ink options are available on the Latex 700W, 800W, and 2700W models, while users can also run window clings and other material on the hybrid R1000 Plus and R2000 Plus. “This would, for example, enable you to output your boards during the day and then web up the roll-to-roll to run unattended overnight with window graphics,” HP says. From speaking with suppliers and manufacturers that are specialists in this area, it is clear that there is no question about the amount of work on offer to sign-makers, wide-format printers, and other companies seeking new work. However, the key point that has been highlighted by each featured business is the importance of selecting the right materials and equipment to work with. Get this wrong and you risk not only the quality of the final product but also how it will perform after being installed. Selecting the incorrect material could lead to the graphic failing and peeling away, leaving your customer understandably dissatisfied and almost certainly pulling any chance of repeat business. Speak with your suppliers to identify the best product for the job at hand and ensure a quality result for your valued customers. ◄ HP Latex printers are being used by companies around the world to produce window graphics ▼ The HP Latex 800W is one of several printers in the HP Latex range offering white ink capabilities MARKET TRENDS / WINDOW GRAPHICS 47 Issue 249 - October / November 2023 email: news@signlink.co.uk
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