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News Release from: Kodak Graphic Communications Group | Subject: Wide format printing substrates
Edited by the Printingtalk Editorial
Team on 22 May 2007
Take Care Choosing Wide Format Printing
Substrates
Kodak's Graphic Communications Group has issued some advice for companies that operate wide format printing systems, with a warning to take care over the selection of substrates.
The company's business manager for inkjet and colour solutions, Philippe Barrer, emphasised that if quality and performance is important, companies should never select a wide-format media on price alone Buying the cheapest available, regardless of a company's application needs, is like playing Russian Roulette and will eventually lead to loss of trade
This article was originally published on Printingtalk on 1 Aug 2008 at 8.00am (UK)
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He also commented: "Ensure you select the right media that suits the needs of the particular application, otherwise, if you compromise you almost certainly risk unpleasant surprises later.
I would also recommend that companies operating in the wide format arena should check suppliers' websites for additional information that will provide a useful aid in selecting the appropriate media." Barrer added that proactive suppliers will offer media compatibility charts and selector tools that suggest certain media according to specific application needs and the manufacturers and models of the printers in use.
Websites could also be useful for thoroughly examining the entire media portfolio offered by a supplier.
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By searching in detail, it might be possible tofind a specifically manufactured substrate that directly correlates to individual requirements, even for such 'unusual' substrates, such as Tyvek.
Philippe Barrer said: "Once you have a media in mind, double-check any specific requirements.
For example, if it's an outdoor billboard application, does the supplier guarantee the media for longevity in such applications? In addition, if a printer's equipment stable comprises wide-format inkjet systems from different manufacturers, cost-savings can be made by using a media that is guaranteed for performance and compatibility with each system.
Kodak currently offers a guarantee that, in specified wide-format printer and ink combinations, certifies the media against fading, cracking and bleeding." He said that it would be useful to enquire if a supplier provides additional information, such as the actual testing data relating to the media in question.
That will be invaluable and such information will give an overview of exactly how the substrate will perform when it comes to printing, laminating and finishing.
And he concluded: "The level of quality control is often proportional to the level of consistency you can expect to achieve from your media.
Check with your supplier to see how stringently this is applied.
Once you have selected your media, check to see if your supplier also provides software profiles developed for that particular substrate.
Finally, check the supplier website again as forward thinking suppliers will have loaded it with a wealth of information that often includes additional tips, tricks and hints for getting the most out of your wide-format media.".
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