Grafityp UK Ltd
“Digital print media offers a world of full colour signage and advertising possibilities to sign makers,” says Debbie Astle, Marketing Manager, Grafityp UK Ltd.
“It allows for the use of photographs or other outstanding artwork to be incorporated into signs, vehicle graphics and wraps, banners, floor graphics, pavement signage, exhibition graphics – in fact any signage and can be produced quickly on a variety of substrates with various finishes and lifespans.”
Grafityp offers a range of digital print media in the GrafiPrint and GrafiWrap ranges to cater for every application type, and this media is manufactured by their parent company in Belgium to the strictest regulations, which conform to REACH standards. Grafityp have been manufacturing print media for almost 20 years, and their offerings include premium printable monomeric, polymeric, special formula cast and PVC-Free self-adhesives. Various features of the printable vinyls include grey or extra grey adhesive, which prevents show-through, and air escape adhesive, which aids in application and bubble prevention. “There is a range of corresponding laminates available too, which protect and enhance prints to keep them looking pristine, protect from UV rays and increase the lifespan,” says Debbie.
The ever-increasing array of products on offer aims to cater to the ever-rising interest in using digital media and substrates to create signage. “The interest in digitally printed media continues - as they say, a picture paints a thousand words! Some of the smallest sign making businesses have invested in a digital printer to offer this service alongside existing cut vinyl signage,” says Debbie. “Being able to offer this service and provide outstanding colour prints, light box graphics, signs and garment transfers means they will soon recover the outlay cost of a printer.”
Grafityp stock a wide range of garment films for digital printing produced by Siser in Italy, and these are an alternative to the wide range of CAD cut materials on offer. After printing, the design can be heat transferred onto garments and other textiles in the normal way. Grafityp also supply Roland DG machines, with print and cut machines such as those in the popular Roland VersaCAMM ranges being an excellent investment for sign makers interested in digital print media. “The VSi range allows for the contour cutting of prints, labels, decals as well as garment films, and is available in various ink configurations, too.”
The variety and flexibility of digital print media
According to Debbie, digitally printed signage has become increasingly popular in the retail trade.
“What better way to show off your products than on full colour window graphics, vehicle wraps on delivery vehicles, taxis, buses and trains, floor graphics or posters?” she says. “The list of options is endless.” Grafityp digital print products have been used in a number of interesting ways, such as on the tail of aircraft, racecars, boats, on the floor of an airport, and even on external applications on buildings. Grafityp take pride in taking on board customer feedback, which in turn shapes the production of all digital printing and vinyl products. For example, in response to an increasing focus on sustainability from sign makers and end users alike, one of their most recent additions is Colibri GEF environmentally- friendly printable films and laminates (as well as a cut vinyl range). “These films are a perfect alternative to regular films when being “green” is a required specification,” says Debbie.