Guide to Large Format Graphics

 

Large format graphics encompasses a broad spectrum of printing solutions. These large display prints are at least six feet wide and longer still on the length. Large format print providers are not the same as offset printers. Services for an offset printer include brochures, stationary, and handouts for print collateral. Offset printers offer  large runs of 5,000 or 10,000 pieces and more. Large format print providers are print service providers (PSP) of shorter runs of larger prints, with processing rollers or beds eight to ten feet across. Finding a PSP with a printer big enough processor is not the only determining factor. The resultant characteristic appearance in terms of color saturation, sharpness, contrast, texture determine the visually compatibly to your project. The conditions to the display’s exhibition space will affect the shelf life of a display print. Those factors should be a discussed component to consider when discussing the shelf life of your display.

A professional large format graphics provider should listen to all your needs, including budget, expectations, and the display’s environment. A collaborative journey of expectation and realistic understanding about the features should steer you to the optimal solution. File resolution and quality should be evaluated to confirm its suitability for the final print, when viewed at expected viewing distance. Facts surrounding the final display such as  daily sun exposure, angle of the sun, and expected weather conditions for outdoor displays are all vital information to communicate. Indoor display graphics could be in the path of daily, directional sunlight; and that should be discussed. Glare and UV fading potential should be noted. Perhaps your print will need to match the wall paint in the display room, what is the lighting used for viewing? Will it be daylight or tungsten or fluorescent? All things to consider and discuss upfront with your large format graphics provider!

Here is some background information you will want to know when it comes to making the right decision with your project. Large format graphics are sorted out by the  types of ink and its paired processor.

Types of Inks

    Solvent Ink

Solvent inks are pigmented inks which provide long-lasting and fade-resistant prints. Solvent inks are typically printed on vinyl, which also makes it a waterproof solution. This requires no additional protection to make it weather-resistant. This is the most popular solution for outdoor banners because it is also the most cost effective  for outdoor graphics and signs. The key disadvantage is that solvent ink gives off volatile organic compounds (VOC’s). The heavy weight vinyl or PVC commonly used also gives off VOC’s. There are some ‘eco-solvent’ inks available today, but these are still not 100% eco-friendly. These eco-conscious inks do provide a remedial solution, playing to the necessity of outdoor banners surviving weather and time.

    Aqueous Ink

The other kind of inks used to produce large format graphics are aqueous or water-based inks. These are the eco-friendlier solutions.  Occasionally, its been discussed that some of Kodak’s aqueous inks are actually made with soy. All in all, printers that use water-based inks provide a better solution for the environment and will provide beautifully saturate color, for indoor applications and shorter term outdoor banners.

Types of Printers

    Inkjet printers

    using Solvent Ink

Large format inkjet printers are manufactured by companies such as HP, EFi Vutek, Mimaki, Roland, Mutoh, or one of many Chinese or Korean-based manufacturers. Inkjet printers used for solvent inkjet printing come from any of the above printers, but it must become a designated solvent ink printer. You do not switch back and forth with the different types of ink once one type of ink has been run through the printer.

    using Aqueous Ink

Inkjet printers using aqueous inks are made by the same manufacturers listed above, but then should also become a designated printer. The difference is that these prints require a protective cover such as lamination or glass. (A)Inkjet printers also are used to print on to the transfer paper for dye sublimation fabric prints and is the ink (dye) encapsulated into the fabric. (B)UV flatbed printers use specialized water-based inks called UV curable inks. UV inks are applied onto flat, rigid substrates. (C) And lastly, Giclee’s or fine art reproduction print use inkjet prints which are finely tuned in file creation, RIP, and computer manipulation before the ink is squirted onto canvas or watercolor paper.

(A) Dye sublimation transfer fabric

This process begins by using an inkjet printer to  print the transfer sheet. The graphic itself is printed in reverse on the transfer paper. The transfer sheet is then put into contact with the fabric on a second processor, called a dye sublimation transfer printer. The weight and weave of the fabric are chosen by you, but the process requires using a polyesters or poly-blend fabric because they work best with this process. When heated, their fibers open up to receive the ink and then encapsulate the ink into their fibers when cooled. Recycled and recyclable fabrics are available. This solution offers the best color saturation and they are easy to transport and install.  Large  format graphics run in sizes of eight to ten feet by any length. There is not need for surface protection because the dyes are permanent.  Displayed as indoor graphics, you often see them in airports, museums, and large retail stores. When used as an outdoor display, use it for six months or so.

(B) UV flatbed printers

UV printers use UV curable inks which are water-based. After printed, the inks are cured by a UV light source. The inks do not evaporate nor give off VOC’s, and is environmentally friendly. There is no dot spreading because the ink hardens instantly. This process makes the inks rock hard, such that the surface requires no protection. The biggest advantage is the ability to print onto any flat, rigid substrate of your choosing. You can print to glass, plexiglass, wood, metal, and more. This type of printer has given opportunity for extraordinary creative graphics! Prints are sharp and color is very good. What matters most when finding a PSP offering this service  is to find one which has the ‘white ink option.’This white ink option is key to providing a neutral base to dark or bold substrates. Having a white undercoat enables full color rendition for opaqueness over wood, for instance. If want the wood grain to show through, then you will not need the white ink option. You determine opaque or a stained-glass appearance, or even a mixture of both as per specified area on the graphic.

(C) Giclee prints

These are ordinary inkjet print, given extraordinary care and handling at every stage of the process. The high resolution digital capture file should be shot with a scanning back for extraordinary detail and be tweaked for shadow, midtone, and highlight details. The final print gets additional computer time for interpolation and manipulation, working to achieve that optimal matched art print.

Other types of printers

Inkjet printers are what pushed laser imagesetters out of production. Laser imagesetters such as Durst’s Lambda or Cymbolic Sciences Lightjet are printers which expose the latent image with lasers onto true photographic papers or films (duratrans). The exposed print is then processed in traditional photo chemistry. The great advantage to this type of “laser-exposed print,” is that it offers an apparent resolution of 4000 DPI. For the most part, inkjet prints are well-received and somewhat comparable. But when the project demands the sharpest-looking print available, you’ll need to seek out a PSP who still operates a Lambda or Lightjet. They are still plenty in operation, as maintenance contracts are being serviced.

As a side note, laser imagesetters are what pushed the traditional photo enlarger into extinction. Yes, digital technology has greatly affected the world of large format graphics. Presently, in the front lobby of my business, we have an old mural enlarger, which serves quite nicely as a conversation piece and coffee table!

This short and simple guide to large format graphics should offer you a base knowledge and worth considerations. If you have further questions, please fill out the form after clicking the button below; and one of my reps would be happy to answer your questions. Or call 1-800-829-4562