What's the best printing process for large format graphics.

With Photo (LightJet), UV Flatbed, and Inkjet to choose from, what's the best printing process to use?

There is no simple answer as to the best printing process to use for a graphic imaging project. It's possible your project may be best accomplished using several processes, which is why it is good to use a company that can provide multiple methods of printing. We are not talking here about different materials to print on, but the printing process that is used. For example, a vinyl banner can be printed using several different methods. It can be printed on a solvent printer, an inkjet printer using aqueous or pigment inks or a printer using UV curable inks. All can look nice but depending on the use, one process may be far superior to others.

Briefly, here are a few of the differences in the processes:

Photo printing using the LightJet 430
Extremely high image quality especially for photographic images.
Long print life. This is a true, silver based, photographic print.
If you are going to frame it and hang it on the wall, this is the process.

UV Flatbed using the Accuity
A UV Flatbed prints directly to rigid substrates, no need to print first and then mount. It saves time and money. It also has an eco-friendliness in that there are less materials used versus printing and mounting.
Image quality is very high and works well with photo elements as well as graphical elements. It is a CMYK printer and works well with pantone colors so designers trying to match other printed pieces will find this a more suitable process.
UV is great for POP and signage. It stands up well outdoors, however it is not great for flexible materials that will be subject to a lot of motion like outdoor banners as the inks are not as flexible as some other processes, such as solvent.
We also use it for printing to acrylic and exotic substrates such as DiBond. It has a number of interesting designer features in that you can lay down a layer of white ink and then print on top of that. We have made some very cool displays using a variety of materials and UV printing.

Solvent Inkjet printing
Printing with solvent inks (we use "low" solvent inks as they are more environmentally friendly) is the best method for printing banners, outdoor wall murals, floor graphics, window graphics, cloth and the vinyls used for vehicle wraps. Image quality is very good and outdoor durability is excellent.

Regular Inkjet printing
Inkjet printing comes in several flavors. Along with solvent, we offer both aqueous (dye based) and archival pigmented inks.
Aqueous inks are very bright and colorful but will not last long especially if subjected to direct sunlight. We typically use the aqueous inkjet printer for making proofs and for quick turn prints that don't need to last.
Archival pigment Inks are used for printing to canvas and fine art papers. This process, sometimes called Giclee printing, is great when you want a "fine art" look and when you want the ultimate in longevity.

You don't have to feel alone when it comes to choosing the best process or materials for your next project, that's part of what you get when you use the GrafXGroup and Photo Craft Imaging. We bring 37 years of quality imaging experience to every job we do. That's why we call it the GrafX Experience,

the GrafX Eperience.....
Impressive Products, Uncommon Quality, Real Service since 1974
.......... are you ready?