MELVILLE, N.Y. – Advances in printing technology have provided the capability and versatility to produce products ranging from point-of-sale signs, trade show displays and even floor graphics. What once may have seemed out of reach for commercial printers is now possible to create – and with technology they may already have in place. That includes dimensional printing applications without investment in costly 3D printing solutions.

Canon Solutions America, Inc., a subsidiary of Canon U.S.A., Inc. outlines how commercial printers can expand their offerings into dimensional printing with the use of UV flatbed stationary printers and the right media selection.

Go Beyond Smooth, Flat Graphics

Using today’s advanced large format UV flatbed printers, along with a rigid substrate, it’s possible to create display graphics applications that deliver a textured and layered appearance. Combining visuals with texture delivers an experience that connects with end-users on multiple sensory levels. Dimensional printing applications include braille signage with tactile lettering, fine art with simulated brush strokes, or woodgrain or other natural textures incorporated into a range of applications. The possibilities are endless.

Understand the Many Dimensions of Your Flatbed Printer

Wide format print systems with the proper media selection offer an opportunity for commercial printers, and their customers, to expand their creativity – and stretch the perceived limits of their flatbed printer technology. Dimensional printing is a new concept that is not only possible for commercial printers to produce, but it can be done with stationary flatbed printer technology that many already have in place. No additional technology investment is needed. An employee trained on the operation of a stationary flatbed printer, off-the-shelf graphic design software such as Adobe Photoshop, and an understanding of the required file preparation and printing process is the minimum requirement.

Similar to screen printing, a true flatbed design holds media stationary on a table and moves the system over a rigid substrate. This design is ideal for dimensional printing, which requires highly accurate, repeatable ink drop placement. In this way the print quality is optimized because only the printer is moving with the media held stationary against the table surface.

Discover a World of Business-Building Possibilities

Dimensional printing is just one of the specialty applications that today’s advanced large format printers can produce that can help you gain a valuable edge in today’s competitive marketplace. Learn more about the multitude of possibilities for meeting customer needs – in-house – and how to better utilize your color printer to expand your business. Download Canon Solutions America’s “Getting More Out Of Your Large Format Color Printer” white paper.