The Screen Truepress Jet2500UV is unique among grand-format inkjet printing systems in its ability to print up to seven image layers without feeding the media a second time through the machine. For Franklin Imaging in Columbus, Ohio, multilayer printing gives the 30-employee digital imaging specialist lucrative market opportunities in high-impact print applications.

“We wanted to upgrade our printing capabilities to reduce our turnaround times and improve quality,” said Emily Williamson, president. “Multilayer printing is one of several great features with the Truepress Jet2500UV that will take our company to the next level.”

Coming from a reprographic printing background, Franklin Imaging launched its large-format color business three years ago. When it was time to upgrade from its first direct-to-substrate flatbed printer, Franklin Imaging spent more than 18 months researching comparative inkjet systems before finally settling on the Truepress Jet2500UV.

“We became very comfortable with Screen and our sales representative, as well as with the quality and price of the inks and the sturdy construction of the Truepress Jet2500UV,” Williamson said.

A true hybrid printing system, the Truepress Jet2500UV accommodates roll-to-roll media up to 98.4 inches wide and rigid materials up to 1.96 inches thick.

“The first job we printed on the Truepress Jet2500UV was an 8-foot-wide retail banner,” Williamson recalled. “We printed the banner in one piece without needing to piece it together with banner tape. The print quality was beautiful. The surface didn’t exhibit the ‘lawnmower’ effect you sometimes get with inkjet printers.”

In addition to printing on paper, vinyl film, banners and textiles, the Truepress Jet2500UV can handle heavy magnet rolls.

“We print a lot of vehicle magnets,” Williamson noted. “On our existing flatbed printer, it’s a two-day process that involves cutting, washing and treating the magnetic sheets with an ink adhesion promoter. We save an entire day running 48-inch-wide magnet rolls through the Truepress Jet2500UV. The ink adhesion is superior so the prewashing stage and adhesion promoter aren’t required. The ink doesn’t flake off or crack. Once printing is completed, we move the rolls to the cutter to create the proper shapes.”

The choice of white ink was another important consideration in the selection process for Franklin Imaging.

“We can offer customers many more options with white ink,” Williamson said. “The Truepress Jet2500UV prints directly on any clear substrate. White ink acts as a spot color on darker substrates. We also use white ink for printing on brushed metal signage and printing multiple layers.”

Multiple ink layers enhance the performance of window stickers and backlit displays. Additionally, the increased ink thickness creates three-dimensional images and embossed or relief patterns.

“Ad agency clients are actively promoting this capability to their customers,” Williamson said. “Customers are extremely interested in double-sided window clings and see-through graphics. We’ve also printed samples of raised lettering for dimensional signage. We are currently working on a project that requires multilayer print on clear substrate. It gives the look of double-sided printing in one pass. We are very excited about what the future holds for Franklin Imaging.”