Open up a new world

Printing direct-to-object opens up a world of personalised and bespoke products, where a specific design or name can be requested by a customer and printed to an item, making it unique. The Mimaki UJF MkII series is perfect for printing individual items or small batches because it can handle variable data and print highly efficiently on small runs. This isn’t just the case with individuals though, as many businesses invest substantial funds into the production of branded marketing collateral. Whoever it’s intended for, adding print to a product adds value and if you can offer something a bit unique, like embossed effects or spot varnish, it will increase profits.

Mimaki has been a market leader for direct-to-object digital printing technology and products. The UJF-MkII series small-format LED UV flatbed or the larger JFX200 series gives print providers plenty of opportunity to incorporate high value printed items into their offering. There’s a good chance that existing customers will be sourcing such products elsewhere so it’s an ideal opportunity to offer them better service and innovative new products from a single supplier.

Mimaki has a great selection of UV inks that produce stunning effects and enable creative opportunities. These capabilities open doors for sign-makers to introduce high end decorative products such as acrylic photoblocks, personalised notebooks or stationery that can be sold to commercial and domestic customers.  Mimaki’s clear varnish is perfect for spot varnish or creating an embossed effect which makes a product look more desirable. Reverse printing is made possible with white ink, whilst ensuring vibrant colours and this opens up a host of creative opportunities such as printing wedding photos onto acrylic blocks or wall-mounted panels, as well as other bespoke interior décor items including glass splashbacks and tiles.

It is easier than you may think to get into higher value printed products as there are no start-up costs other than the initial hardware investment of a printer like the UJF MkII, short lead times and you retain control of the process from start to finish. It’s about being creative with inks and effects and thinking outside the box in terms of which products can actually be printed onto.

Creativity is key

It is very feasible for a sign-maker to introduce a high value print products service to their portfolio. Such companies have the relevant experience in the graphics market, the design experience in-house and the market for the products. The equipment and process is easy to learn and operate and the blank products—if they choose to address that market—are cost-effective and easy to obtain.

As with any instance of adding a new service to an existing portfolio, initial market research within a company’s established customer database is always recommended. Once demand is established there, the company should look outside its database to gauge demand there and decide upon the commercial feasibility in terms of growing their business.

Typical applications examples that we have seen are packaging, industrial labelling, gadgets and promotional items and high value acrylic signage.  Companies that have entered the high value print product market have all had relevant experience, established the return on investment and have the expertise in-house.

With recent developments in this area—more flexible inks and a huge range of substrates and printable blanks now available—creativity is the key business argument for sign-makers to look closely at how the technology can benefit them. It’s all about offering customers more choice, expanding the sign-maker’s portfolio of services and adding more creative options to those services.

The level of investment required to enter new markets is relatively low these days. Mutoh’s LED UV printers provide a host of application opportunities at relatively low capital expenditure.

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