What is Direct to Substrate Printing?
Read time: 4 minutes | Author: Luke Malone | Posted: March 2nd, 2022
Direct to substrate printing represents a transformative advancement in the printing industry, where it eliminates intermediary steps by applying images straight onto the substrate’s surface. A substrate refers to the base material, such as plastic film, glass, paper, or other textile products such as canvas, onto which the image is printed. The historical approach entailed printing labels or vinyl decals separately before transferring them onto the substrate.
PRI Graphics & Signs, in Phoenix, offers premium, large format flatbed printing services. This article delves into the recent evolution and improvements in direct to substrate printing technology and equipment, which have enhanced affordability and practicality.
Understanding the Substrate Printing Process
Substrate printing employs a large flatbed UV substrate printer to apply the ink directly to the substrate. At PRI, we leverage the high-speed Canon 6170 models that boast the ability to print white ink and create a raised texture. The printer applies ink, containing acrylic monomers, onto almost any flat substrate. After application, the substrate undergoes a UV light exposure, leading to the polymerization or bonding of the monomers. This technique results in the formation of the desired image directly onto the substrate.
You can see the speed of this process in action by watching this video.
Diverse Options for Direct to Substrate Printing
The versatility of substrate printing allows for direct application onto various durable and long-lasting surfaces. These include foam core, aluminum/metal, Masonite, MDF, and MDO Plywood, among others. Furthermore, flexible materials such as Flexible PVC, corrugated boxes, Magnetics and Metallics, DiBond/E-Panel/ACM, Styrene, Plexiglass, Ultra Board (in Black or White), and PVC materials can also serve as substrates.
Benefits of Substrate Printing
Direct to substrate printing offers a broad spectrum of options to suit your project or business requirements. Additionally, Be it for indoor promotional displays or vibrant outdoor signage, this printing method ensures weather resistance, durability, flexibility, and reusability.
About PRI Graphics & Signs
PRI Graphics is a family-owned, Arizona commercial print company. Our in-house professionals include a graphics design teams as well as printing experts who are highly trained direct to substrate printing specialists. We can provide you with professional advice and exceptional printing materials, no matter what the size of your project or budget.
Call our PRI Graphics print professionals today at 602-393-3131 or Toll-Free, at 1-877-409-8889. Or, send us an email if you have any questions about the direct to substrate printing process.
Visit this Printwiki page for more information on Textile Printing Substrates.
Visit this blog post to learn more about the Different Types of Printing that is possible.
About the Author
Luke Malone – Director, Marketing & Brand Management
Luke Malone is a marketing and design expert who is passionate about new emerging trends in digital media and business strategy. A member of AMA with a PCM® in marketing management, he continues to strengthen his knowledge and skill sets in the marketing ecosystem. Prior to joining PRI, he pursued a career in filmmaking and carries on the passion for brand development.
