The rapid pace of technological development and innovation in the area of wide-format digital printers has dramatically changed the landscape of print possibilities for the sign and commercial graphics industry. From ultra-high resolutions and ever increasing production speeds to the ever-widening range of printable substrates—the technology that enables these feats has become the backbone of this progress.

The end-goal, of course, has always been increased quality and productivity. Here we present perspectives on today's printer technologies, from some industry members who are directly involved in printer manufacturing. We will look at what they feel are some of today's most important technological developments, and then drill down into three specific technology areas: printheads, LED UV-cure technology and media transport systems.

Of all the questions and issues surrounding the lamination of large format digital graphics, film selection is perhaps one of the toughest. Selecting lamination films is sometimes a complex process.

Price alone is not a good basis for making film-buying decisions either. Unless you know from experience that it will work on your media, buying the lowest price film can be a losing proposition. The cost of reprinting and refinishing the pieces ruined by using the wrong film is much higher than the extra cost of buying the right film at the start.

Nazdar Clears can help. With a Nazdar Clear, you can print the clear only where it is needed, no matter how large or small the area. Whether you want a full coating or a small section of the graphic highlighted, Nazdar Clears make it simple.

And the best part, Nazdar Clears are typically 20% to 30% cheaper than a laminate on a square foot to square foot comparison.

The following are a few Nazdar inks that can eliminate the need for laminate sheets:

Computer-to-screen imaging systems have helped screen printing to remain relevant as inkjet technology has progressed, but they require a different mindset in stencilmaking for best results.