ROLL-TO-ROLL PRINTERS MEET FLATBED-CUTTING MACHINES

In the printing industry, there is a growing number of companies printing on stickers and decals. Decals are generally considered to be more durable than stickers because they are printed onto a special type of paper, designed to withstand wear and tear. In contrast, stickers are printed directly onto a backing material, which can be prone to tearing and peeling over time. With stickers, kiss cut is generally used, whereas decals are associated with cut through.

Printing on decals is very common in the motorbike and car industry. It is a service specially requested by both professionals and enthusiasts. Decals are printed digitally, which greatly reduces the cost of production, because expensive systems or start-ups are not required. Using digital technology, it is possible to create decals with several individual graphics – in a single print – with maximum photographic detail.

Generally, high print runs are not needed. Thus, the ability to make a few pieces with minimal investment is available. This is why a flatbed-cutting machine perfectly matches customers’ needs.

Premium-quality graphic decals change more than the look of a motorbike, helmet or bicycle. They can change the overall look. Be it more aggressive, smoother, rally-inspired, classic or just representational, MX graphics give riders something extra. Digital printers specialise in custom motorcycle graphics for all types, such as Supermoto graphics kit, Enduro and other bike graphics. These printers modify colours and logos with a graphic kit to exact specifications and follow every step of the way in real time. Digital printing looks for a flexible solution to be up-to-date to ever-evolving market needs and customer tastes.

A flatbed-cutting machine means that the perfect cut can be achieved

Everything starts from a vector graphic programme, before moving to the printing and cutting phase. Once the design has been finalised, the printer springs into action. After printing, it is common to use a laminator to add the plastic film on the printing sheet. Once the lamination is over, the cutting phase begins.

A customer can create their own artwork by adding text and images, upload their own file or work with a designer. A digital printer will make it possible to print on the decal in full CMYK colours, which enhances the overall design. Lastly, the flatbed-cutting machine will carry out the final process.

Crystal decals can help make outstanding, rigid stickers. This material is more and more popular among digital-printing houses in this fast-growing industry.

Crystal is a type of transparent and soft-laminated PVC of around 0.5mm. It can be printed with very bright and deep colours. The material has an adhesive suitable for application to plastics with poor adhesion, which makes it resistant to abrasion. It is particularly appreciated for its ability to withstand mechanical stress due to falls and bumps, which could scratch or tear normal stickers. Thanks to these qualities, it is the ideal product for making stickers for motocross, off-road vehicles, quads and go-karts.

The main features of crystal adhesives are their durability and resistance to weather, fading and corrosion. Patterns are customisable with strong viscosity and no residues, deformations or print damage. In addition, decals using Crystal adhesives look good and can stick to any surface. Scratches on the gas tank from the armoured jacket or belt can be prevented. These decals are also easy to paste and remove without damage to the surface and a high degree of personalisation is achievable. Finally, they offer no limits in rigidity and thickness.

Most companies cut their decals using vinyl cutters. This type of operation very often only allows the cutting of the actual vinyl top-layer, leaving the backing material intact. The consequent need to devote time to separate the two parts, requires more time. Times are further lengthened by the difficulties that the customer may encounter in aligning the decals to the original part of the plastic.

The use of a flatbed-cutting plotter makes it possible to use the kiss-cut application on any adhesive film. Primarily, it can be used to cut through thicker materials such as Crystal. This enables the production of ready-made decals. Crystal decals are generally preferred due to the unique characteristics of the material and its longevity. Kits can be personalised with writing, race numbers and branding.

It is possible to create a custom design that will give a motorcycle, car, go-kart or quad an impeccable, fresh-from-the-factory look. A flatbed-cutting machine means that the perfect cut can be achieved. This means that a graphic kit will last longer than any other. Customers will be satisfied as a result of providing them with superior quality and long-lasting products. Additionally, clients will be extremely satisfied with the drastic reduction in delivery times. A printing house, only needs to equip itself with three devices which can be managed by the same operator. 

Any printing company should, initially, have a roll-to-roll printer. A laminator serves as an additional device and finally a flatbed-cutting machine. This combination supplies a complete machine portfolio in house. As a result, counting on external suppliers is eliminated and full control over quality and production times is made possible.

Frequent design updates keep things fresh and regularly provide new possibilities. Personalisation with a bold motorcycle decal is achievable. Customisation of stickers for motocross, motorcycles and quads is by far a future-proof business. But it is attracting the attention of printing professionals, as well as customers who like to experiment with graphics and cutting devices.