Images_December_2019_Digital Edition

www.images-magazine.com 62 images DECEMBER 2019 ‘ orporates 3M Scotchlite reflective materials SOFT SIGNAGE sportswear or other polyester apparel, it is even easier to move into soft signage as there’s no requirement for further significant financial outlay to get started. For those new to sublimation printing, the major industry suppliers all offer affordable printers and ancillary equipment, allowing for low-cost entry into the sector. In terms of essentials, Grant of Xpres says a sublimation printer along with a calendar of 64” width will suit the most popular soft signage textile width of 1.6m, though decorators will need to have adequate space for loading and unloading wide rolls. “For finishing the printed textile, a fabric cutter (hand-held or digital flat bed) and a sewing machine will be required too,” he adds. Phil mentions that your choice of equipment will depend on the size of the soft signage that you’re hoping to offer. “Some garment printers might have a 24” machine, which is only going to produce small-format soft signage, but is certainly a way to start to test the water without needing to invest in a larger heat press.” He suggests that an entry-level, 44” soft signage printer would be able to print on a wide range of fabric signage, as well as garments, but will require the user to obtain a larger heat press or a roll-to-roll calendar. Getting started Before jumping straight into the soft signage market, Grant advises that it is often a better idea for garment decorators to outsource orders, to fully understand the demand for soft signage amongst your customer base. Similarly, Phil recommends that the fastest way to get into and test the soft signage market could be to offer what you can using your existing equipment, and then outsource anything that’s too big to handle in-house. “If it becomes apparent over time that there’s a growing demand for large-format jobs then you can look at making an investment in additional kit. Replacing an existing garment decorating machine with something that can also do soft signage is probably the lowest risk approach,” he suggests. Brett adds that it’s worth considering the downside of failing to offer soft signage printing: if you’re not supplying soft signage then another business either is, or soon will be. Equally, if you give your customer no choice but to go elsewhere for their signage, consider the risk of them then deciding to place all their orders with your competitor who does provide a one-stop shop service. Phil adds that the most important thing to remember before you venture into the soft signage market is to undertake thorough research first – you need to establish that there is a demand for this type of product amongst your current customer base. “Then, when you do decide to invest in a new machine, think about flexibility and what else it will enable you to offer your customers in terms of large-format printing.” Brett agrees that talking to your customers to see what they want, what you could be offering and how you could assist with their broader print requirements, should start to open some doors. “Don’t be afraid to explore the opportunities. If you need to explore outsourcing, then there are plenty of trade printers who can assist, but depending on your current wide-format kit, you might find you’re well placed to provide new products already.” Result Headwear s High-Viz Cap inc The new Epso n SC-F9300 dye sublimation printer Xpres: Epson SC-F9300 Dye Sublimation Printer Turning to the hardware aspects of soft signage printing, the major players in this market all offer a range of printers that cover the needs of start-up businesses through to large-scale, specialist signage print shops. Xpres, for example, offers sublimation printers at various price points, and highlights the Mimaki TS1800-300P and the new Epson SC-F9300 as key systems for the market, in conjunction with the Texpres calendar unit.