The photo above is the test print I mentioned.  It was printed on our new Latex machine…so that means no VOC’s (this is the most environmentally friendly printer on the market at the time of this writing).

As of right now, we are only digitally printing on one type of carpet with hopes to expand on different types in the near future.

If you would like more information – just give us a call or send us an email.

Some of the coolest projects I get to work on are wall graphics.

Part of the reason I think it’s so cool is I’m usually helping to install and I get to hear the positive response of the foot traffic first hand.

When the really big Wall Graphics are needed, they are produced in panels and seamed together on the wall. This is done usually for a couple of reasons: we are limited to the material width, and the paneling is easier to handle when installing. Typically paneling is produced vertically starting from the top of the wall, allowing it to drape down the wall.  Then the artwork is lined up at the seams from each panel. If done right the seams are hardly noticed.

Wall Graphics aren’t just limited to walls, either. We’ve printed on wall graphic materials that are used in elevators, on doors, desks, tables and, of course, painted drywall.

For someone wanting wall graphics up as a project, we need to know the following:

• How long is it going to be up for?
• Where is it going? [Walls, desks, tables, elevators, doors, etc...]
• Will the wall graphic wrap around corners? Are there curves in the wall, or complex shapes that need to be worked around?

If your project is large and/or complex, we like to perform a site inspection in order to verify everything will go smoothly for your installation. Let us know if we can help on your next project.

There is no need to purchase expensive dies, making it ideal for short-run projects.

So what can it do for you?

• Stand-up displays (usually life size cut-outs of people).
• Custom boxes.
• Sample projects (when you only need a few and want to limit your die costs)
• 3D lettering (Wall mounted lettering you typically find over reception desks, lobbies, etc…)
• 3D displays (custom fabricating on a variety of materials)
• Window displays
• Kiss-cut decals
• Any short-run cut project

What material can I use?

• coroplast
• vinyl
• mesh
• aluminum
• acrylic
• corrugated, card and paper stock
• foam
• styrene, and other plastics

Enjoy this short video to see the Kongsberg in action.

Give us a call or post a comment if you have any questions?

What it takes for glow success.

In order to produce a print that glows in the dark, there are a few steps to ensure you get the best possible outcome.

1. Be prepared, it can get expensive.  The amount of glow and longevity will depend on the amount of money you are willing to spend.
2. You will need to design your artwork so there is no printing underneath the spot you want to glow, it must remain white.  Since a white surface reflects light, you will get a stronger charge if the ink is printed on a white surface.
3. Allow enough space around your glow area.  This depends on your artwork, and is best to review first.  If you have a rough idea or sketch – share it with those helping you print; this will save you time and money.

What’s next?

The two most frequently asked questions are:

1. How long does the glow last?
2. How bright will it be?

Producers of the phosphorescent powders most likely are asked the same questions, which is why these areas have improved over the years.  Even with the improvements, these questions are sometimes hard to answer since we now have different types of powders and there are a many variables to consider.

Standard Glow ink

This ink is the least expensive but is also the least effective, especially if you want your image to have a longer glowing time. This type of phosphorescent is considered the most conventional and is based on Zinc Sulfide properties. We have found that for the time, money and not to mention the lack of intensity, this ink is usually not worth the money.

Army Grade ink

“Army Grade” is a term we use in production, most likely because it has been used in military applications. I am confident that there are other types of phosphorescence, but we have had great success with LumiNova®. From our experience, this type of powder does require special techniques and screens for maximum results.

As the data indicates from the LumiNova® spec sheet, it “is TEN TIMES BRIGHTER and has over TEN TIMES THE AFTERGLOW of ZnS:Cu pigments.” (pg -5)

Experimental glow inks with colour

7 years ago, when I was asked if there was such a thing as different colours that could glow, instead of the regular greenish tint.  This sparked a 3 month investigative project sourcing out special powders, certain anti-settling agents, and various formulations.  After sifting my way through, I came across some interesting glow abilities.  Not only did I find different colours that would glow, but I found that this process allows us to see one colour in daylight and have it glow another colour in the dark.  The video below shows that glow in the dark project I worked on.  At the time, we were the only printers in Canada trying this type of testing (screen printing) with this particular powder.

In this video we charged the strips for an hour under tungsten light (the lowest light source available). Glow time is only about 1 minute and has an intensity drop after about 30 seconds.

Over those years, we have developed a close working relationship with Océ Canada, which has allowed us to test their new technologies.
As you can see in this video, we are proud to be the first beta test site in Canada for their new Arizona 550 GT Flat Bed machine.
It’s also worth mentioning that at the start of this video, you can see a quick view of our Thieme Press (the largest Screen Press in Vancouver and the Pacific Northwest).

Here is a sneek peek of the new Océ promotional video that is about to launch worldwide.