Resources
Digital Full-Color Output (DFCO)
Digital full-color output (DFCO) certainly is a buzzword that most of us have come across in the past few years. The real question is, what does it mean – and more important, what does it mean to our industry? As with all industries that mature, the balance between manufacturing capacity and product demand shifts resulting in increased competition. Often this means not only more competitors but also heavy price competition, which leads to eroding margins. This is more evident in economic times such as we have been experiencing recently. Therefore, if you have digital full-color output capabilities or are considering adding to your company's capabilities, it is vitally important to understand where DFCO's advantages and opportunities lie. This should be considered from both a strategic company perspective and a financial perspective. Read more.
(Source: Marking Industry Magazine, June 2003)
Full-Color Digital Marking Devices (FCDMD)
The marking industry has long been dominated by processes that require marking onto many different substrates with a good deal of durability. With the advent of digital printing, there has been demand for the ability to create a mark with a similar degree of durability onto various substrates utilizing a digital full-color capability. One of the most common processes used in different industries utilizes a label application. In this process, an image or mark is applied by an inkjet printer to a paper or film that contains a PSA, or pressure sensitive adhesive. This is subsequently applied to a product and/or substrate. If this process will work for your application, then the choices are many. However, in most typical applications in the marking industry, this process doesn't meet the durability and longevity requirements of the marketplace. If your application is such that a label application isn't sufficient but you still need a color graphic, then you need to consider a full-color digital marking device. Read more.
(Source: Marking Industry Magazine, Nov. 2004)
Hard Goods: Small-Format Flatbed Inkjet Printers
DCS President Blair Allen talked to Trophey and Engraving News about the different flatbed inkjet printers available for direct-to-substrate printing. In this article, Blair discusses: Micro Piezo vs. Bubble Jet technology; white ink options; ink supply systems; RIP vs. Epson drivers; pass-to-pass repeatability and tolerances; and more. Download the PDF (1.1mb).
(Source: Trophy and Engraving News, 2007)
Badge Making Technologies
In this article, Marking Industry Magazine looks at the advantages of several different technologies utilized in badge making: Sublimation, Rotary Engraving, Screen Printing, Thermal, Digital UV Flatbed Printing and Inkjet Direct-to-Substrate Printing. Read more.
(Source: Marking Industry Magazine, 2009)
Name Badges: Innovation & Diversification
Are you considering adding name badge production to your operation? This resource offers many first-hand accounts of shops in the awards and recognition industries who have decided to offer badge production services. It includes an overview of the methods used to create badges, what to consider before making a decision and even tips for marketing your capabilities. Read more.
(Source: A&E Magazine, Aug.2003)