Direct-to-Substrate Printing
Look Forward to a Better Printing Method
In ADA sign fabrication, the printing process makes all the difference. That’s why, at Erie Custom Signs, we use direct-to-substrate printing. This method offers greater flexibility than others, so we can meet your signage needs even better. If you’re interested in getting more durable, cost-effective, and visually appealing signs, you’re in luck! Ordering from us allows you to take advantage of our direct-to-substrate printing capabilities during production (step three of our ordering process). And in doing so, you can trust you’ll receive quality signs with clear text and images printed directly on the material.
What is Direct-to-Substrate Printing?
Direct-to-substrate printing is a method that involves printing directly on a given substrate (or material). The alternative is to print the desired images, words, or other design features on vinyl decals or labels, then apply them to the material. Unfortunately, this option is less reliable, as the printed pieces can peel and fall off over time.
With this method, our team can add the following to signs in minutes:
- Text
- Graphics
- Decorative elements
As this process has become even more advanced, we can even do layered printing to create ADA-compliant braille!
How This Method Works
The direct-to-substrate printing method is similar to traditional inkjet printing, with a few key differences. For starters, it’s done with a direct-to-substrate UV-LED printer. It also requires UV-hardening ink that bonds to the surface it’s printing on.
The printer operates by creating a chemical reaction caused by intense ultraviolet (UV) light. The printhead contains a UV light source on each end, and the source follows the ink while it’s sprayed out of the jet, instantly curing it and causing it to stick to the substrate. This instant hardness and finished feeling provide a huge range of possibilities for printing. In fact, the ink can be applied in layers to create raised textures and braille.
Benefits of Direct-to-Substrate Printing
Direct-to-substrate printing with a UV printeroffers countless advantages, which is why it has become the industry standard.
Here are some of the benefits that come with using this method…
Lower cost
There’s no need for secondary coverings, which means reduced costs.
Greater sharpness & color
It provides greater sharpness and color saturation for enhanced visibility.
ADA compliance
This process makes it easy to fabricate 100% ADA-compliant signs.
Faster production
The entire process is much faster, so order turnarounds are quicker.
Scratch resistance
Printed elements can stand up to scratches and other damage.
What Equipment We Use
At Erie Custom Signs, we invest in our sign manufacturing equipment and capabilities to ensure we can fill every order quickly and efficiently. For direct-to-substrate printing, we rely on MUTOH UV-LED flatbed printers. These high-quality printers allow us to print crisp text, vibrant images, and even Grade 2 braille on virtually any surface. Plus, they can print in a variety of colors, including white.
Although MUTOH is an industry leader in wide-format printers, cutters, inks, and accessories, there’s another reason we use these printers in our shop. The company has a partnership with Direct Color Systems (DCS), which holds a patent for manufacturing direct-to-substrate braille and ADA-compliant signs. And it’s because of this partnership that MUTOH printers are recognized as being able to produce reliable ADA signs.
Thanks to the equipment we use at Erie Custom Signs, you can look forward to a better direct-to-substrate printing method for making signs capable of standing up even in high-traffic areas. Moreover, you can feel confident your order will be completed in a timely manner without needing to sacrifice quality.
What Materials We Can Print On
The direct-to-substrate printing method can be used on a wide variety of surfaces. When you order signs from us, you can choose from one of the many sign materials we have available, including the following:
- Rowmark ADA Alternative
- High-pressure laminate
- Chemetal
- Frosted acrylic
- Acrylic with subsurface areas
No matter which option you opt for, you can be sure the finished product will be clean, legible, and appealing to the eye
