PrintoLUX® system comparison

Process comparison

Engraving

Classic materials for processing engraving are plastics (2-coat). This milling method is not suitable for film printing. The process is work-intensive and damaging to the environment. Metal plates are usually only available in one colour, which makes it necessary to stock all required basic colours. Graphics can only be produced at great expense, and photogravures cannot be produced at all. The process requires qualified personnel. 

PrintoLUX®

Compared to engraving, the thermosetting digital printing process offered by PrintoLUX® is considerably more versatile in use (besides metals and glass it can also be used on various prefabricated plastic parts and adhesive foils). In addition, it offers the following advantages: Variety of designs through defined colour tones in conjunction with the PrintoLUX® colour profile and photorealistic reproduction, easier integration in production sequences, environmental friendliness, availability and cost optimisation. 

Comparison Engraving PrintoLUX® process

Material

   

Type of material

   
Acrylic   yes, verso
Aluminium, anodized coloured, AL    
Aluminium, white matt, AS    
Aluminium dibond, DB    
Glass, matt or pretreated   yes, verso
Adhesive foil, polyester (white, silver, transparent) PK    
PrintoLUX® aluminium, AE    
PrintoLUX® stainless steel, VE    
PrintoLUX® brass, ME    
Laminated board (formica-like), RP    
Plastic plates, polyester, PY    
Keyboard foils, PD    

Resistance (material- dependent)

   

UV

   
at least 1 year    
at least 3 years    
at least 8 years    

Chemical

   
Alcohol/ethanol    
Oils    
Cold cleaner    
Acetone    
Acid not resistant  
Toluene    

Physical

   
Fingernail test    
Tape test    
Flying sparks test    
High pressure cleaning/Dry ice cleaning    

Design

   

Colours

   
Monochrome    
Polychrome (RAL and Pantone) not available  
Infinitely variable colour transitions not available very good
Photo quality not available very good

Printing mode

   
Reproduction text files    
Reproduction graphic files    
Reproduction photo files    
Reproduction barcode files    
Changes between texts, charts, barcodes    

Resolution

   
Resolution (300 to 5.760 dpi) not available photorealistic (5.760 dpi)

Specialist knowledge

   

Software

   
Windows printer driver    
Macintosh printer driver    
No special software required    
Training requirements Intensive training Basic training

Production

   

Operation and serial printing

   
Single piece production    
In-line/Integration    
Direct printing    
Special preparation required none Pretreatment

Workplace safety

   
General workplace environment Workshop Office (noiseless)
Impairments (in-office use) Sound Slight odour
Notes on workplace safety Sound none

Cost

   

Investment for industrial workstation

   
Expenditure 5.000 € upwards from 3.540 €