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PrintoLUX® system comparison

Process comparison

Digital printing with solvent ink

The restrictions involved in digital printing with solvent ink include low chemical and UV resistance. In addition, the fact that the ink can dry in the print head as well as the significantly higher transportation costs (hazardous materials) can be regarded as disadvantages. The initial investment (for one workstation) is much higher than with PrintoLUX®.

PrintoLUX®

Compared to digital printing with solvent ink, the PrintoLUX® process shows significantly higher resistance and durability. Thanks to the water-soluble ink used in the PrintoLUX® process, neither the cartridge nor the print head can gum up. This cuts the systemic production costs to a very significant extent. PrintoLUX® is easy to handle, without qualified personnel and without time-consuming training courses, facilitating integration in the production process. 

Comparison Digital printing with solvent ink PrintoLUX® process

Material

    

Type of material

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

Resistance (material- dependent)

    

UV

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

Chemical

    
Alcohol/ethanol    
Oils scarcely resistant  
Cold cleaner not resistant  
Acetone scarcely resistant  
Acid not resistant  
Toluene scarcely resistant  

Physical

    
Fingernail test    
Tape test    
Flying sparks test not resistant  
High pressure cleaning/Dry ice cleaning not resistant  

Design

    

Colours

    
Monochrome    
Polychrome (RAL and Pantone) partly possible  
Infinitely variable colour transitions good very good
Photo quality good very good

Printing mode

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

Resolution

    
Resolution (300 - 5.760 dpi) photorealistic (5.760 dpi) 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 Primer Pretreatment

Workplace safety

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

Cost

    

Investment for industrial workstation

    
Expenditure 12.000 € upwards from 3.540 €