Graphics created using the CET Color printing presses are outdoor-durable for up to 2 years and 5 years with lamination. However, environment and application will determine the ultimate outdoor life span and may result in outdoor durability of greater or less than 2 years.

The CET Color printing presses will print on virtually any rigid substrate, up to 4″ thick on the flatbed and 2″ on the hybrid. The rigid material just has to meet the size limitations of the bed or belt drive. Commonly used rigid materials include: PVC, polystyrene, MDO/MDF, glass, polycarbonate, chipboard/cardboard, acrylic, corrugated plastic, cabinet-grade plywood, styrene, painted aluminum, and sign foam. Our customers have also found success printing on other substrates beyond the ones previously listed.

Flexible materials must meet the model sizes of 125″, 98″, or 64″ wide, weight restriction of 100 pounds, and roll diameter of 10″. Compatible materials include but are not limited to: non-grommeted banner, calendared vinyl, cast vinyl, mesh (lined), backlit vinyl, reflective vinyl, cling window film, textiles (canvas, flag), fabrics, and paper.

The CET Color printing presses can support a wider range of applications due to their UV curing inks. Just one ink set can produce flexible or rigid outdoor-durable graphics on all kinds of materials such as vinyls, textiles, paper, Dibond®, Alumalite™, glass, and many others. There is no need to have different types of inks for rigid or flexible substrates. The list of applications is only limited by the designer’s imagination! Typical jobs include window graphics, banners and mesh signs, flexible plastic-based outdoor signage, outdoor rigid signage, site signage, traffic signage, cardboard & display board graphics, double-sided printing, full-bleed printing, backlit signage, and much more!

The pigment of solvent-based inks is suspended in a volatile solvent. When solvent-based inks are printed, they erode the surface of the material to create a chemical bond between the ink and the substrate. During the curing process, the solvent evaporates, leaving the pigment behind. It is the solvent evaporating that produces the unpleasant and potentially harmful fumes during printing and post-curing. In addition, the waste solvent must be collected and disposed of properly. The UV inks used in CET Color printing presses are 100% solid-curing and are VOC-free. The curing of these inks by the UV lamps creates a strong mechanical bond that is extremely flexible and immediately usable. Another big advantage of UV ink is reduced head maintenance and failures compared to solvent systems. UV inks remain liquid until exposed to intense UV light. Less clogged nozzles mean less downtime, less waste, and more time printing sellable output.

All the printers are currently compatible with the following RIP vendors: Onyx© and Caldera©.