Eco-solvent printers

Start with the indication of the work you produce most often. Then compare the factors that affect your daily production:

- Applications and media: Consider your main applications, media types and roll width.

- Print-and-cut workflow: If you mainly produce contour-cut stickers or decals, an integrated print-and-cut printer can simplify the process. For higher workloads, separate printing and cutting may be more practical because both can run at the same time.

- Available space: An integrated print-and-cut printer can be a better fit when floor space is limited.

- Colour requirements: Standard CMYK can cover many signage jobs. Selected printers also offer colours such as orange and light inks for a wider colour range and smoother gradients.

- Turnaround and finishing: Do not compare print speed alone. If fast turnaround is important, compare ink options and drying requirements. For jobs that need lamination and contour cutting, also consider how the printer fits into your finishing workflow.

- Real output: Before investing, test your own files and commonly used media where possible. Real print samples can give a clearer picture than specifications alone.

Eco-solvent printers work with a range of compatible roll media. Common options include PVC and PVC-Free media like printable vinyl, banner material, canvas, paper and many more. For reliable results, make sure the media works with the printer and ink. Use the correct colour profile and test the combination before regular production.

Media compatibility can differ, even between similar materials. Some substrates are un-coated and some have a coating to accept the ink properly. For reliable results, check that the media is suitable for the printer and ink combination and use the correct colour profile. Of course, you need to test the combination before regular production.

Eco-solvent printing is an excellent choice for high-quality, durable graphics on flexible media such as vinyl. It delivers vibrant colours, excellent outdoor durability and reliable performance for applications including stickers, vehicle wraps, banners and signage. Its compatibility with a wide range of suitable vinyl media makes it particularly well suited to professional sign-making and vehicle graphics.

UV printing offers different advantages, particularly when faster turnaround times or specialised printing effects are required. UV inks cure instantly during printing, allowing prints to move directly to finishing. Depending on the printer model, UV technology can also support a broader range of materials, as well as white ink, clear ink and multilayer printing.

Both technologies deliver professional results. Eco-solvent printing is particularly attractive for businesses focused on high-quality vinyl graphics and durable outdoor applications. UV printing offers additional flexibility for specialised materials, creative effects and fast production workflows. The best choice depends on your applications, media and finishing requirements.

Eco-solvent prints need sufficient drying time before lamination. Since the solvents activate the plasticizers, you need to wait until the material stabalises again. Ask your media supplier how long that will take since it depends on the material. Of course, some jobs may need a longer time when heavy ink coverage is applied.

Drying time depends on the ink, material, temperature and humidity. Especially, for laminating prints you need to include this drying time before finishing. Also for the application of stickers you should remember to dry well!

Eco-solvent inks offer good weather resistancy and are suitable for many outdoor applications. However, outdoor durability depends on the ink, media, exposure conditions and finishing. Mimaki eco-solvent inks have the best outdoor durability available in the market.

For demanding outdoor applications, choose suitable outdoor media and consider lamination. Lamination can provide additional protection against weathering and abrasion, helping to preserve colour quality over a longer period of time. Always evaluate the complete combination of ink, media and finishing options based on the intended application.