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A Sign of Inspiration

May 16, 2012 By

Signs of innovation from around the world

Every once in a while we have to stop what we’re doing for a minute, and check out the rest of the world.  It seems too easy to get “Busy” (you know that word, don’t you…?) and get caught up in the day-to-day workings of a print shop.  We get so focused in on what we are doing sometimes that we forget to look around at what we ‘could’ do.  Every once in a while I like to just browse around the internet and see what the rest of the world is doing, find some inspiration, find something different.

So I hope that this post won’t disappoint, it’s not going to be tips on a workflow process, or some new technology or innovation, it’s just going to be a bunch of inspiration I found around the internet.  I hope you enjoy :)

 


Layered dimensional sign

Combination dimensional and vinyl (from SignAction in Australia)


Illuminated outdoor dimensional signage

Outdoor illuminated dimensional signage (sign source unknown)


Layered dimensional sign

Nice sign with dibond and crezone (from Right Way signs)


Layered dimensional sign, metal and glass

Layered dimensional signage (Sign source unknown)


Layered dimensional sign

Another layered dimensional signage (from Colorific)


Layered metal sign

Really neat idea for a layered metal sign (from Fleetsigns in New Zealand)


Stunning Acrylic dimensional wall signage

I just love this acrylic, very well done (from Artsigns in Toronto)


Wedding directional signage

Good idea for wedding directional sign stuck to a traffic sign post (from Wedding Ideas Now)


Excellent dimensional room signage

A really great display of dimensional room signage (from Andreas Imaging)


Reverse lettering in brushed metal

Reverse panel dimensional sign on brushed metal, very nice (from JIT Waterjet)


Forced perspective directional signage

Forced perspective, anyone? (image from Outthere Group)


Giant mouth over a mountain tunnel.

I think I'd be a little intimidated driving into this tunnel... (Sign source unknown)


Marriage proposal on vinyl banner.

And what could be more inspiring than a 'will you marry me' banner (from Easysigns in AU)

Aaron Fay, Technical Manager at Anvy Digital, wide large format print specialists

Aaron Fay, Technical Manager

About the author

Aaron Fay is the Technical Manager at Anvy Digital in Calgary, Alberta.  Aaron enjoys bluegrass music, weekends away from the city, and watching his kids grow up.

Contact Anvy Digital to make your next print project a satisfying printing experience.

 
 

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Filed Under: Newletter Posts

101 uses for Image-Tex

March 15, 2012 By

Anvy Digital’s exclusive Image-Tex product is so much fun, that we decided to come up with a list of things that we think you could use it for.  (What is Image-Tex?)

Some are obvious, some not so much, but we hope you have as much fun reading the list as we had making it! (and yes, there really are 101…)

  • Posters
  • Indoor sign
  • Wall covering
  • Wallpaper
  • Vehicle Decals
  • Photos
  • Kids stickers
  • Temporary directional signage
  • Window graphics
  • Elevator graphics
  • Table top decals
  • Tradeshow graphics
  • Bottle labels
  • Backlit
  • Contour cut displays
  • Temporary Floor graphics
  • Childs growth chart – won’t damage walls :)
  • Contour cut images (lifesize)
  • Stickers on bags and other promotional items
  • Custom posters
  • Window advertising
  • Replacing our Imagestyle Graphics!
  • Lampshade
  • Decorating themed children rooms – can change as they grow up
  • Wall mural
  • Vehicle wrap
  • Warning label
  • Advertising signage
  • Temp repair covering (hole in the wall?)
  • Scribble pad
  • Mouse pad
  • Office door name tags
  • Table top / desk covering
  • QR codes
  • Glass door display
  • Old family portrait
  • Floor plans
  • Menu pricing
  • Welcome mat
  • Coffee mug wrap
  • Stain protection for a wall
  • Birthday sign
  • Temporary water protection
  • Pillar wrap
  • Floor puzzle
  • Greeting cards
  • Name tags
  • Ran out of duct tape? (just kidding)
  • Window blind
  • Employee of the month
  • Team photo
  • Fridge sticker
  • Wedding decorations (won’t damage walls)
  • Band logo
  • Instrument decoration
  • Temporary tattoo?!
  • Customer recognition signage
  • Band posters
  • Weekly eatery specials
  • Signage typo!
  • Brainstorming room layouts
  • Fanfare items
  • Temporary seating labels (wedding or event)
  • Coasters
  • Street art
  • Billboard ad
  • Garage door mural
  • Scavenger hunt
  • DVD case label
  • Thermos wrap
  • A “Peel and Win” contest
  • Cell phone decal
  • World map poster
  • Safety signage
  • Frequently updating signage
  • Price kits
  • Rules and regulations
  • Lettering
  • Instruction signage
  • Giveaways
  • Laptop cover
  • Positive affirmations!
  • Custom welcome signage
  • Sponsor recognition
  • Sports memorabilia
  • “Kick me” sticker :)
  • Food labels
  • Custom postcard
  • Barcodes
  • (this line intentionally left blank)
  • Business cards (will stick anywhere!)
  • Custom light modifier for photography (think “gobo”)
  • Now Hiring stickers (for vehicles)
  • Kick Drum decal (you rock!)
  • Custom scrapbooking print
  • Star chart (on your roof!)
  • Wrapping paper
  • Binder cover
  • Permanent measuring stick
  • Did you really read all these?
  • Table-top menu
  • Home Decor wall phrases
  • A giant calendar

There you have it!  If you were paying attention, we had a little fun in there too :)  Got an idea we missed about how you use Image-Tex?  Drop us a line…

 

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Filed Under: Newletter Posts

What is Direct Print?

November 14, 2011 By

 

Direct Print is fairly new method of printing that works just like it sounds: the print is created directly on the material, very similar to a desktop inkjet printer.  Wide-format printers typically use solvent, water-based, or latex inks in this print process.  A print-head passes over the substrate (the material being printed on) spraying the ink onto the surface at specific densities to achieve the desired print.  UV printers cure the ink with a series of ultra-violet lamps, causing the printed ink to be dry almost immediately after the print head has passed.

What is Direct Print? UV-cured printing on acrylic

Flatbed printer dropping UV-cured ink on acrylic substrate

What types of direct printers are there?

The most common types of direct printers are the flatbed, and the roll printer.  A flatbed printer has a flat surface that accepts a rigid material up to a certain thickness.  A roll-media printer accepts rolls of material up to a certain width.  Roll printers can come in sizes from 12” to 120”+ in size.  These printers can use UV-cured, solvent-based, or latex-based inks.
Extra large format flatbed direct printer, printing on sintra substrate

This Acuity HS X2 prints directly onto sintra, and handles 2 print jobs simultaneously.

How does the print process work?

For flatbeds, the printer (or press) is prepared for the print process.  This usually involves a quick cleaning and calibration to ensure ink print densities are consistent.  Then the material or substrate is placed on the press and secured in place.  A print file will be sent to a Raster Image Processor in preparation for the printer, and, finally, the printing will begin.

For a roll printer, the process is very similar, but the roll material can be changed depending on the desired application.  Roll printers can typically print on many different substrates, from poster paper to heavy canvas.

Super Grand Wide Format latex printer

This HP LX800 latex-based printer can print on roll stock up to 126" wide, and as long as you can imagine!

Is this simlar to mounting or lamination?

No, Direct Printing is different than both of these methods.  In mounting, an enlarged photo or digital print is taken and adhered or “mounted” onto a rigid backing, such as MDF.  The print can then be framed or edged and displayed.  Lamination is enclosing the print between a clear protective film and the surface it’s being applied to.  Direct print is uniquely different than both these methods.

What materials can be printed on?

Probably one of the coolest things about direct printing is the ability to print on almost any material that will fit on the printer.  We typically print on signage substrates like coroplast, Sintra, dibond, acrylic, etc, but have also printed directly to joined wood panels, carpet, Astro-Turf, linoleum, anything that will fit on the flatbed surface.  Depending on the printer, this can be up to 1.5 inches in thickness.
Direct printing on Acrylic, wood, carpet, Astro-turf, dibond, aluminum, sintra, coroplast

Direct printing onto (left to right) acrylic, joined wood, Astro-turf

Exactly how large is large-format?

There are various sizes of large-format (wide-format) printers around.  Flatbeds can be as large as 8’ x 10’ (244mm x 305mm) and roll printers are known to go beyond 10’ (305mm) wide.

What advantages does direct print technology offer?

Direct printers can print very large (10’ wide banner) and very small (think ‘name tags’) with very good resolution.  There is also very little setup compared to offset printing, so small, short-run jobs are as feasible as very large jobs.  Modern presses are also very fast, making them quite versatile.

In the case of UV and latex inks, there are no harsh chemicals or solvents used in the printing process, so the entire process is much safer for workers, and also more environmentally friendly.  The same inks have also become very durable, offering decades of quality color.

Anvy Digital Imaging in Calgary, AB is home to the largest flatbed printer in Canada, the Fuji Acuity HS X2.  This press can handle a rigid substrate measuring 8’ x 10’, or two 4’ x 8’ jobs simultaneously.  We also have an Acuity HS flatbed which has a standard 4’ x 8’ surface, and can handle 8’ roll media.  Both Acuity printers use UV-curable inks. 

Finally, Anvy Digital houses the largest roll printer in western Canda, the HP LX800 which can handle roll material up to 126” (10.5’).  The LX800 uses safer, environmentally-friendly latex-based inks.

 

Filed Under: Newletter Posts

5 Modern Sign Ideas to promote your business

September 14, 2011 By

Looking for some new ideas to help promote your next idea?  We’ve made a short list of sign ideas we think have been quite popular lately:

1. Perforated Vinyl

Try perforated vinyl on your store front or location windows to advertise your current specials or highlight your unique offerings.  Perforated vinyl turns your large (or small) windows into billboards without disrupting your ability to see outside.  Advertise your current specials, upcoming events, or how about a QR code linking to your company website?

2. Try a Banner Stand

Banner stands aren’t just for trade shows!  Banner stands work really well as point-of-purchase displays, directional signage for events, temporary exhibits, farmer’s markets, anything you can imagine.  Banner stands can be very cost-effective options for getting your point across, and most banner stands have interchangeable graphics so you can keep the hardware, but change your message when you need to.

3. Floor Signage

Put your sign on the floor!  With advances in printing technology, it is now possible to put your message in places not previously possible, like on a floor-grade durable vinyl that can be installed directly below your customer’s feet.  What about carpet or artificial turf?  With flatbed printers it is now possible to print directly onto anything imaginable.

4. Adhesive Fabric Prints

Free wall space in your lobby?  How about putting up a promotion, quote, or recognizing an employee with that empty wall space using an adhesive fabric print?  Reposition-able fabric prints can be moved many times, come down without any damage or residue, and are a breeze to install.  Anvy Digital’s Image-Tex fabric prints are quite suitable for outdoor use as well, making them perfect for vehicle graphics, window signage, wall signs, almost anything you can think of.

5. Go Digital

Digital signage is all the rage!  While slightly more expensive than traditional signage, motion graphic displays are a very effective way to engage your potential customers.  Flat panel displays and LED systems are becoming very cost effective and offer new and exciting ways to deliver your marketing message.

 

Perforated vinyl

Banner Stand

Floor graphics

Image-Tex

LED Backlit signage

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contact one of our representatives to discuss how your add a new angle to your next project.

 

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Filed Under: News

Green Options for your next Project

September 14, 2011 By

Making greener choices nowadays isn’t just good for the environment, it’s good business also.  Using recyclable materials cuts down on waste and reduces the need for raw material resources, while biodegradable materials reduce the amount of buildup in our landfills.  Promoting the use of these materials drives the demand for more greener businesses and resources, and in the end, we all get to feel like we’re making a difference.

Here are some options to consider for your next project:

Banner Materials

Aurora Specialty Textile Group’s REPLAY 2 and Act II textiles are roll media products made from 100% recycled plastic bottles.  REPLAY 2 is suitable for indoor use and has a smooth weave, weighing in at 4.6 oz per square meter.  Act II is a heavier 7.5 oz per square meter, has a heavier weave, and is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.  Both products are highly flame resistant.

Foam boards

The Gillman Brothers Company has a line of biodegradable foam boards that measure up in performance with standard foam-center substrates.  Insite® and Duraplast® foam boards are manufactured with bio-resins that fully decompose within a bateria-rich environment.  ”These bio resins actually transform the structure of the polystyrene, while attracting microorganisms that metabolize and neutralize the plastic”, according to the Gillman Brothers website.

Coroplast

How about considering recycled coroplast for your next campaign? Plasticor Whitecap is a minimum 50% recycled material coroplast alternative that is suitable for all applications.

Backlit & LED

Optically-brightened Lexan* sheets are now available from Sabic Innovative Plastics, designed for use with LED and other lighting, less lighting can be used with these sheets while generating the same results as traditional lighting methods.

 

LED (light emitting diode) lighting is a good choice for backlit applications as LEDs operate at a much lower voltage and consume much less power than conventional lighting.  LEDs also open the door for all types of creative applications, like snap-panel backlit frames that allow for easy replacement of your graphic.

 

 

Don’t hesitate to contact one of our representatives to discuss how your next project can have a more positive impact on the environment.

 

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Filed Under: Newletter Posts

Anvy Digital Launches New Product: Image-Tex

August 2, 2011 By

Anvy Digital has added yet another innovative product to its growing line of high quality substrates: Image-Tex.

Image-tex-example--tropical-corner-peel User friendly installation. What is Image-Tex?

Image-Tex is a thin, high quality, virtually indestructible, adhesive fabric with limitless application potential. It sticks to any non-porous flat surfaces in all weather and room  conditions. It is also safe to put on wallpaper.  Removable, reusable, and repositionable, Image-Tex is the perfect choice for non or semi-permanent graphics and since there is no glue necessary, there is no residue or annoying cleanup. It’s as easy as peel, stick and enjoy!

Image-Tex-Stampede-Window-GraphicsWhat can I use Image-Tex for?

When it comes to the application of Image-Tex, your imagination is the limit! It is perfect for wall graphics throughout your home or business, whether it be for large boardroom murals or smaller graphics for a nursery, Image-Tex is perfect! We have seen it used for stickers and decals, seasonal window graphics, monthly or weekly or even daily promotional graphics and advertisements,  non-permanent vehicle graphics and even as removable clothing graphics! With Image-Tex, the potential is almost limitless!

Image-Tex-Large-scale-Hockey-Promotional-Mural, calgary printing serviceHow much does it cost?

Its cost can vary and is based on the square footage desired, but with our current limited time offer, you can purchase Image-Tex for as low as $4.95 Sq/ft!

How can I buy?

Call one of our sales representatives at 403-291-2244

You can also visit our Image-Tex site here.

Filed Under: News

Anvy Digital Continues to Innovate with New Acuity Advance HS X2 Printer

June 16, 2011 By

Anvy Digital Continues to Innovate with New Acuity Advance Printer

Anvy Digital has once again proven we are a “leader in innovation” after recently installing the largest Flatbed Digital Printer in Canada. The FujiFilm Acuity Advance HS X2 is the largest and first of its kind in Canada and has enabled Anvy Digital to continue to stay a step ahead of the competition.

The Acuity Advance HS X2 has allowed us to move in amazing and un-expected directions, offering a wider and greater selection of products, services and capabilities to our customers.

“We’ve doubled the speed, with the same quality. We now have state-of-the-art equipment. We can offer customers new capabilities. The increase in productivity has lowered the costs, and we can pass those savings on to the customer.” -John Phan, founder of Anvy Digital.

The advanced technology the HS X2 offers, has also allowed Anvy Digital to introduce a line of new products and substrates that to most other printers are impossible and unthinkable.  Our new Home Décor line, ImageStyle by Anvy, includes such groundbreaking products as Alloy Image Box, Canvas Wrap, Acrylic Photo, Sinta Photo, Fari-tex, and the ImageStyle by Anvy signature product “ImageStyle”.

The HS X2 rounds off our digital arsenal nicely, complementing a lineup that includes an existing Acuity HS, an HP Scitex LX800 latex printer, a Drytac VersaCoater XL60 UV Coater liquid laminator, and a Kongsberg MultiCut contour cutter.

Contact Anvy Digital, your premiere wide format, digital printer in Calgary for any of your printing requirements.  You can count on our expertise and commitment to innovation to help you solve your most challenging printing problems.

Filed Under: News

Like us on Facebook and win!

May 30, 2011 By

ImageStyle by Anvy (our home decor product line) is hoping to connect with you on Facebook. If you like our stunning products and would like to win a free 11×14 Sinta Photo, simply visit our ImageStyle by Anvy Facebook Page and click “Like”. 10 of the first 100 people to like us on Facebook will be given a free 11×14 Sinta Photo! It’s too easy! Just go to http://www.facebook.com/pages/ImageStyle-By-Anvy/184148321618093 and hit “Like”!

How do I get to your Facebook Page?

Click here!

What happens if I win?

It’s  easy, we will contact you and have you submit the photo of your choice by email to us, and we’ll print it and send it directly to you.

Are there any limitations?

Winners will only be awarded within Canada and the US.  Winners may be asked to cover a portion of the shipping depending on their location.  US residents may also be subject to import tax or other State and Federal fees.  We reserve the right to refuse printing on any submitted material for any reason.  Awarded items are not negotiable for money and may not be transferred.

Filed Under: News

Stepper Custom Homes featured in Calgary New Home Guide

April 28, 2011 By

Anvy Digital is proud to be the large-format print supplier for Stepper Custom Homes, recently featured in the Calgary edition of New Home Guide.  You can find more information about the Home Album from the Stepper Custom Homes website.

Filed Under: News

G7 Master Certification

April 21, 2011 By

Anvy Digital is now a G7 Certified Master Printer

Anvy Digital is absolutely stoked to announce our achievement of the IDEAlliance G7 Master Certification.  Anvy’s G7 Master Printer status became effective March 1st, 2011.

What does G7 mean?

To quote this article on G7 (What Is G7 and Why Should You Care?):

Customers benefit because they’re getting the very best color management available today. Printers who are G7 have to prove that they can match proof, plates and press sheets – so the customer is getting a shop that runs tighter process controls than just using a pressman’s eyeball for color.

In a nutshell, it means more consistent color across printers, and mediums.  Your proof will have a higher consistency moving from one substrate to another, and you can take your proof to any G7 Master printer and get the same results.

Learn more about G7 Certification at the IDEAlliance website.

Filed Under: News
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