Anvy Digital Imaging Inc.

Getting the most out of your next print job

Alyssa Hoyrup — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 18:18:41 +0000

Managing a business these days is hard: between reviewing finances and managing staff or customers, how much time do you really have to put into thinking about your next print campaign? We’ve put together a list of things to help you get more out of your next print job, everything from files to materials to getting it in place. Here’s the list:

File Preparation

Make sure you have adequate resolution

Resolution is extremely important when printing with wide-format, and is often overlooked or misunderstood. Print resolution is exactly how many ‘dots’ of color there are per inch. The screen you are looking at right now is either 72dpi (dots per inch) or 96dpi (if it’s a newer monitor). The ideal resolution for a print file is 300dpi, with the absolute minimum of 100dpi. Remember: the higher the resolution, the higher quality your final print will be. Here’s an example of low resolution vs. high resolution:

Comparing the same image in high resolution (left) with low resolution (right)

So how do we calculate dpi?

It’s quite simple. Let’s take an image from out 10 megapixel digital camera. The dimensions of an image from this camera are (roughly) 3872 x 2592. If we wanted to print this image at 300dpi, we would use simple math to calculate the idea size for print:

3872 / 300 (dpi) = 12.9”
2592 / 300 (dpi) = 8.64”

Very easy to see an 8” x 10” print would be very good quality, since we can get almost 13″ by 9″ out of the hypothetical image. But what if we wanted to print a 4’ x 8’ banner using the same image? At 8 feet (96 inches) the longest side of the image would be:

3872 / 96” = 40.3dpi

Now in this scenario, 40 dpi is much too low to print, so we would use software to upsample the image to at least 100dpi.

What about really big prints?

In some scenarios, it’s going to be impossible to provide a print file at the minimum requested dpi, for instance, if we are printing a 10’ by 100’ banner, a 120, 000px wide file would be ridiculous. The point to keep in mind is: the higher the resolution, the better quality the print printing will be.

Very large prints can be lower resolution because they are seen from a distance, but 100dpi should still be the minimum resolution. This banner was printed on our Latex roll printer.

Understanding Raster versus Vector

Another area where there seems to be some confusion is in raster vs vector. Raster images use ‘bits’ or ‘pixels’ to represent dots in an image (ergo “bitmap”), and have fixed dimension. A prime example of this is the image that comes from your digital camera: it has a fixed width and height in pixels. This is a “raster” image.

A vector image can be generated using a program like Adobe Illustrator or Corel Draw. These images use ‘paths’ to represent the lines, curves, and shapes within an image. Raster images can be embedded in vector files, but they will still maintain their raster nature. A perfect example of a ‘vector’ is a font. Open up Microsoft Word or another editor on your computer and type in some text. Now select that text and change the font size to something much, much larger (say 100pt). The text gets bigger but remains smooth and readable; this is because the font outlines are represented as path shapes, and can be scaled to any size while maintaining quality.

Comparing Raster (left) and Vector (right) text enlargement

Vector files are always preferable when possible for printing, as they maintain the highest quality when they are scaled up for printing. All files are converted to raster by a Raster Image Processor (RIP) for printing.

Using the right file type

A common problem with files that come in for print is that they are in some interesting format. Some file types are conducive to a print environment, and some are not. It can help expedite the preparation of your print job if you are submitting the print files in a printable format such as Photoshop (.PSD), Illustrator (.AI), or a high-resolution PDF. Print jobs that are layed out in document publishing applications like Microsoft Word or Excel have to be redesigned in a printable format before we can send them to the press, and can result in extra costs. If you need tips or help in preparing your file, feel free to contact our customer support team to get you started.

Design for your intended material

Another tip that can help you get more out of your next job is to “think around your material”. It’s commonly though that 24” x 36” is a standard size (which it is), however, if you are working with a rigid substrate (let’s say acrylic), you can get more mileage out of a standard sheet (48” x 96”) if you designed for 24” x 32”. This dimension will fit perfectly 6 times onto a full sheet of acrylic, which results in less waste and cost savings.

The left layout wastes about 1/5 of the material, whereas the right layout uses 100% of the sheet.

Some other considerations

Some other things to think about when your are preparing your print job are:

Is this indoor or outdoor?
Is this a long-term installation, or short-term?
How many do I need?
Will this be in direct sunlight?
Do I need high visibility?
Are my fonts readable?
Am I using images from a low-resolution source (web/clipart)?
Consider hiring a print designer who is aware of many or all of the implications of creating print files.

Submitting your print job

The entire print process can become effortless by keeping a few things in mind when you’re ready to start a job:

Allow for sufficient time

Rush jobs are going to happen. Given that, things will always go smoother with a little extra time. We like to allow for 3-5 business days to print an approved job. Planning early, finalizing design, and setting up a quote in advance can help make the whole print process much more smooth.

Supply finished files

A lot of time can be eaten up in sending file back and forth for revisions an approval. If you are designing, or have a designer working on your print, having the file finalized before sending it in can help make the process seamless.

Give advance notice

If you have a custom or large print job coming up, a little advance notice can go a long way. With notice, we can make sure to have custom or extra materials in stock to accommodate your job.

Installation

Consult with your installer early on in the project; many installation issues can be avoided before your graphics are even designed. A short consultation with your installer can save you a lot of time and money later on in the project.

A short consultation with your installer can save some headaches later on in the project.

Banner Graphic Design - Handy Randy, Integrated Online Marketing - Kayak Creative

Get advice from the Pros

As a leading print agency, we can help make your next print job painless. The world of print is complex but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some ideas to help you out:

Research your print options

The print industry has changed dramatically over the last decade, and continues to do so. We talk to people every day who don’t realize many of the possibilities that are available in print today. Even the idea of ‘direct print’ is widely misunderstood, and could change how you look at your print strategy. Take a little time to understand some of the options that are available to you when moving forward in your next campaign, the result can save you time and money.

Call ahead and ask questions

Regardless of your provider, a quick call can iron our the wrinkles when you’re getting ready to start a print job. Calling ahead can not only answer questions, but also spot issues that may not have been previously obvious.

Understand your service provider

Getting to know the company that is providing your print service can go a long way in helping you make confident decisions in print. We gladly offer facility tours and product training for your marketing department so you can make printing decisions with confidence.

Feel free to contact us to get started on your next print project.

Alyssa Hoyrup, Project Manager

About the author

Alyssa Hoyrup is Project Manager and head of the Customer Service department at Anvy Digital. Alyssa enjoys spending time outdoors, photography, and visiting her home in BC.

Contact Alyssa for more tips and information about Direct Print.

What is Direct Print?

Anvy Digital — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 20:44:34 +0000

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

5 Modern Sign Ideas to promote your business

Anvy Digital — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 17:31:58 +0000

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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Green Options for your next Project

Anvy Digital — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 17:31:52 +0000

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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Anvy Digital Launches New Product: Image-Tex

Anvy Digital — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 17:12:23 +0000

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

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!

What 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!

How 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.

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

Anvy Digital — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 22:04:34 +0000

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.

Like us on Facebook and win!

Anvy Digital — Mon, 30 May 2011 14:53:09 +0000

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.

Stepper Custom Homes featured in Calgary New Home Guide

Anvy Digital — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 14:58:57 +0000

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.

G7 Master Certification

Anvy Digital — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 14:49:56 +0000

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.

PPOC Trade Show Banff 2011

Anvy Digital — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 21:22:55 +0000

Wow! We just came back from the PPOC Trade Show in Banff and we had a great time. We had the opportunity to hang out at the beautiful Banff Springs Hotel and meet some really awesome people. One of my personal highlights of the show was the chance to attend a seminar by Art Wolfe on Sunday night. Art started his slideshow presentation in the Arctic and took us on an amazing journey around the world, finally finishing up just south of Patagonia. Anvy Digital was representing our ImageStyle line at the trade show and received some great feedback about the products, and also set up the makings of some great trade relationships.

Truly looking forward to the next show, Halifax 2011… see you there!