expecting retailers to give them the ability to customise and personalise their prized possessions, this represents significant opportunity for those active in the DTO sector. “In fact, the gift personalisation market presents an attractive sight to business revenue and the opportunity for brands to command a premium price, with analysts predicting a growth rate of 7.7% between 2020 and 2027 in the global market for personalised gifts,” Goleniowski says, referring to a recent study by ResearchAndMarkets.com. The report suggests that the global personalised gifts market could be worth as much as $43.3bn (£35.7bn) by the year 2027, and with print-related items making up a large portion of this area, there is plenty to get excited about for sign-makers and print companies with DTO technology at their disposal. “These indicators show the market for direct-to-object printing to be heading in a positive direction this year, and we only expect this to continue in this era of hyper-personalisation,” Goleniowski says. “Our prediction is that UV printing will continue to grow in popularity next year. The lengthening cost-of-living crisis means that printers require energy-efficient and cost-efficient technology. UV technology allows for lower energy consumption and instant drying of images, helping to keep costs low creating more affordable products for businesses and customers.” With this in mind, Goleniowski picks up on some of the machinery from Roland DG that can help sign-makers take advantage of the demand for DTO and related applications. Mainly, he picks out the VersaUV LEF2 series, the latest generation of Roland DG’s benchtop UV printers. Featuring a range of advanced features that Goleniowski says will help users to streamline their operations and make printing even faster, which in turn will increase their efficiency and allow users to decrease certain costs. “Completely enclosed when printing, it runs clean, and cool with energy-efficient UV-LED lamps and low-maintenance head technology,” Goleniowski says, adding: “The printer also holds the capability to deliver high-quality graphics onto a vast range of flexible and rigid objects and substrates – giving users an all-in-one printing solution – and cutting machinery costs for businesses in the long term.” Untapped potential One provider that offers Roland technology in the UK is Service Offset Supplies (SOS), which is an independent supplier of both digital and litho print kit to the market. The company also has on offer a range of other DTO printers, with digital sales specialist Duncan Macdonald saying that the business is well placed to help and advise customers on the most effective solution for their business. “Ultimately, as an independent supplier, we offer a greater range of options than you would get by going directly to a manufacturer,” Macdonald says, adding: “We have had a lot of success with Roland desktop LEF direct-to-object printers, which offer the ultimate in both quality and versatility to this sector, but we also offer other solutions with different size and performance specs, such as Focus machines.” Among the Focus printers available from SOS is the Focus Atlas 1311, which is a relatively new solution for the UK market. A flatbed machine capable of printing on objects 32cm thick, the Focus Atlas 1311 offers a maximum print size of 1,300mm x 1,100mm and can be supplied with a rotary attachment for rounded objects – something Macdonald says will open up even more DTO markets to print companies of all shapes and sizes. “Direct-to-object is a growing market with plenty of untapped potential, but it's important to have backup when trying something new, and long-term service is what SOS is all about,” Macdonald says. From what manufacturers and suppliers have said here, it is pretty clear that there is plenty to get excited about when it comes to DTO printing. As is always the case when working in a specific market, sign-makers need to ensure they are running the right sort of kit to deliver high-quality products to customers – and with the DTO sector more diversified than many, getting this choice right is of paramount importance. However, fear not, because demonstrated here, there are plenty of affordable options available to those seeking to move into the market for the first time and those on the lookout for ways to enhance their established offering. 45 ▲ Available from SOS, the Focus Atlas 1311, is a flatbed machine capable of printing on objects 32cm thick predicted growth between 2020 and 2027 7.7% Mimaki’s UJF-3042FX A3 format flatbed entry-level DTO printer incorporates white and clear inks Factoid ► Examples of products printed using Roland DG’s VersaUV LEF2 series technology MARKET TRENDS / DIRECT-TO-OBJECT PRINTERS email: news@signlink.co.uk
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