can find a low-cost hybrid solution. Risk of Errors Hybrid systems can encounter alignment issues – the belt needs to be fully in sync with pulleys and idlers or there can be issues with the quality of the finished job. With the material moving, the risk of errors in the finished job is great. Servicing and cleaning belts can also be costly and time-consuming, with full-bleed printing. Roll-to-roll material printing on beltfed systems work well on higher end machines, but lower end alternatives create issues if left unattended as they won't track straight when printing. A flatbed allows the user to get a better visibility on checking the quality of prints while the machine is operating. On a beltfed hybrid, the material is printed on an enclosed system restricting what you can see. That said, these systems often incorporate a hinge door allowing the operator to open the engine and lean in to inspect the progress of a job. Flatbed Accuracy For a true flatbed, the drift and registration issues that come with belt-fed applications aren’t a factor as the media is fixed onto the bed. The material can be positioned precisely on the vacuum table and printed with complete accuracy. The roll-to-roll option is better than most belt-fed hybrid machines because the tracking is straight. Edge-to-edge printing and accurate double-sided printing also works in favour of a flatbed system using the precise registration pins. It means that PSPs buy the material at the size required with no need to cut or trim. It’s another sustainability win as it reduces the waste created by discarded material. A true flatbed is more efficient than a beltfed hybrid because it uses five-times less energy to drive the media, thanks, in part to the role the vacuum plays on the bed. This doesn't just give it a sustainable advantage but also a financial one. Special Effects Art reproductions or any print requiring tactile effects – raised print, optics, relief, or braille – are well suited to flatbed technology. Multi-pass printing for high build layers is not possible on a belt fed hybrid. It’s also worth noting that flatbed printers can become a hybrid system. For example, there is the option of roll-to-roll for single rolls up to 3.20m wide or dual rolls up to 1.55m each. Because the roll is guided across the print table, it provides the user greater flexibility when printing films or banners. There are two approaches here: fixed beam where continuous images are printed with the beam in a stationary position; and picture wise for images smaller than the flatbed table and where the machine operates in flatbed mode. The scope of available media is also wide. Varying formats, such as pre-cut or large sheets for further processing, and heavy or difficult to handle substrates are ideally suited to flatbed printing. For example, glass can be accommodated without difficulty thanks to the blow function of the vacuum. The material effectively floats on the bed, making it easy to move around. A flatbed system can efficiently handle large panels of up to 3.2 × 2m. The true flatbed's main strength is that it can pretty much print anything including applications such as pens or notebooks – anything intricate at any size. Ease of Use Simplicity means that an operator can easily set up a job (taking less than two minutes), hit the print button, and walk away. The open design and architecture of the flatbed printer give the operator visibility of the job. In addition, the operator can intervene and take corrective action, if necessary, with no loss of material. That user-friendly approach gives flatbed machines an advantage, enabling them to be the efficient, productive workforce that a large-format print business needs. Of course, it’s often dependent on applications but a true flatbed solution ticks many boxes that belt-fed hybrids struggle to compete with. Weighing up the Choices In summary, belt-fed hybrids are the preferred option for continuous printing and for handling oversized materials. It targets applications that don't require fine print quality and is ideal for PSPs where space is a bit of a premium. Quality and printing on a versatile range of materials and applications, true flatbed has the edge while also being highly productive. Energy efficiency and waste reduction are further pluses for those weighing up the two technologies. Pros and Cons at a Glance Belt-Fed Hybrid Pros: Suited to continuous large runs; smaller footprint with collapsible roller tables; and can handle oversized boards. Cons: Alignment issues with the belt; unable to print sizes less than A3; costly servicing and cleaning; and potentially inferior print quality. True Flatbed Pros: Ideal for fine text and high-quality; energy-efficient; highly productive; and wide scope of media and applications. Cons: Wider footprint requiring more space; and narrower variety of machines to choose from. For more information To discover more about the swissQprint range of high-quality true flatbed printers visit https://www.swissqprint.com/ ch/en/flatbed-printer/ 37 www.printmonthly.co.uk Issue 360 - May | June 2026 ▲ The swissQprint Kudu printing with its signature neon inks ▲ The Kudu in the oversize board option CLOSER LOOK | SWISSQPRINT ADVERTORIAL
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