When the first digital printer was developed almost 30 years ago, it meant a revolution in the graphic arts industry. Years later, this technology was adapted to other applications, such as board manufacturing, where it is used to faithfully reproduce designs on different surfaces. Digital printing makes it possible to imitate wood, stone, textile, concrete, and even the most complex fantasy designs.
Cantisa, the experienced edge band manufacturer based in Spain, benefits from this innovative technology to provide even more high-level quality edge bands.
Free rein to complex designs
Traditionally, edge band designs are printed by cylinders that apply ink in several steps. This method has some technical limitations making it virtually impossible to accurately reproduce complex designs.Digital printing leaves behind these limitations, as any scanned image can be reproduced incredibly acurately on the edge band.
Quick reaction to market trends
When using cylinder printing lines, if a new melamine design arrives on the market, it is necessary to develop a new printing cylinder to match an edge band for that design. This task entails considerable additional production time and cost. Digital printing makes it possible to do without this process – simply scan the new design and print it on the edgeband almost immediately. The result is a perfect reproduction of the original design with a shorter, much more cost-effective turnaround time.
A more natural appearance
When using printing cylinders, the chosen design repeats every 45-60cm, depending on the perimeter of the cylinder. By comparison, the digital printer can reproduce designs up to 2m long, achieving a more natural appearance with far fewer repeats.
Equal samples to final production
With conventional methods, edge band samples and final productions are manufactured in different machines. As a result, there may be differences between them. The digital printer can, first of all, make a small sample for the customer to be approved, and then print the mass production. As both are made by the same machine, they are completely equal.
Customisation based on clients’ needs
Digital printing allows create edge bands on demand. Cantisa’s customers can personalise their edge band match design, by selecting specific areas of the board to be reproduced.
High-resolution image
Digital printers work through small ink dots that integrate forming the desired image. Cantisa’s digital printer technique creates only the highest resolution imprints, making the dots invisible to the naked eye, and more than enough to copy the board design in full detail.
Special textures in small quantities
At Cantisa, they have more than 60 textures that are embossed by cylinders. In addition, their digital printer can reproduce the haptic (touch) of the melamine. This breakthrough means that edgebands can be given new textures, even for small productions.
Any gloss level
Cantisa’s digital printer can give any gloss level to the edge bands, from 4 to 90 Gloss. It is possible to have the perfect transition between the surface of the board and the edge.
Unique designs
Cantisa’s digital printer provides not only the perfect match for any board. In addition, designers can successfully print their fantasy designs freely, designing unique pieces.For samples and futher information, refer to the company’s website.
Cantisa works hand in hand with designers – their tip is:“Let your imagination run wild and create your own designs, stamping a unique mark on every work.”
