Wide Format Imaging

Nestled in the heart of Steeler country just outside of Pittsburgh, is an output provider by the name of Perspectives. For 25 years their name has been synonymous with in the POP and retail signage markets. "Our work with some of the retail giants over the years has proven that we have the talent and experience to bring our unique approach to any type of project we produce," said Mike Levy at Perspectives located in Export, PA.

"We offer custom screen printing, offset and digital sublimation services. We print large-format by piece or bolt-to-bolt fabric," he added.

The PA-based graphics house recently installed a VUTEk QS2000 UV-curing digital inkjet printer that is said to offer the best of both worlds by combining High-Definition Print (HDP) capability with high production speeds. "When we started doing our research, we wanted something that was the next step up in printing technology. We liked the QS2000 because it was fast and offered the option of printing on white inks plus it was being touted as a heavy production piece of equipment. We already have a number of VUTEk printers in house and have been very happy with their products and tech support over the years. They also have an excellent training facility up in their New Hampshire headquarters."

"Flatbeds are a very versatile piece of equipment. The nice thing about them is that they afford you the ability to multi-task, so we are able to stay on top in the marketplace as well as expand our services. The roll-to-roll capability was another key to our purchase. Due to the nature of our POP work, we needed a printer that could switch between rigid and flexible substrates on the fly. This can be done on the very quickly in a mere matter of minutes," he said.

Levy reported the colors are extraordinary. "With new print resolutions up to 1080 dpi, it enables the VUTEk QS2000 to print vibrant images and sharp text. In addition, the printer offers six-color imaging and a seventh white ink channel for new and creative applications. White ink can be printed in six different variations. The white option came in handy on a recent job we did featuring sneakers. The output was really robust."

Levy also likes the fact that the QS2000 can print on a variety of substrates. The printer outputs on both rigid and flexible substrates up to two inches thick and up to 80 inches wide.

"So far the QS2000 has met and exceeded all our expectations. It's very fast and its print quality is far superior, enabling us to get into new image critical markets. The QS2000 has also been ideal with tight deadlines. We run two and three shifts. It's been a real solid piece of equipment for us," he concluded.