Wide Format Imaging

As providers of digital services look for new service opportunities in an increasingly competitive market, adding the capabilities of a flatbed digital printer can be the next logical move. One such shop that recently made the leap into the flatbed arena was Future Film and Graphics of Sacramento, CA, who added the RP-720UVZ from Raster Graphics this year.

The RP-720UVZ is a 72-inch wide, six-color flatbed printer that offers print resolution of up to 800 dpi. The unit is capable of printing at speeds of up to 300 sq. feet per hour, at a price of less than $58,000. The new RP-720UVZ is the higher dpi and higher speed version of RP-720UV printer launched at SGIA two years ago.

Future Film and Graphics originally purchased the RP-720UV late last fall and received a field upgrade to RP-720UVZ when it became available earlier this year.

Future Film and Graphics specializes in wide-format printing. "We serve the Northern California area in wide array of printing needs. Our clients range from printers, brokers, marketing firms to artists and photographers.," says co-owner Joe Cole.

Cole reports that they chose the 720 because it allowed them to get into the flatbed market with minimal financial risk. "It also allowed us to save steps not having to laminate or mount on some of the jobs we do. It's an awesome machine for long term banner too," he adds.

Cole liked the printer's versatility. "The 72-inch wide production printer capable of printing on coated and uncoated rigid and roll media. Switch over from roll to roll to rigid or vice versa, can be achieved easily providing ultimate flexibility in producing a wide range of graphics. I think the best thing about the Raster 720 is the versatility of the printer, one minute you're printing on banner the next you're printing on tile."

He says this versatility has allowed them print on a host of substrates. "We use the 720UVZ for various applications. Some of the applications we use it for is for different types of signage. We are able to print on Coreplast, Fomecore, Sintra, MDO, Gator, styrene and banner. We also have worked with artists on some jobs that were printed on glass and tile."