The evolution of large format digital printers is continuing to drive change in the printing and publishing markets. These large format machines are used to print everything from banners, posters, signs, and photographs to proofs, drawings, and textiles. As digital printers continue to improve in terms of cost, performance, quality, and speed, they are beginning to replace traditional analog sign and display technologies, such as screen printing.

One company specializing in the design and manufacture of large format digital printers is Gandy Digital, based in San Antonio, with manufacturing facilities in Oakville, Ontario. Electronics and software engineering are developed in the Texas office, while production and assembly take place at the 70,000 sq ft Oakville plant. Gandy Digital currently sells one product — a highly advanced large format digital printer named Pred8tor, with projected 2012 sales of four units per month to customers around the world.

The Pred8tor is a hybrid ultraviolet (UV) flatbed and roll-to-roll machine that prints high- resolution images on a 4 x 8 ft sheet of flat media at speeds not possible with earlier printers. The sophisticated machine achieves its high speeds and superior print quality using new print head technology, streamlined software algorithms, an iPad user interface, and advanced motion control components. An automated head cleaning system eliminates the messy task of cleaning print head nozzles before printing, while a vacuum surface on the UV flatbed keeps rigid or delicate substrates perfectly flat for precise printing. The Pred8tor can be used to replace conventional high-speed printing presses in a fraction of the space, which is especially beneficial to smaller print shops.

Read the full case study here: Linear Actuator Streamlines Large Format Printer Design