4 Advice to Choose a Industrial UV Flatbed Printers

Expanding into UV flatbed printing can open fantastic new opportunities for an established large-format printing business. You’ll already know what many of the benefits are, whether it’s printing directly to a huge array of rigid and flexible substrates, the new products you’ll be able to produce, or the quantities you can produce them in. It’s quick, versatile, and profitable to produce high-value product personalisation, custom packaging, interior decoration or something nobody else has even thought of yet.

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However, with so many options available, choosing the right UV flatbed printer for your specific needs can be daunting. It’s an investment, so it needs to be right for now as well as the future.

1: Assess Your Production Volume Needs

UV printers come in different sizes and print speeds, catering to different throughput requirements. The beauty of digital print is the ability to print on demand – you only need to produce what you sell. So, while waste and stockpiling are less of an issue, you need a device to keep up with demand without being excessive.

• Study consumer trends and identify your customers’ willingness to pay for your products. Analyse your competition and their pricing, product range, and market share. Identify gaps in the market that you can capitalise on.

• Develop optimistic, realistic, and pessimistic sales forecasts. Calculate the production costs, including materials, labour, overhead, and other expenses.

• Assess the potential for scaling up production volumes as demand grows, considering additional equipment, workspace, and personnel requirements.

Small businesses and those with lower volume needs will likely be happy with a desktop or benchtop model. They offer a compact footprint and budget-friendly pricing, while still capable of producing high-quality results at professional speeds. However, if you predict high-volume production or larger jobs, you’ll want to explore larger flatbed printers that offer larger print areas, faster print speeds, and enhanced features to keep up with demanding workloads.

2: Consider Your Maximum Print Size Requirements

Likewise, knowing what products you plan to sell (right away and in the future) will determine the size of machine you need. Yes, small items like promotional USB sticks orphone cases can be done on a smaller flatbed, and for many businesses that will be ideal, but be sure to consider other products you could produce in the future. Equally, if you anticipate printing larger signage, POP displays, or other oversized graphics, you'll need a flatbed printer with a print area that can accommodate those dimensions. If you’ve already checked this and you fear your items are too large, be sure to check with a print specialist because some machines can be modified with factory parts to increase print height.

3: Evaluate Substrate Versatility

One of the key advantages of UV flatbed printing is the ability to print directly onto a wide range of rigid and flexible substrates, from metal and wood to glass and leather. With a little help from primer, there are very few materials you can’t print to. So, beyond what products you want to produce and what materials you want to print them on, make sure you consider:

• Material Compatibility – Think about media durability, weight, or aesthetics and ensure the device can cope with what you are producing.
• Cost Optimisation – Depending on the application, some substrates may be more cost-effective than others. A versatile printer allows you to choose the most economical substrate suitable for each job, optimising your production costs.
• Sampling – If a client requires you to create prototypes or samples using different materials, a printer capable of handling various substrates allows you to test and showcase your designs on the intended production materials.
• Future Adaptability – As new materials and substrates emerge or become popular in the market, a versatile printer can adapt to these changes, keeping you competitive.

4: Prioritise Print Quality and Colour Accuracy

Pay close attention to print resolution, ink configurations, and colour management capabilities offered by different models. Powerful colour management tools and ICC profiling capabilities ensure accurate and consistent colour reproduction across various substrates and even devices. If you produce branded signage and banners for a client, being able to offer them promotional merchandise that you can guarantee will be a colour match will be a big bonus.

5: Consider Workflow Automation and Software Integration

Printer manufacturers are putting a lot of effort into streamlining print processes and flattening the learning curve wherever possible. Many devices have features that allow them to integrate seamlessly with your existing workflow and software. From intuitive interfaces that can simplify job setup to powerful but easy-to-use RIP software packages, such as Roland DG’s VersaWorks 6, these features can significantly reduce manual intervention, minimise errors, and improve overall efficiency.

If you can purchase your new UV flatbed printer within the same brand as your other device(s), not only will you be familiar with many of their features already, but they often work off the same systems or even allow for integration. Roland DG Connect PrintAutoMate, for example, allows users to automatically map incoming jobs to their related jigs and output devices for printing high volumes of items, meaning you can automate the printing of 6 cases to a small flatbed and 10 electronic panels to a larger flatbed.

6: Evaluate Ongoing Operating Costs

While the upfront cost of a UV flatbed printer is a significant investment, it's essential to consider the ongoing operating costs as well. Factors such as ink consumption, printhead longevity, and maintenance requirements can vary significantly between different models and manufacturers.

Research and compare these costs carefully, as they can have a substantial impact on your overall profitability over the lifetime of the printer. There are solutions available, such as Roland DG Connect, that give you insights into various business processes like job profitability and costs, as well as device monitoring and health checks to keep downtime to a minimum.

7: Prioritise Reliability and Service Support

Downtime can be costly, so reliability is key. As much as we hope things won’t go wrong, it’s best to plan for when they might. On top of device reliability, you want to know that the service and support you receive will be high-quality and prompt.

Manufacturers might offer comprehensive warranties, readily available spare parts, and responsive technical support to minimise potential disruptions and ensure your printer remains productive. Roland DG Care is an industry-leading warranty plan that provides full coverage with no hidden costs, replacement genuine Roland parts, rapid call-out response and more.

8: Future-proof Your Investment

It’s already been mentioned, but it bears repeating: factor in your potential for future growth. Anticipate potential increases in production volume or changes in application requirements, both in what you can produce and what the client will demand. Demands change and so must your ability to meet them.

Choosing an upgradeable system can help future-proof your investment, allowing you to adapt to evolving market demands without the need for a complete overhaul of your equipment.

Conclusion

It’s undoubtedly exciting to be in the market for a new UV flatbed printer, but it’s also daunting. However, the number of options available works in your favour as long as you plan carefully, evaluate your specific needs, consider the factors above, and speak to the experts. You’re sure to find the perfect solution to propel your printing business forward.

Investing in a piece of equipment that can potentially rival the cost of a luxury car is a step that should not be rushed. And even though the initial price tags on many of the best large format UV flatbed printers on the market may be unnerving, the potential return on investment for your business can be sky-high — as long as you find the right printer and partner.

From pricing to purpose, we’ve compiled nine major questions you need to think about as you search for a new industrial flatbed printer. With the continued rise in in-house production, new eco-certifications, multi-layer print demands and a wider variety of printable substrates, understanding these questions will be even more important moving forward.

1. What Is the Price of a Flatbed Printer?

Exactly how much is a flatbed printer going to cost you? As we’ve mentioned, large format flatbed printers can come with a big price tag, so it’s important to understand exactly what you’re getting for your investment.

As with any tool, pricing fluctuates from brand to brand, and a higher cost may not necessarily mean a better piece of equipment. The price will also vary depending on printer size. Printers at least 10 feet wide are considered grand format or super wide format flatbed printers. These models will have bigger price tags than smaller flatbed printers.

Researching the best manufacturer for your goals will help you find the brand that’s right for you. From there, you can select a flatbed printer model with a price you’re comfortable with.

For example, a popular professional entry-level flatbed printer, the Mimaki JFX200- EX (8’ x 4’), has a typical MSRP of around $77,000 in . The industry is competitive, with a broad range of models and prices generally starting around $75,000. Any cheaper options may compromise on quality or support.

2. Why Do You Need This Printer?

This question helps identify the key driver behind your purchase decision. There are plenty of reasons why you may be exploring printer options. Maybe your current equipment is outdated, or you’re looking to boost production capacity. Perhaps you’re ready to bring production in-house after years of outsourcing to third parties.

If you’re unsure which printer is right for you, try out our Printer Finder Tool and we’ll give you recommendations tailored to your specific needs.

Most businesses today are either upgrading existing machines or adding new printers to expand production and gain better control over output and turnaround times.

• If It’s a Replacement:
  Has your current model been reliable? Why replace it now? If your machine isn’t producing as expected, consider switching brands.
• If It’s an Addition:
  Ensure the new printer integrates smoothly with your existing workflow. Consider software compatibility and how new brands/models will impact overall productivity.
• If It’s Your First Flatbed Printer:
  Find a knowledgeable distributor who can guide your choice and ensure your investment fits current and future needs.

3. Will You Lease or Buy?

Like with any large investment, there are pros and cons to leasing and buying. Your financial situation may sway you in one direction, but you should still weigh the benefits and disadvantages of each option before settling on a decision.

Purchasing your printer outright will be the least expensive and fastest option in the long run, while leasing is often a quicker way to bring equipment in vs. financing through a bank, for instance. Bank financing involves an incredible amount of paperwork that can take weeks for approval. On the other hand, the ease of leasing can be offset by interest rates that are generally higher. Financing, though a longer process, can offer lower rates and a lower long-term cost of ownership, but will often do so with little to no flexibility when it comes to the terms of your repayment contract.

You can learn more about the pros and cons of each option in our blog post, Should You Lease or Buy Your Industrial Wide Format Printer?

4. What Do You Need to Print On?

One of the most important factors is your production goals. What products will you print? Fome-cor, Sintra, acrylic, Dibond, backlit signage or promotional products? The substrates you choose dictate the flatbed that offers the highest-quality output and overall value.

In , clear substrates like acrylic have become more popular due to advancements in white ink technology, allowing for vibrant, opaque graphics on transparent materials.

How Big of a Print Bed Do You Need?

Are you printing billboards or smaller items? If you’re unsure of future needs, manufacturers like Mimaki offer scalable solutions:

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Size Printer Applications 4’ x 4’ (half size) Mimaki JFX200- Yard signs, ADA signs, décor signs, product decoration 8’ x 4’ (full size) Mimaki JFX200- EX Rigid substrate signs, yard signs, retail displays, event graphics, custom fixtures 6.5’ x 10’ (oversize) EFI Pro 30F+ Rigid substrate signs (especially 5’ x 10’ boards), yard signs, large retail displays, exhibit graphics, construction site signage, oversized panels 8’ x 10’ (dual board) Mimaki JFX600- Dual-board production (two 4’ x 8’ boards simultaneously), oversized products, architectural panels, shower enclosures, modular displays, double-sided panels

Choosing a print bed size that accommodates your typical projects while leaving room to grow will ensure you get maximum productivity and value from your investment.

What Materials Are You Using?

Even though industrial inkjet printers can print on a wide variety of materials, the quality of your end product can vary significantly based on printer configuration and material compatibility.

For example, you may invest in a top-rated UV flatbed printer, but if your focus is on flexible films and that machine is optimized for rigid substrates, the results may fall short of expectations. Be sure the printer you choose is engineered for your specific applications, whether you’re working with clear acrylics, coated metals, plastics or specialty substrates.

Do You Need White Ink?

The limits to what you can print on are essentially non-existent if you go with a printer that has white ink capabilities. That’s because white ink will help create high-quality graphics on rigid or flexible substrates, such as acrylic sheets or backlit films, and can also be used as a “base coat” for printing on non-white materials. Printing white simultaneously with color is ideal when clarity is required.

Not every machine is capable of printing with white ink; the equipment must be engineered strategically to handle it. White ink requires agitation to keep it from separating — think of an old paint with settled pigments. Some machines automate this process while others do not and some simply address it by purging your ink, which is another operational cost to consider.

Should you go with a printer that can print using white ink — like the Mimaki JFX200- — you will be pushing the boundaries of value with great production and quality capabilities that can open your business up to an even broader customer base.

Unsure what printer is right for you? Try our Printer Finder Tool >>

5. What Is the Upkeep?

The initial investment you make in the printer won’t be the end of your financial responsibility. When you own a car, you need to expect added costs for fuel, routine maintenance and servicing when necessary. An industrial printer has similar needs.

Expect additional expenses like ink, media and other consumables, not to mention the utility costs of actually running the machine. For the longevity of your printer, you’ll want to make sure it’s serviced and properly cared for throughout your ownership.

Fortunately, operator training resources have significantly improved since . Manufacturers now offer more comprehensive guides, video tutorials and online support, simplifying training for your production team.

You should also figure out the financial implications of having an operator run the equipment. Will your current employees have time to learn the ins and outs of the printer? Are they going to have enough bandwidth in their day to monitor production, or will you need to hire someone?

6. What Is the Alternative?

While having a printer in-house offers a world of benefits, there are other outlets you can still consider. Working with a third-party printer could be an option depending on your output demands, but there is likely to be a premium in pricing, and you won’t have full control over your end products.

Still outsourcing? Learn about the top disadvantages this has on your printing services >>

If you already have equipment that isn’t performing as well as it used to, you could try servicing it or look into replacement parts or printheads to increase its efficiency. Or, if you need a new printer for a specific product or job, you may be able to have your customer purchase the equipment and install it at your facility, where you can operate it for them.

Another alternative is choosing a hybrid printer such as the EFI Pro 16H+ or EFI Pro 30H. These hybrid models handle both roll-to-roll and rigid substrates, offering more versatility and efficiency compared to older hybrid systems. Hybrids today are faster, user-friendly and compact enough to fit into spaces inaccessible to larger flatbeds. They’re particularly suited to signage applications where extremely precise printing registration isn’t critical.

7. Do You Need a Roll-to-Roll Option?

Flatbed printers are ideal for a wide range of applications, but there are still some jobs better suited for a roll-to-roll printer. Ink type is a big factor here since flatbeds primarily use UV inks, while various roll-to-roll models can utilize dye-sublimation, solvent, latex, aqueous or UV inks.

If you’re looking for a machine that can do both, there are many hybrid printer options available from a variety of brands. However, having both flatbed and roll-to-roll capabilities in one hybrid printer can slow down production since you’re limited to using only one function at a time.

Today, dedicated roll-to-roll printers remain affordable, generally priced around $20,000 for highly capable machines. Pairing a dedicated flatbed with a dedicated roll-to-roll printer is often the most productive solution, allowing simultaneous operations and higher overall throughput.

However, hybrids can process rigid substrates faster than entry-level flatbeds such as the Mimaki JFX200 series. To match hybrid speeds, you’d need a more advanced flatbed such as the EFI Pro 30F+. Your choice depends on your priorities — production speed, space availability and whether you prefer simultaneous printing capability.

Need help narrowing it down? Use our Printer Finder Tool >>

Also important to note is that roll-to-roll printers require more manual labor and material handling than flatbeds when working to achieve the same finished product. Roll products will need mounting after printing, requiring an extra step, adhesives and additional materials.

8. How Will Your Other Equipment Integrate?

It’s likely you have other machines or equipment in-house, even if it’s just a single small flatbed printer. If you’re in a large production house with various printer brands and models running throughout your shop, the software you use should be an important factor to consider.

Modern UV printers require software for processing and managing printers and workflows. Each manufacturer typically offers proprietary software intended only for their brand. There are also third-party software options that can manage workflows across multiple printers and brands. These third-party programs represent an additional cost — sometimes a few thousand dollars — which will add to your overall expenses.

Software improvements as of include updated RIP (Raster Image Processor) software such as Mimaki’s RasterLink and third-party options like Caldera, which now offer enhanced cloud-based job tracking capabilities. Remote diagnostics are improving but still limited. Additionally, compatibility with Mac operating systems continues to be limited or more cumbersome compared to Windows systems. This factor is especially important if your business relies primarily on Mac-based workflows.

9. What Are the Partnership Opportunities?

Where you buy or lease your equipment from will greatly influence your experience with the printer. It’s particularly important if maximum uptime is expected. Just like how you wouldn’t buy a family car from an unreliable dealer, you should take care when choosing a printer distributor.

You’re making a significant investment in this printer with hopes it will deliver a great return for your business. But what if it needs servicing? What if you can’t easily understand how it operates? You’ll need a reliable partner for support, ongoing training and warranty options. The quality of the team you choose is as important as the printer itself.

In , the supplier relationship matters more than ever. In the industrial inkjet market, you’re effectively “married” to your printer distributor, because warranty and service are typically tied to your original dealer. Unlike with automobiles, you generally cannot switch service providers without incurring extra costs. Therefore, choosing a reputable distributor like ITNH — one with strong OEM relationships, comprehensive service capabilities and extensive training resources — is critical to protecting your long-term investment.

From Mimaki to EFI to Roland, you have extensive UV flatbed printer options available. Before investing, thoroughly research UV flatbed printer reviews, prices and comparisons.

Choose the Right Flatbed Printer With ITNH

Ready to make your move into in-house flatbed production or expand your capabilities?

From pricing to partnership, these questions are designed to help you make a confident, informed investment in a large format flatbed printer that fits your business needs, both now and in the years ahead. By carefully considering each factor, you’ll be in a stronger position to avoid costly missteps, streamline production and maximize your return on investment.

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