Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common queries about our large-format printers.
General
What is the outdoor durability of the CET Color printing press images?
Graphics created using the CET Color printing presses are outdoor-durable for up to 2 years and 5 years with lamination. However, environment and application will determine the ultimate outdoor life span and may result in outdoor durability of greater or less than 2 years.
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What materials are compatible with the CET Color printing presses?
The CET Color printing presses will print on virtually any rigid substrate, up to 4″ thick on the flatbed and 2″ on the hybrid. The rigid material just has to meet the size limitations of the bed or belt drive. Commonly used rigid materials include: PVC, polystyrene, MDO/MDF, glass, polycarbonate, chipboard/cardboard, acrylic, corrugated plastic, cabinet-grade plywood, styrene, painted aluminum, and sign foam. Our customers have also found success printing on other substrates beyond the ones previously listed.
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What materials are compatible with the CET Color hybrid printing presses?
Flexible materials must meet the model sizes of 125″, 98″, or 64″ wide, weight restriction of 100 pounds, and roll diameter of 10″. Compatible materials include but are not limited to: non-grommeted banner, calendared vinyl, cast vinyl, mesh (lined), backlit vinyl, reflective vinyl, cling window film, textiles (canvas, flag), fabrics, and paper.
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What commercial applications do the CET Color printing presses support?
The CET Color printing presses can support a wider range of applications due to their UV curing inks. Just one ink set can produce flexible or rigid outdoor-durable graphics on all kinds of materials such as vinyls, textiles, paper, Dibond®, Alumalite™, glass, and many others. There is no need to have different types of inks for rigid or flexible substrates. The list of applications is only limited by the designer’s imagination! Typical jobs include window graphics, banners and mesh signs, flexible plastic-based outdoor signage, outdoor rigid signage, site signage, traffic signage, cardboard & display board graphics, double-sided printing, full-bleed printing, backlit signage, and much more!
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What commercial applications do the CET Color printing presses support?
The CET Color printing presses can support a wider range of applications due to their UV curing inks. Just one ink set can produce flexible or rigid outdoor-durable graphics on all kinds of materials such as vinyls, textiles, paper, Dibond®, Alumalite™, glass, and many others. There is no need to have different types of inks for rigid or flexible substrates. The list of applications is only limited by the designer’s imagination! Typical jobs include window graphics, banners and mesh signs, flexible plastic-based outdoor signage, outdoor rigid signage, site signage, traffic signage, cardboard & display board graphics, double-sided printing, full-bleed printing, backlit signage, and much more!
How does UV curing compare to solvent technologies?
The pigment of solvent-based inks is suspended in a volatile solvent. When solvent-based inks are printed, they erode the surface of the material to create a chemical bond between the ink and the substrate. During the curing process, the solvent evaporates, leaving the pigment behind. It is the solvent evaporating that produces the unpleasant and potentially harmful fumes during printing and post-curing. In addition, the waste solvent must be collected and disposed of properly. The UV inks used in CET Color printing presses are 100% solid-curing and are VOC-free. The curing of these inks by the UV lamps creates a strong mechanical bond that is extremely flexible and immediately usable. Another big advantage of UV ink is reduced head maintenance and failures compared to solvent systems. UV inks remain liquid until exposed to intense UV light. Less clogged nozzles mean less downtime, less waste, and more time printing sellable output.
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What RIP vendors support the CET Color printing presses?
All the printers are currently compatible with the following RIP vendors: Onyx© and Caldera©.
Installation
Who installs and trains for the CET Color printing presses?
CET Color certified technicians install the CET Color printing presses and train you in the operation and care of your new printer. The Print Spooler of the CET Color printing presses is highly intuitive and operators can become proficient in the printers’ operations in a matter of minutes. The CET Color printing presses are ergonomically designed for user comfort and ultimate usability.
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What documentation comes with the CET Color printing presses?
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Prior to installation you will receive the CET Color Pre-Installation Requirements, which provides basic pre-installation information such as electrical requirements, recommended ambient conditions, and working area size. Every CET Color printing press comes with an Owner’s Manual that will guide you through printer operation and maintenance in a straightforward, step-by-step format.
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What is involved in daily maintenance?
CET Color printers require very little daily maintenance. At the start and end of each day and after every four hours of printing, the operator should clean and wipe the print heads to prevent ink build-up. Cleaning the print heads is a simple procedure that only takes a few minutes.
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What site prep is required for CET Color printing presses?
There is very limited site preparation required before the CET Color printing presses arrive at your doorstep. The CET Color Pre-Installation Requirements and Pre-Shipment Form will walk you through the process.
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Do the CET Color printing presses require a concrete floor?
Not necessarily. The CET Color printing presses range from 1102 to 4500 pounds. Weight is evenly distributed over the four corners of the press. The floor does need to be level and capable of supporting the press weight.
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Do the CET Color printing presses require special ventilation?
No, the UV inks do not produce VOCs while printing or during the post-cure period. Special ventilation is not required.
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What electrical setup do the CET Color printing presses require?
The CET Color printers’ electrical configuration requires 2 separate single-phase 220 volt AC circuits rated at 30 amps each direct from the electrical panel to the press.
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What are the workspace requirements?
We suggest an operation workspace of a minimum of two feet (24″) on all sides of the printing press. Other dimensions and setup information are published in the CET Color Site Pre-Installation Requirements.
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Are there any environmental limitations for the CET Color printing presses?
Recommended standard conditions for operation are as follows:
Temperature: 68°F to 86°F
Humidity: 40% – 70%, non-condensing.
Ventilation: No special ventilation required. Avoid using printer near open windows, outside doors, or heating/cooling systems.
Protect printer and ink reservoirs from moisture, dust, drafts and direct sunlight.
