by Digital Output Staff
The ability to offer a range of services while simultaneously building a niche is a great position for a wide format print provider. Being the go-to shop for one application presents new business to other areas.
Media Graph is a 26-year-old Montreal, QC, Canada-based digital fabric printing and high-end display systems provider. The company is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of innovation and is known for developing and manufacturing fully customizable, turnkey high-end display systems such as light boxes—all in house.
Its capabilities include but are not limited to, LED lighting system development, laboratory testing, printing on fabric through dye-sublimation, aluminum and metal production/fabrication, wood production, design, assembly, finishing, and customization.
The company differentiates itself from competitors with its in-house capabilities, which include not only a print shop, but a metal shop and lighting division.
Investing in the Future
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Media Graph prioritized its future and growth. Early 2021 the company invested in a new EFI VUTEk h5 UV LED hybrid flatbed/roll-to-roll printer. The investment followed a year-long search for the right printer.
The EFI VUTEk h5 provides efficiency and quality in eight colors plus white, and up to nine-layer print capability. With a resolution of up to 1,200 dpi, the printer’s eight ink channels can be employed in a faster CMYK x2 mode, which is capable of producing up to 109 boards per hour.
Media Graph’s printer runs with an EFI Fiery proServer digital front end, combining faster RIPing with enhanced color management and screening features.
The purchase of the new UV LED hybrid printer was intended to help expand its customer base, “opening up the possibility to offer clients a whole new range of products and solutions in retail, hospitality, and office space,” says David Sellam, president, Media Graph, in a press release about the new printer.
To ensure it was going after the right technology, the print provider surveyed its clients to see what they use for substrates. The results included Sintra, various cardboards, adhesive vinyl, and Plexiglas. All of which are supported by the EFI VUTEk h5.
The printer’s “cool cure” UV LED technology cures prints at lower temperatures, giving Media Graph the ability to run thin or challenging substrates that cannot withstand the heat required in UV or latex printing. The lower temperature curing also translates into lower energy costs compared with similar UV and latex printers.
With the new hybrid print solution installed, the fabricator and print provider focuses on supporting its range of light box and display graphics offerings in a recovering economy.
“When the pandemic hit, we believed there would be fewer competitors down the road, which is sad, but a fact,” says Sellam. “But we are a strong company that has different divisions and will survive this and be ready for the day after.”
Sellam admits that Media Graph benefits from being one of the only printers in the area to offer superwide format digital printing.
Light Boxes
One of Media Graph’s primary applications are light boxes, which it offers in single- and double-sided configurations. The boxes are illuminated by the Tension LED System.
Whether designs require free-standing, recessed, suspended, or surface mounted light boxes, it offers a turnkey solution.
For example, for single-sided light boxes the company offers its FLS 1114 Profile, which is a window fabric display designed for easy silicone edge graphic (SEG) change out from the backside of the frame. The FLS 2125 Profile integrates all of the components of its Tension LED system and SEG graphics. There are no size restrictions and it is the company’s most versatile option. The FLS 1102 Profile offers 1.6 inches in depth. According to the print provider, this profile’s sleek finish is well suited for projects with restricted spacing and integrates beautifully into custom wall systems and millwork.
For double sided, options include the FLD 2050 Profile, which is lightweight and less than two inches in depth. Its FLD 1115 Profile is engineered to house Tension LED System components and is an ideal solution for large format, SEG, double-sided light box displays.
Both Media Graph’s single- and double-sided light boxes come with a variety of temperature colors and mounting options.
Pandemic Wins
The past two years have been difficult for every business and individual. However, companies like Media Graph kept pushing forward with the future in mind. The fabricator and print provider finds success with its light box applications, which are easily produced with the help of its latest superwide format investment.
Apr2022, Digital Output
