By Olivia Cahoon
Part 2 of 2
Backlit graphics are internally lit and provide more visibility from a longer distance—making colors appear brighter and text more legible. Solutions such as silicone edge graphics (SEG) provide a high-quality display solution ideal for advertising, exhibits, marketing, and trade shows.
Vibrant Display Solutions
Established in 2013, Planet Tradeshow, a division of Meno Enterprises Group, is a trade show print service provider (PSP) known for custom dye-sublimated graphics, SEG, and exhibition solutions. It’s joined by two other Meno Enterprises Group divisions—Retail Mattress Solutions and Catalyst Fabric Solutions.
Planet Tradeshow operates from a 25,000 square foot facility in Ball Ground, GA. As a whole, the Meno Enterprises Group prints a daily capacity of 20,000 linear yards and a weekly capacity of 116,000 linear yards. The group also provides cut and sew manufacturing, customization, embroidery, fulfillment, and material sourcing.
“Planet Tradeshow has experienced exponential growth each of the following years while differentiating themselves as the true leader in custom SEG graphics and promotional exhibit solutions,” says Mike Rogers, national sales director, Planet Tradeshow.
Its products include custom tents, EZ extend, EZ tube displays, flags, point of purchase displays, retractable banner stands, SEG fabric frames, slider banner stands, and table throws. Its recent custom creations include fabric displays for the NFL, concerts, and major motion picture productions to flags and table covers for local churches. Currently, 35 percent of its entire work is backlit graphics, which Rogers says is growing.
Since it started in 2013, Planet Tradeshow built a reputation for color consistency and the ability to deliver vibrant colors. According to Rogers, its success is a result of the company’s effective use of digital print technology. “With over 20 printers in the total arsenal, Planet Tradeshow can deliver on virtually any job,” he adds.
It uses DGI ink and print equipment up to 126 inches wide. Printers include a DGI FABRIJET FT-3204X grand format device. The transfer dye-sublimation (dye-sub) textile printer reaches up to 290 square meters per hour with a maximum 3.2-meter print width. It offers resolutions up to 720×1,080 dpi and features Panasonic printheads in four- and eight-head configurations.
The PSP’s print department utilizes a variety of digital dye-sub printing equipment to print photorealistic images on fabric. It uses multiple transfer machines with the ability to print a variety of roll-to-roll and roll-to-piece applications with capacities in thousands of linear yards per day. Its services include digital dye-sub, flatbed printing, digital cutting, variable data printing, UV and solvent printing, digital die cutting, CNC machining, and banner sewing and grommets.
Planet Tradeshow continues to grow with the addition of a Colex Sharpcut SX-3232 cutter, updated SEG sewing tables, and additional DGI printers to support company growth. “Planet Tradeshow has proven to deliver the unique personal service that has resulted in lasting partnerships and customer satisfaction,” continues Rogers.
High-Performance Exhibits
Planet Tradeshow recently completed trade show graphics for repeat client Top Value Fabrics. The client requested trade show graphics for the 2018 ISA International Show.
Graphics for the Top Value Fabrics booth consisted of over 1,500 square feet of printed material. Planet Tradeshow printed the graphics using the DGI FABRIJET FT-3204X and DGI ink onto Neenah Coldenhove Jetcol HTR3500 126-inch transfer paper.
Jetcol HTR3500 is designed to combat rivering, which takes place when sublimation gasses seep into the textile edges. The transfer paper features a special coating that prevents gas build up between the paper and textile—offering a sharp image with a base weight of 105 gsm.
The graphics were transferred onto Top Value Fabrics’ Supernova backlit fabric. Supernova is a high-performance fabric that displays an advanced color range for excellence in illuminated graphics. It features a smooth, elegant drape and is available up to 122 inches wide
From proof approval to installation, the entire project took three weeks to complete. Challenges occurred with delivering the correct saturation levels for the backlit graphic. According to Rogers, the DGI printer with DGI ink produced consistent results and delivered the client’s desired outcome.
Rogers believes the benefits of digitally printing backlit graphics is credited to dye-sub printing—an eco-friendly option with water-based inks that is made from 100 percent recyclable fabric. “It offers an exceptional dynamic print that truly brings your imagination to life.”
Presentable Packaging
To stand out from competition, trade show exhibitors seek backlit graphics and framing systems for a quality and durable presentation. Planet Tradeshow continues to keep exhibitor clients satisfied with the use of its digital wide format printers.
Click here to read part one of this exclusive online series, Fabric First.
Click on the link above to get more information on the vendors mentioned in this article.
Oct2018, Digital Output
DOASFR1018
