By Melissa Donovan
Each year we share the top 50 vendors and ten honorable mentions as voted on by our readership via our lead generation system, dodirect.net. The list is compiled into our Readers’ Choice Top 50, which you can read in full in our February issue.
To complement the article, some of top 50 winners shared information on their newest or top-selling products/services.
3A Composites USA
GP APEX is the peak of graphic performance. Premium polystyrene facers ensure a consistent surface and gauge, delivering clear print results. Flexible facers can be V-cut and folded for dimensional displays. GP APEX utilizes an advanced adhesive allowing for clean cutting and fabrication. 3A offers short lead times on custom orders, including CTS and custom color combinations. The product is available in up to three inches thick.
Alpina Manufacturing
Ban45 is a modern engineered, tested, patent pending pivoting, pole, or flat surface mounted banner system. It is designed to pivot away from the force of the wind, to deflect wind forces starting at about 40 miles per hour (mph), to a full pivot of approximately 45 degrees at over 50 mph. As soon as the wind subsides, the Ban45 springs bring back to center. Ban45 helps preserve your banners and banner poles in high winds and reduce stresses to streetlight poles.
Flexmag Industries, a division of Arnold Magnetic Technologies
Flexmag’s ENTICE substrate is a premium coated offset paper laminated to a controlled energy magnetic sheet. It feeds and prints beautifully on most offset and digital presses. Flexmag has used our years of magnetic knowledge to create a product that uses paper laminated to a thin, lightweight magnetic sheet that can be printed directly. Our magnetic paper product is pre-magnetized, so it is ready to display as soon as it leaves the printer. This magnetic paper allows you to print graphic designs directly onto a high-tech thin magnet sheet, which can attach to any metallic or magnetic receptive surface. Available in both sheets and rolls, with roll lengths up to 3,000 feet.
ASLAN Selbstklebefolien GmbH
ColourShift Etched ASLAN SE 77 is a printable dichroic film with etched glass finish in two color versions. The sophisticated matte etched surface finish of these two new variants combine the dynamic color shift of the dichroic effect while providing privacy like a frosted glass. The films can be printed using all standard printing techniques for customized designs.
A change in viewing angle or varying lighting conditions causes the self-adhesive film to display a smooth transition of color. While Luna shifts from pink to blue, Nova changes from magenta to yellow—both films share the characteristic of subtle color shifts, allowing for eye-catching applications in retail, at trade shows and events, in interior design, and at point of sale/point of purchase locations.
Avery Dennison Graphics Solutions
Auravate Decorative Window Films by Avery Dennison add beauty and distinction to residential and commercial spaces. This portfolio of seven premium window films provides a cost-effective, retrofit solution to modernize existing glass windows, doors, showers, and partitions with an enhanced design aesthetic, color, and texture.
Budnick Converting/Banner Ups
Introducing the new EZ Mag Magnetic Display System. EZ Mag allows you to hang banners anywhere with the power of magnets. This innovative system allows for quick installation and removal, making it perfect for events, retail displays, trade shows, or any space that needs a professional touch.
Caldera
PrimeCenter is a powerful, print-and-cut prepress automation software designed specifically to streamline and optimize the preparation and workflow of print jobs, especially for wide format and industrial printing applications. Caldera software is widely used by print service providers to improve production efficiency, optimize media waste, reduce errors, and save time in the prepress process.
PrimeCenter works seamlessly with all PDF-enabled RIP print-and-cut solutions and on all operating systems.
Canon U.S.A., Inc.
The Colorado M-series, the modular 64-inch roll-to-roll printer with optional UVgel white ink, includes items such as the FLXfinish+ option that offers design creativity, enabling the addition of matte, gloss, or mixed matte and gloss on the same print, without additional varnish. This advanced option allows for the creation of striking visual effects and textures, enhancing the tactile experience of the final product. Additionally, a feature now available for the Colorado M-series printer is FLXture, a five-ink-layer printing technology that allows users to add micro-texture to large format prints for subtle surface detail, copying the luxurious and sensory feel of materials such as wood and leather.
Colex
The Colex Sharpcut is an affordable solution for those looking to grow their business. The Sharpcut helps automate the print service provider’s workflow and reduce costs associated with the finishing process of large format goods. This opens the door to new opportunities, reduces costs, and helps increase production while tapping into new revenue streams.
The Colex Sharpcut is manufactured with a solid, steel-welded frame, which helps minimize any vibration in the flatbed while routing/cutting. This allows the Sharpcut to produce a near-flame polish on your materials, with the capability of routing up to 2.5 inches thick.
The unique design of the Colex Sharpcut’s triple interchangeable tool head allows your operator to transition rapidly between routing, knife cutting, and kiss cutting. Various tools are available for customization to suit your specific needs and workflow. The Colex Sharpcut’s production power and quick tool change ensure on-time delivery, even for the most complex jobs. Whether the job requires cutting sheets or rigid materials, the Colex Sharpcut always delivers clean, smooth, and accurate edge quality.
Continental Grafix USA
Continental Grafix announces panoRama Cast 1530 and 1540, engineered for the most challenging conditions. This perforated, one-way vision cast window film, available in 70/30 and 60/40 film ratios, is ideal for exterior mount applications including transit and vehicle windows and architectural wraps to withstand weather, UV damage, and the rigors of everyday use. What sets PanoRama Cast 1530 and 1540 apart is its cast construction, providing exceptional conformability, strength, and stability without lamination. Its cast construction not only enhances the film’s durability but provides significant cost savings for customers by eliminating additional material costs and application steps. panoRama Cast 1530 and 1540 offers up to seven years durability with clean, residue-free removal even after long-term use for effortless upkeep and transition.
Delivery Signs
yardsignsresellers.com is dedicated to the highest quality and customer service and the best possible prices. We target only companies and contractors in the sign, printing, advertising, and design industries. We run top-of-the-line screen and digital printing equipment to provide professional and quality signs at everyday low prices with quick turnaround times.
DreamScape
Novalon is a Type II PVC-free, olefin-based wallcovering with 15 percent post-consumer recycled content. It is competitively priced and offers exceptional durability, embossing depth, and easy installation. Its eco-conscious design makes it a smart choice for commercial and residential applications.
Drytac
Polar Smooth 150 Air is a premium self-adhesive vinyl featuring Drytac’s air release technology for bubble-free application and a smooth, matte white surface ideal for high-quality graphics. At 6-mil (150µ) thick, it’s easier to install than thinner alternatives, offering added convenience for projects where lamination isn’t required. Compatible with latex, UV, and solvent printers, it’s a versatile, time-saving solution for standout visual communication.
Durst
The P5 350/HS is a leading hybrid solution for roll and board printing up to 3.5 meters. In the High Speed version, the P5 350 HS reaches a productivity of up to 7,620 square feet per hour. Fast media change, easy maintenance handling, and full safety render the printing process way more efficient. The P5 platform provides optimum performance, from pixel to output.
Enfocus
Enfocus PitStop Pro is an Adobe Acrobat Professional plug-in, enabling you to preflight and correct PDF files manually, and to edit almost everything in a PDF file without leaving the Adobe Acrobat application.
Epson
Building on the success of the acclaimed SureColor S-Series signage line, the SureColor S9170 64-inch solvent printer features a new, modern formfactor to redefine expectations in signage printing. It leverages an advanced 11-color ink set, including red, orange, and an all-new green, to achieve an expansive color gamut, delivering over 99 percent PANTONE coverage. With the first-ever user-replaceable printhead in its class, the SureColor S9170 delivers consistent high-quality output and unparalleled productivity for small to medium sign shops, print franchises, and ecommerce printers.
FDC Graphic Films, Inc.
Lumina by FDC 7504 Print Media is a 13-ounce PVC scrim banner designed for printing general-purpose signage and displays. It’s a one-sided, smooth, and printable non-top coated media with a high white point that provides great printability. This product features tear, curl, and fire resistance (NFPA 701, B1, M2).
Flexcon
Flexcon ShimmerCal self-adhesive glitter films enhance static graphics. Provide light and movement for increased visual appeal that leads to shopper attention. Give a premium look and feel that differentiates. Combine opaque and translucent inks to allow prismatic patterns, glitter, or phosphorescence to selectively show through. They process easily and efficiently with smooth vinyl surfaces for optimum ink laydown with a variety of print technologies. Layflat release liners offer easy converting and they are thermal die cuttable.
General Formulations
General Formulations’ new GF 885AE RoughMark Cast is a 2-mil gloss white cast vinyl that is poised to be the definitive wall wrap material for the graphics industry. Combining the innovative technology of GF’s High-Tack Removable adhesive with the incredible performance of our gloss cast vinyl, this multi-surface compatible material will change the way you think about wall wraps. The 90# air-egress liner offers excellent product layflat in a variety of ambient conditions, along with ease of application of large format graphics. Whether smooth or textured walls, indoor or outdoor, GF 885AE offers maximum conformability, durability, and removability. It’s designed for short- and long-term murals on brick, cement, cinder block, and other textured surfaces, and can be used for column wraps, traditional wall graphics, and more.
Graphic Finishing Partners (Gfp)
The Gfp 663-TH Production Top Heat Laminator with Smart Finishing Technology is our most advanced laminator. It includes a digital microcontroller system, touchscreen user interface, swing-out supply film shafts, inline rotary slitters, rear take up for roll-to-roll operation, and a roll label printer to help manage supply inventory.
Graphic Whizard
The PT 8336SCC Multi is a complete full-bleed finishing system designed for the digital marketplace. Equipped with interchangeable creasing/perfing dies, the PT 8336SCC Multi can quickly switch from perfing to creasing to prevent digital toner cracking. The PT 8336SCC Multi makes short work of business cards, greeting cards, invitations, brochures, pamphlets, catalogs, posters, book/CD covers, photographs, and tent cards by loading the high-capacity four-inch vacuum pile feeder.
HP
Deliver stunning results with the latest superwide printer that scales as your business grows. With the new HP Latex FS Printer series, you will be able to efficiently deliver top quality on higher margin applications while meeting both your customer and business needs. This scalable solution accommodates future enhancements and includes environmental certifications.
INX
TRIANGLE FUS is a UV-curable pigmented ink set designed for printers utilizing 14 to 50 picoliter drop size printhead technology. This multipurpose ink is formulated to deliver exceptional performance across various substrates, making it suitable for diverse applications in the printing industry.
Key features start with compatibility, as it is engineered for printers with the picoliter drop size print heads to ensure optimal performance and print quality. Its versatility is suitable for a wide range of substrates, including banners, truck graphics, Forex, and honeycomb boards in catering to multiple market needs.
Jessup Graphics Media
Discover TenaciousTac—the ultimate high-tack permanent graphic solution, offered in PVC, PET, and PP substrates. Perfect for creating durable decals suitable for indoor and outdoor use, TenaciousTac products excel in adhering to highly textured surfaces, low surface energy plastics, and powder-coated metals. Featuring a 90# lay flat liner for easy die cutting and sheetfed applications, TenaciousTac is available in high-tack pressure-sensitive adhesive or chemically resistant adhesives with three different coat weights to meet your specific needs.
Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems
The Kongsberg Ultimate drives productivity amongst high-volume multi-batch corrugated converters with precision and safety.
The Ultimate’s impressive performance stems from key technical innovations that enable unmatched acceleration and cutting speeds, while its traverse—crafted from a single filament of carbon—ensures strength and eliminates bending during high acceleration and when applying 50kg downforce. Safety is enhanced by the Kongsberg SmartZone system, which monitors the table’s surroundings, slowing it down when the operator is near and pausing it when even closer.
Addressing corrugated and display converters’ needs for precision, the Kongsberg Ultimate redefines standards, heralding a new era of productivity and innovation that delivers a fast return on investment.
Laminators Inc.
Alumalite is our most popular aluminum composite panel and is available in Standard, Economy, and Ultra, providing versatility for various applications at differing price points. All Alumalite products are made in the U.S.
Lintec of America
Top selling product is E-2100 ZC optically clear scratch resistant UV inkjet printable film. Newest product introduction is E-3000 ZC optically clear top coated latex inkjet printable film.
Mactac Graphics & Signage Solutions
Mactac is adding an easy-to-remove, printable scored liner to its Oodles products, expanding its innovative wide format graphics pressure-sensitive adhesive Scored Liner product line. Mactac PSA Scored Liner products are the first of their kind to hit the market. Printvinyl Scored was introduced in 2023 and Roodle Scored (ROS528) launched in 2024.
Roodle Scored has the same aggressive removable adhesive found in Roodle. The film is a 5.5-mil matte white calendared PVC that is printable with UV, latex, and solvent print methods. The scored liner is a 78# white Kraft liner that is UV and latex printable. The back score is 2.5 inches apart and is designed to make the installation easier and allow a seamless, hassle-free liner removal.
Mimaki USA
The Mimaki JFX200-1213 EX medium format UV LED flatbed printer is designed for low- to medium-volume production offering wide format printing capabilities on a space-saving 4×4-foot bed. Based on the proven JFX200 platform, it can increase production volume from one-at-a-time printing on smaller machines to medium production levels. This model can print up to four 18×24-inch signs simultaneously providing wide format production capabilities in a smaller footprint and can be fitted with a jig for on-demand customization. This is particularly valuable for medium and specialty print providers, enabling them to expand their services, including printing textured surfaces, ADA signage, and braille.
Mutoh America, Inc.
Our most recent top-selling product is the XpertJet 661UF UV LED 19×23-inch printer. It stands out because of its capability to print legally compliant ADA braille signage, awards, promotional products, and gift items.
Newlife Magnetics, LLC
Newlife Magnetics’ mantra is “thinner, wider, stronger” and it manufactures the world’s widest printable magnet media with our Printmag Ultrawide in 54- and 60-inch wide rolls. We offer this media in 12-,15-, and 20-mil thicknesses. Printmag Ultrawide is solvent coated for solvent, UV, and latex printers. It is ideal for promotional graphics and in-store retail graphics.
Photo Tex Group Inc.
Photo Tex Opaque Block-Out OPA/OPAS includes an exclusive, enhanced, and patented adhesive to handle all new, recent paint additives.
SA International
Flexi, the industry-leading signmaking and print-and-cut software, has been a cornerstone of creative success for professionals in the signage and graphics industry for over 30 years. It’s the only all-in-one design, RIP, and print-and-cut solution that streamlines workflow from design to production, offering unmatched versatility and precision. Trusted for its intuitive interface and robust feature set, Flexi empowers users to deliver stunning results efficiently.
Significans Automation
The Significans Automation team combines deep expertise in print and packaging print processes with highly customized solutions to create vendor-neutral workflows that drastically cut costs, reduce errors, improve overall efficiency, and boost your profits in ways you’ve never experienced before. We design, deploy, and integrate easily repeatable workflow automation to drive long-term success. Our vendor-neutral solutions provide future-ready workflows that enhance productivity, improve print quality, and elevate customer satisfaction. Significans ensures that every solution is fully aligned with your business’ unique goals, providing an end-to-end, customized foundation for sustained growth.
Supply55, Inc.
The ExpressCutPRO Direct to Film (DTF) Cutter delivers unmatched precision and speed for digital die-cutting across a variety of materials. Boost profits, reduce labor, and enhance efficiency by automatically cutting fully printed rolls of DTF transfers, pressure-sensitive vinyl, reflective vinyl, and window film.
Supreme Color Graphics
Bollard Sleeves offers prime real estate for advertising products in busy walkways. Our bollard sleeves are made with four millimeter coroplast, sized at 39.6 inches wide by 48 inches tall, offering a three-sided display with an interlocking closure. Bollard Sleeves are lightweight, waterproof, and durable. They ship flat and are easy to install. Contact us today for a custom quote and additional details.
swissQprint
swissQprint Kudu is a high-end flatbed printer. It offers huge output with superb print quality on board and roll media. This large format printer offers you the maximum in every respect.
Tekra
A standout product for Tekra is our Dura-Go Polycarbonate. This line of materials stands out because it comes in a variety of finishes and offers ink-anchorage like no other in the market. Tekra has specialized in digital printing for the industrial market for over 20 years, and our Dura-Go Polycarbonate for HP Indigo printing are some of our top sellers. They offer excellent clarity, vibrant colors, and versatility, as their applications include graphic overlays, durable labels, and signage. Anywhere you need both color brilliance and durability, Dura-Go Polycarbonate is a natural fit.
Vision Engraving & Routing Systems
Made in the U.S., the 2550 CNC Router/Engraver is Vision’s heavy-duty CNC routing system. It has a variety of options making it ideal for most sign shops. Options like Auto Raster Braille inserter, which eliminates the process of inserting Raster Braille beads by hand; DACS Digitally Aligned Cutting Systems for Print-To-Cut applications; and an Oscillating knife to cut rigid to semi-rigid materials like corrugated cardboard and plastic. The capabilities of the 2550 CNC Router/Engraver will allow your business to produce a wide array of signage, attracting customers and raising revenue.
Zünd
The UNDERCAM optical capture system, originally developed for the Q-Line, is now also available for Zünd’s third generation G3 cutting systems. With a capture system operating from below through a window integrated in a table extension, it enables semi-automatic board feeding, job identification via quick response code, and registration—all while production is ongoing. Eliminating the need for flip-and-cut processing, the UNDERCAM feature significantly increases productivity, particularly in cases where cutting and creasing need to be done on the reverse side of the board to achieve the desired, high-quality results.
Jan2025, Digital Output
