When roll-to-roll printers meet flatbed cutting machines: the case of motorbike graphics decals
Published in Specialist Printing World Wide | Issue 3 2024
We are sharing an interesting article written by our sales manager Matteo Muto, published in Specialist Printing magazine. The article is dedicated to the integrated work between roll-to-roll printers and flatbed cutting machines in the field of decals for motorbikes.
In the printing industry, there is a growing number of companies printing on stickers and decals. But what is the difference between the two? Decals are generally considered to be more durable than stickers because they are printed onto a special type of paper that is designed to withstand wear and tear. In contrast, stickers are printed directly onto a backing material, which can be prone to tearing and peeling over time. Also, when it comes to stickers, we generally talk about kiss cut. On the other hand, we tend to associate decals with cut-through.
Printing on decals is very common in the motorbike and car industry, for it being a service specially requested by professionals and enthusiasts.
The decals are printed digitally, which greatly reduces the cost of production because expensive systems or start-ups are not required.
In digital we can create decals with several graphic subjects different from each other in a single print and all with the maximum photographic detail.
These companies do not generally need high print runs, so we offer the possibility of making a few pieces with minimal investment. And this is why a flatbed cutting machine perfectly matches customers’ needs.
Premium quality graphic decals change more than how your motorbike, helmet or bike looks. They change their overall look. Be it more aggressive, smoother, rally-inspired, classic or just representing your needs. MX graphics gives riders something extra. Digital printers specialize themselves in custom motorcycle graphics for all types like supermoto graphics kit, enduro and bikes graphics. They modify colours and logos on your graphic kit to your specifications and follow every step of the way in real time. They are looking for a flexible solution to be up to date to ever-evolving market needs and customers’ tastes.
From printing to lamination to cutting
Everything starts from a vector graphic program before moving to the printing and cutting phase. Once the design has been done, the printer springs into action. After printing, it is very common to use a laminator to add the plastic film on the printing sheet. And once the lamination is over, here is the cutting phase!
You can create your own artwork by adding text and images, upload your own file, or work with a designer. A digital printer will make it possible to print on the decal in full CMYK colours, which will only enhance the overall design. And eventually the flatbed cutting machine will be carrying out the final process.
Matteo Muto
Sales & Marketing Manager at Valiani
“In the market there is a state-of-the-art technology to bring you the best in-depth designing experience on the market.”
Cutting mx graphics decals:
the need for a flatbed cutting table
Crystall decals, which we have already dedicated an article to on our blog, can help you make outstanding rigid stickers. This material is more and more popular among digital printing houses and more and more common in this fast-growing industry.
Crystall is a type of transparent and soft laminated PVC of small thickness (around 0,5 mm), printed with very bright and deep colours. The material has an adhesive suitable for being applied to plastics with poor adhesion, which makes it resistant to abrasion. It is particularly appreciated for its ability to withstand mechanical stress due to falls and bumps, which could scratch or tear normal stickers. Thanks to its top qualities, it is the ideal product for making stickers for motocross, off-road vehicles, quad and go karts.
What are the main features when it comes to Crystall adhesives?
- Durable and resistant to weathering, fading and corrosion
- Customizable pattern, strong viscosity, no residues, no deformations, no print damages
- Good-looking decals that stick to any surface.
- Prevents scratches on the gas tank from the armoured jacket, belt
- Easy to paste and remove without damaging the surface
- Highly degree of personalization
- No limits in rigidity and thickness
There are two main ways to cut decals: using cutting plotter or flatbed cutting plotter.
Most companies cut their decals using vinyl cutters. This type of operation allows them very often to cut only the actual vinyl top-layer, leaving the backing material intact. The consequent need to devote time to separate the two parts lengthens the timing compared to the other method. Times that are further lengthened by the difficulties that the customer encounters in aligning the decals to the original part of the plastic.
The other option is to use a flatbed cutting plotter. This type of machine is able to perform both the kiss-cut application on any adhesive film but mainly to cut-through thicker materials such as Crystall, producing ready-made decals. Crystal decals are generally preferred due to the unique characteristics of the material and their longevity. The kits can be personalized with writings, race numbers and personal brands.
Custom design and custom cutting
You will be able to create a custom design that will give your motorcycle, car, kart or quad an impeccable look, as if it just came out of the factory. You will be able to make a perfect cut so that your graphic kits will last longer than any other. You will satisfy your customers by providing them with superior quality and long-lasting products. Also, your clients will be extremely happy about the drastic reduction in delivery times. As a printing house, you only need to equip yourself with three devices, which can be managed by the same operator.
Any printing company should have a roll-to-roll printer as the initial stage, a laminator as an additional device and finally a flatbed cutting machine as a finishing device, to have a complete machines portfolio in house, without counting on external suppliers and having a full control over quality and production times.
In the market there is a state-of-the-art technology to bring you the best in-depth designing experience on the market. Frequent design updates keep things fresh and regularly provide new possibilities to display your style. Personalizing your own ride with a bold motorcycle decal as well as performing and long-lasting cutting machine. Customization of stickers for motocross, motorcycles, quads is by far a future-proof business attracting the attention of printing professionals as well as young people who like to grapple with graphics and cutting devices.
