Aqueous Media and the Argent^Ⓡ AQ Difference
By Chris Jones

From fine art prints to gallery wrapped canvas décor and family photos to adhesive vinyl films and banners, aqueous inkjet printers are equipped to handle a wide variety of indoor and short-term outdoor applications. Thanks to the versatility and premium image quality of water-based inks, the aqueous segment of the wide format printer market continues to thrive as the preferred choice for photo and décor professionals who require top notch archival-quality and an eco-friendly printing environment free of harmful fumes and odors.

Whether you operate a commercial or wholesale printing business, we understand your need for quality and consistency when it comes to the products you—and most importantly, your customers—rely on. That’s why we created Argent AQ, Mac Papers and Packaging’s exclusive line of digital media for aqueous inkjet printers.

In addition to being a greener and cleaner way to produce graphics, aqueous printers typically have a lower cost of entry than their eco-solvent or UV inkjet counterparts. This makes aqueous printing an easily accessible option for companies seeking to create high-impact graphics using compatible media platforms such as Argent AQ for fine art and photos, canvas prints, proofs and posters as well as durable outdoor signage, such as banners and yard signs.

For example, commercial printers catering to budding photographers and home decor enthusiasts understand the importance of color. With Argent AQ, you get exceptional ink absorption, archival-quality media and an accurate presentation with vivid color output. These finished products can wind up as the prized portrait above a customer’s mantelpiece, a banner at a national trade show or a poster in a retail POS display.

Color, texture and ink absorption aren’t the only factors you need to consider. Managing inventory, cutting down on material waste and reducing costs are considerations that printing businesses of all shapes and sizes evaluate when selecting the best material for an upcoming project. We designed our Argent product line with that in mind, helping you zero in on each of these bullseyes so you can exceed customer expectations and deliver premium quality without the premium price.

Inventory management, for instance, remains a complex challenge for companies in many industries due to continued supply chain disruption. But this problem can be virtually eliminated when you choose Argent AQ. With a fleet of over 100 trucks, we’re able to provide an excellent product and peace of mind with next-day delivery to businesses across the Southeast.

Last but certainly not least: material waste. From stickers to window graphics, professional printers might print hundreds, or even thousands, of pieces a day. Errors, incorrect color calibration and test runs add up quickly, resulting in extra costs that significantly impact the bottom line. Our wide format media experts can help develop an inventory strategy and ensure you receive stock based on your business needs.

For more information about our line of digital media for aqueous inkjet printers, check out our Argent AQ products. If you’re ready to explore aqueous solutions but don’t know where to start, drop us a line—our wide format team is happy to help.

The sign, graphics and visual communications space is constantly evolving to keep pace with shifts occurring across the business and consumer landscape. It’s important for industry leaders to stay in step with these trends, so they can identify which up-and-coming products, services or technologies might help their customers achieve their goals. One of the best venues for trend-spotting and product-scouting is the ISA International Sign Expo 2022.

For the first time in three years, the industry’s largest trade show took place live and in person—and it did not disappoint. Graphics and visual communications leaders from across the Southeast gathered in Atlanta to network, explore new suppliers and get a glimpse of the latest innovations shaping the market.

From direct-to-film (DTF) printing to fabric-based signage, the ISA International Sign Expo featured several new applications, as well as a long lineup of new printers and gear. Here are just a few notable highlights from the show.

DTF printing is a trend to watch

DTF printing allows users to print their designs on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film using aqueous or water-based pigment inks before transferring it to their chosen fabric or piece of apparel. Unlike direct-to-garment (DTG) printing, DTF doesn’t require fabric pre-treatment, saving printers precious time and resources. Additionally, DTF is compatible with fabrics such as nylon and polyester, which can be difficult to work with when printing directly onto a garment.

Given the efficiency gains and potential cost savings DTF has to offer, we’re excited to see how this technology impacts the sign and graphics industry moving forward.

 The user experience is dictating product upgrades

As the adage goes, the customer is king—and brands that abide by this principle tend to score high in the customer loyalty department. One brand that pays close attention to the customer experience is Roland, who used the ISA International Sign Expo to debut their latest addition to the TrueVIS series.

When designing the VG3, Roland used customer feedback to enhance key features and improve usability. Not only does the new model have an easy-to-navigate LCD touchscreen, it includes an expanded color output to meet end users’ needs. It also boasts an integrated cutting feature and automated media calibration to help optimize time and materials. By keeping the user at the center of product development and incorporating customer feedback into new equipment, Roland has built a brand that buyers can trust.

 Virtual demonstrations can’t compete with a live showroom

At the height of the pandemic, remote events became the norm. Although virtual walk-throughs and how-to videos can be impactful, nothing compares to a live demo—especially when it comes to something as advanced as a wide format printer.

Events like the ISA International Sign Expo are perfect venues for test driving wide format printers and other equipment before committing to a purchase. But trade shows are limited-time events, and they aren’t guaranteed to offer the specific product you’re looking for. That’s why we built our very own demo center in downtown Orlando—to give our customers the chance to see, use and ask questions about the items on their wish list.

Whether you’re ready to explore a new application, purchase equipment or simply want to pick our brains about how you can accomplish your organization’s goals, drop us a line and we’ll ensure you get the full wide format experience.

Decisions, decisions. There are plenty to make when it comes to researching, testing, and eventually investing in a wide format printer. That’s why it’s wise to address the following questions well in advance of making your purchase.

1. What are your overall business objectives?

Before you take a deep dive into product particulars, features, and benefits, take a step back to assess your organization’s overarching business objectives. Answer the age-old question: Where do you see your organization in three, five, ten years? This will help guide your decisions around which wide format technology fits the bill for your business.

2. What are your current printing capabilities and what are your future goals?

Are you looking to scale up existing operations or are you starting a wide format production program from scratch? Will this investment solve an immediate problem or is it more aspirational? Having a firm grasp of where you stand will help you get to where you’re going.

3. What works about your current print setup and what doesn’t?

The employees operating your equipment on a day-to-day basis will have the best insight into what is and isn’t working, so don’t neglect to collect and implement their feedback. Use this firsthand knowledge to inform decisions around your printer purchase and close the gap between your current and ideal future state.

4. What types of projects do you plan to produce?

The answer to this question tends to spawn many others: Will you be printing on PVC or foam core? Falconboard or acrylic? Are your printed pieces for outdoor display or indoor use? Do you want UV or solvent? Know what your projects require and what purpose they’re fulfilling.

5. How much volume do you put out?

Understanding how many boards or square feet you’ll be printing per hour is crucial. Consider the size and frequency of your print jobs—do you have more large-scale one-offs or are you printing continuous projects? The answer could dictate what size, type, and even what brand of wide format printer you buy.

6. How will your new printer integrate into your existing production?

Making sure your new machine plays well with your current equipment and software is key, as is factoring its physical footprint into your production workflow.

 7. Do you have the people power to run your printing program?

Wide format technology is designed to be user friendly, and most of it is—a veteran printing technician can get up and running on a new machine or software in a matter of hours. At Mac Papers and Packaging, we provide personalized training for any customer who needs it. Our goal is to empower your business and your people with the tools they need to produce their best work.

8. What are the details of the warranty and who will be responsible for repairs?

Aftermarket products and services, such as warranties, are often an afterthought for buyers. Resist the urge to overlook the fine print, including who is responsible for repairs. If the responsible party is located far from where you’re based, maintenance and repairs can become a logistical headache.

 9. Has the printer you’re considering been tested in the market?

It’s never a good idea to be the guinea pig for a product that hasn’t been road tested and user approved. Some wide format manufacturers might offer deep discounts on their newest models, but that can turn out to be a risky investment. You want a product that’s demonstrated its utility, quality, and durability in the field, especially if you plan to rely on this printer for significant, high-visibility projects.

 10. What type of environment will the equipment be placed in?

Environmental factors such as temperature, humidity level, and air quality all play an integral role in how well your wide format printer performs. For example, if it’s placed in an area where the air quality is poor, aerial debris can attach itself to your machine’s print heads and damage them, so consider your equipment’s placement carefully.

While not an exhaustive list, starting to answer these questions will help you select a wide format printer that will serve your needs for years to come.

Anyone with an Amazon account can attest to the convenience of ecommerce. As consumers, whether we’re buying for personal use or making a business purchase, we’ve grown accustomed to window shopping via our phone or computer screens, swapping in-person demonstrations for online walkthroughs and digital recreations.

Adding office supplies to your virtual cart is one thing, but investing in something as significant as a wide format printer is another. Much like cars, wide format printers come with lots of bells and whistles—and often a sizable price tag. Before committing to a particular model, it helps to try (or at least see) before you buy. Getting the full wide format experience will help to ensure your equipment is the right fit for your business goals, your facilities and your customers. This is especially critical for first time buyers who haven’t interacted with the equipment before.

Here are just a few reasons why you should make the trip to your equipment provider before buying your next—or first—wide format printer.

Location, Location, Location

Given the physical footprint of many wide format printers, seeing the equipment up close and personal is important. Whether you’re looking for a small but mighty model or the biggest commercial behemoth on the market, wide format printers require a fair amount of real estate, and it’s helpful to get a 360-degree view in person.

Beyond the printer’s dimensions, you’ll also have to think about where to store related accessories, inks, paper and other substrates. You need plenty of clearance around the machine for loading materials, scanning, printing, cutting and finishing your printed projects. How much space you’ll need depends on the type of printer you purchase—for example, many machines require you to load media from the back, which means you should either keep that space clear or be able to move the printer around. Larger flatbed printers are designed to handle larger media, and you’ll need an average of three to four feet on all sides to allow for handling materials.

Additionally, wide format machines require room for proper ventilation, so be sure to factor that in, too. Fume extraction units can help with ventilation and are often purchased with laser, UV and heavier solvent printers. Environmental factors, such as temperature and humidity, will also play a role in how well your printer performs.

Site surveys or preinstallation checklists can help you understand power specifications, space requirements, delivery and shipping instructions, and uncrating workflows. Understanding the physical space requirements and overall production setup will help you determine where to install your new printer.

Kick the Tires

As soon as you get in front of your future wide format printer, questions will start percolating: How do I maintain a wide format printer? Where can I buy ink and other supplies, and how much do I need? Do I have the proper power outlets to support this machine? Are there any “hidden costs” to consider?

When it comes to finding the answers, Google will only get you so far. Nothing compares to speaking with a trained technician who has years of wide format experience under their belt. Attending a demo is the best way to get these details firsthand, but if your distributor isn’t within driving distance, you could even visit your local sign shop to inquire about the equipment they use.

 Get Familiar with the Gear

The largest upfront cost is the printer itself, but it’s also important to assess what other tools or technology you need to get up and running. Most machines come with accompanying software, which may, in turn, require specialized training.

Depending on what you plan to produce with your wide format printer, you may want to explore different finishing options or techniques. For example, if you’re creating outdoor signage, you’ll want to laminate the piece to prevent weather-related damage and enhance durability. Your equipment provider can act as a go-to resource for tips, tricks and tools of the trade—at Mac Papers and Packaging, we’ve seen it all and are ready to help your business create its next masterpiece.

While it’s not unheard of to buy sight unseen, getting a glimpse of your options in person can help you determine what model will suit your needs. This will give you a chance to ask questions, see your options in action and “test drive” features specific to the projects you’ll be producing.

If you’re considering a wide format printer for your business, schedule a demo with your distributor so you can get a clearer picture of how the machine works, where you’ll install it and what it takes to keep your printer running smoothly. We’d be happy to provide a tour of the latest wide format printers at our state-of-the-art demo center in Orlando.

President Reagan was famous for turning a phrase. In 1986 he said that “The nine most terrifying words in the English language are I’m from the government and I’m here to help.” His line got applause and laughs and still gets quoted often today. Well, putting aside President Reagan’s dig at government inefficiency, there’s a government program that’s a well-kept secret…an IRS program…that can really help your business. It’s called Section 179 of IRS Tax Code. And you need to know the code because it can be a great tool for you in building your business. We’ll explain this a bit more shortly.

Everywhere you turn, the story is the same. Ships stuck at ports, supply chain chaos reigns, inflation is spiking. There are major headwinds affecting all countries, all businesses, all industries. If you’re a business owner, the constant stream of unsettling news is enough to make you just throw up your hands and accept fate. But you can’t do that.

Despite rising costs and equipment and materials shortages, you still have customers to serve. And the pace of change of technology demands that you stay in step or ahead of your competition to deliver value to your customers. You can’t duck for cover and hope it gets better. You need to invest in your business with equipment, machinery, materials, software. You need to generate sales and revenue now. And you need to do this smartly. So, what do you do?

For starters, there’s no denying the shortage of equipment, the competition for limited supplies and the steep up-turn in prices. But that’s where Section 179 of the Tax Code comes in. Section 179 may provide you with a significant financial benefit if you act now, purchase needed business supplies and take delivery before the end of calendar year 2021.

Section 179 is an expensing method offered as an incentive to business owners to invest in their business with the purchase of new equipment.  Typically, most companies will depreciate the cost of equipment or machinery or software over the course of a few years. But Section 179 allows you to fully-deduct the entire purchase price for property you place into service in 2021. You immediately lower your tax liability with equipment that helps you generate revenue now.

If you’re a small printing shop specializing in banners, signs and printing on a variety of materials in a variety of sizes, you may be interested in buying a new Digital Cutter at an approximate cost of $180,000. You could depreciate that equipment $36,000 per year over the course of 5 years, or you could take advantage of Section 179 and fully deduct the $180,000 cost on your 2021 tax return.

Tax codes can be tricky stuff but there’s some great information found on the Geneva Capital website that explains how businesses can benefit from Section 179. Of course, it’s always best to consult your tax advisor or accountant on all of these issues. But time is short on this calendar year, and equipment supply is even shorter.