Big Picture - May 2018 - 36

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BIG PICTURE

May 2018

The Total Workflow Solution

36

With the rise of online shopping and the evolution of the
smartphone, today's consumers are leading on-the-go
lifestyles where time is considered a valuable commodity.
They're making decisions quickly and expecting products
to be delivered in a short amount of time with minimal
interaction. Their ultimate goal is convenience, so businesses
must transform their thinking to follow suit or risk getting left
behind. This is no different in the printing industry. Signage
and graphics professionals now need to utilize complementary
technologies to produce goods in unprecedented production
times. However, manufacturers also have a responsibility
to develop products that are in line with the needs of the
market to ensure positive growth and success.
With a longstanding history of being an innovator with
print-and-cut and finishing technologies, Mimaki epitomizes
collaborative manufacturing and process automation,
creating a flexible, functional platform that enables a wide
range of ready-to-market goods to be produced. Mimaki
has developed a total workflow solution that capitalizes on a
new consumer dynamic, delivering just-in-time production,
fostering true customer intimacy, and reducing cost. This
innovative concept is a sustainable way of delivering goods
quickly to the always connected consumer in a competitive
manner. This is simply referred to as Mimaki Microfactory.
Mimaki Microfactory helps companies use existing
technologies, including Mimaki digital printers, cutters, and
inks, as well as finishing and fabrication models from other
industry leaders, to produce quality customized products.
Mimaki Microfactory encourages the user to think beyond
putting ink to substrate and allows them to take on an even
bigger role in the world of manufacturing. Central to this
idea is cross connectivity and compatibility of processes.
Users can now see the production of products and services
in house, in a manageable workflow. This is achieved in only
three steps: Print, Finish, and Assemble.

As an example of this total workflow solution, Mimaki
uses the widely successful UCJV300-160 printer and the
LA-160W laminator with Mimaki Vision media to create
indoor and outdoor graphics. First, the UCJV300 printer
with Mimaki original LUS-170 inks prints the desired graphic
on Mimaki Vision vinyl media. With the instant curability of
the UV inks, jobs are finished upon exiting the printer
without the need for drying or outgassing. Next, the graphic
is run through the LA-160W laminator with Mimaki Vision
Laminate 310, a UV gloss laminate film developed to
complement UV curable prints. This heat assisted laminator
combined with the Mimaki Vision 310 laminate improves
adhesion and reduces the effect of silvering, while also
protecting the graphic from environmental elements. Last,
to assemble, the graphic is applied to the user's chosen
substrate like foamboard, plastic, metal, wood, or glass.
Mimaki is constantly evolving, delivering products with
inks that are more durable and cure quicker. Combined
with cross-platform functionality, Mimaki Microfactory is
creating opportunities for companies to have more control
over the post-printing process. Mimaki's commitment to
something new and different is the driving force behind
developing products and services that contribute to
Mimaki Microfactory workflows.
To learn more about Mimaki Microfactory,
visit mimakiusa.com/microfactory, schedule a
demonstration at a Mimaki Technology Center,
or come see Mimaki at one of the many
tradeshows throughout the year.
http://www.mimakiusa.com/microfactory
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Big Picture - May 2018
