Revolutionizing Architectural Signage with a Flatbed UV Printer
Client:
Robert Kline, Production Director
Company:
Urban Fabricate Studio
Location:
Berlin, Germany
MTUTech Printer Model:
MT-UV 2513GX Industrial Flatbed UV Printer
Challenge:
Urban Fabricate, a high-end architectural signage and interior feature studio, struggled with traditional manufacturing methods. Creating large-format, full-color graphics directly onto materials like aluminum composite panels, acrylic, and pre-finished wood was time-consuming and limited in design complexity. Outsourcing led to inconsistent quality and long lead times, hindering their ability to meet tight project deadlines for commercial clients.
Solution & Detailed Implementation:
The studio invested in the MT-UV 2513GX. This industrial flatbed UV printer allowed them to bring all graphic production in-house. The key feature was its ability to print directly onto rigid substrates up to 2500mm x 1300mm and 250mm thick with pinpoint accuracy.
Pre-Press
Designers now prepare intricate, building-specific graphics (e.g., full-wall murals, branded reception desk fronts, directional signage with integrated textures) in-house using standard design software.
On the Production Floor
Operators load a pre-cut and cleaned 20mm thick acrylic panel for a luxury hotel’s lobby feature wall. The printer’s vacuum bed secures it perfectly. The six-color plus white and varnish print heads then deposit UV-curable ink. The ink is cured instantly by high-intensity UV-LED lamps as the print head passes, allowing for multiple layers (like a white underbase for vibrant colors on clear acrylic) to be applied in a single, rapid production run.
Post-Process
Once printed, the panel is immediately ready for handling and installation. No drying time, no lamination required.
Result:
Lead times for complex signage projects were reduced from 3 weeks to 3 days. Material waste decreased by 40% due to precise, on-demand printing. The studio won major contracts for their unique ability to produce durable, weather-resistant exterior signage and stunning interior features with photorealistic quality, directly onto the final material. Their business grew by 35% in the first year post-installation.