Redacción Alabrent
Despite the rise of digital marketing, physical branding materials continue to be a cornerstone of trade show success. Traditional display solutions, such as banners and posters, remain the most effective tools for capturing attention and driving foot traffic. In fact, research conducted by Discount Displays revealed that banners and posters are the most attractive type of display material for attendees, with 30% of respondents identifying them as the most impactful visual marketing tools. This demonstrates that whilst technology has evolved, the power of high-quality printed materials in exhibition spaces remains unmatched.With the growing demand for engaging and high-impact display solutions, print service providers must balance superior quality, cost efficiency, and quick turnaround times. This is where advancements in printing technology play a crucial role. Companies must adopt cutting-edge solutions to streamline their production workflows and maintain a competitive edge in the evolving landscape of event marketing.
Discount Displays, a leader in the UK’s exhibition and display sector, has been at the forefront of this transformation. With over 35 years of experience, they have built a reputation for delivering high-quality print and display solutions, backed by in-house design, and finishing expertise. To stay ahead in a competitive market, they continually invest in new printing technology that enhances efficiency and meets the evolving needs of their customers. And that’s where Roland DG comes in.
The need for speed
As the demand for high-quality, fast turnaround display graphics grew, Discount Displays recognised that their existing print setup was becoming a bottleneck. Whilst their previous machines had been reliable for producing pop-up stands and exhibition materials, they struggled to keep pace with the evolving needs of the industry. Customers expected sharper detail, vibrant colours, and increased durability, all while turnaround times continued to shrink.
One of the biggest challenges Discount Displays faced with its old setup was the limitations of its old latex printer. The high temperatures required by the printer to cure latex inks often led to material shrinkage and warping, causing misalignment issues and inconsistencies in print quality. This not only resulted in unnecessary material waste but also required time-consuming adjustments to achieve the desired output.
Recognising the need for a more efficient and versatile printing solution, Discount Displays sought an alternative that could provide superior print quality without the drawbacks of heat-related issues and excessive post-processing. After thorough research and testing, they invested in the state-of-the-art Roland DG LG-640 printer - ushering in a new era of precision, efficiency, and reliability in their production workflow.
Moving towards UV-powered progress
With the Roland LG-640 in place, Discount Displays saw an immediate transformation in their print production process. The investment was not just about upgrading equipment but about redefining efficiency, precision, and creative possibilities.
A key advantage of the Roland LG-640 is its advanced automation features, particularly its optical registration technology, which enables highly accurate media calibration. This ensures consistent, high-quality output across various materials, reducing costly misprints and minimising material waste. The printer’s ability to operate with minimal supervision has also been a game-changer, allowing for increased productivity without requiring additional labour.
The versatility of the Roland LG-640 has provided Discount Displays with greater flexibility in meeting customer needs. The machine’s fully customisable ink configurations allow them to produce striking visuals with enhanced textures, gloss finishes, and brand-accurate colours. The inclusion of high-density white ink has further expanded their creative capabilities, ensuring vivid, high-impact graphics while maintaining cost-effective ink consumption.
One of the most significant workflow improvements has come from the integration of UV-LED curing technology. Unlike Discount Display’s old printer, which required post-processing such as lamination to enhance durability, the Roland LG-640 prints directly onto laminate. This has completely eliminated an entire post-production step, saving both time and labour costs. The fast-drying UV inks allow prints to be handled immediately, accelerating turnaround times and enabling same-day delivery for urgent orders.
The printer’s ability to seamlessly print and cut self-adhesive vinyl has simplified sticker and decal production, reducing the complexity of previously multi-step processes. The machine’s compatibility with an extensive range of materials - including rigid substrates and fabric - has also opened new doors for Discount Displays, allowing them to explore innovative applications in retail, event signage, and even interior décor markets.
The importance of aftercare
Seamless technology integration doesn’t stop at installation - it requires ongoing support to maximise efficiency and maintain print quality. Recognising this, Discount Displays partnered with dealer, Paper Graphics, whose expert aftercare services ensured a smooth transition to the Roland LG-640.
From initial setup and calibration to continuous technical support, Paper Graphics - with the help of Roland DG - provided invaluable assistance in optimising print settings for superior colour accuracy and consistency across various substrates. Their expertise in profile creation and software fine-tuning allowed Discount Displays to push the boundaries of what their new printer could achieve, ensuring optimal performance from day one. With dedicated aftercare and responsive troubleshooting, Discount Displays has been able to fully leverage their investment, eliminating downtime and maintaining peak operational efficiency.
Looking into 2025
As the print industry evolves, businesses must stay ahead of emerging trends to remain competitive. Discount Displays has recognised a shift towards fabric-based display solutions, driven by growing demand for stretch frames and textile signage. With the Roland LG-640’s broad media compatibility, they have been able to experiment with fabric printing, producing durable, high-quality visuals tailored to the modern exhibition and retail landscape.
Looking towards 2025, Discount Displays is set to expand into new markets, harnessing their advanced print capabilities to meet the demand for sustainable, reusable display solutions. As the industry moves towards greener alternatives, their ability to print on a diverse range of materials positions them as a leader in delivering high-quality, eco-conscious display solutions tailored to ever-changing customer needs.
With the successful adoption of the Roland LG-640 UV printer, Discount Displays is already planning its next phase of growth. The company is considering expanding its print fleet with another Roland machine to increase capacity, meet rising demand, and diversify its service offerings. Beyond equipment investments, they remain committed to enhancing their online presence, refining customer experience, and adapting to market trends. By continuously embracing new technologies and optimising workflow efficiency, Discount Displays is well-positioned for long-term success and industry leadership in 2025 and beyond.