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![]() Creating Magnet-Receptive Graphics
Over the past several years the wide format printing community has been inundated with new ‘niche’ applications for large format images. From billboards to vehicle wraps, textiles to window graphics, your customers now have a wide range of options available to them. While all of the above unique applications certainly have the potential to boost your company’s bottom line, they also have something else in common…an initial capital investment that can range from hundreds to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
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While there are many different opportunities for wide format printers to increase profitability, arguably the best way is to introduce new products that do not require a heavy investment in specialized equipment or rigorous employee training. There is a growing interest in finding new finishing methods, or finished products, that can have an immediate impact on the bottom line without the initial capital expenditure for new equipment and/or expertise.
One application that has grown in popularity over the past few years is for Magnet-Receptive Graphics. What are Magnet-Receptive Graphics? They are exactly what their name suggests, graphics that your customers can affix magnets to (or graphics your customer can affix to magnets, as the case may be). These are used for a wide range of different applications including Maps, Calendars, In/Out Boards, Presentation Boards, as well as the profitable ‘Courtroom Graphics’ niche. While these markets have always existed, it is only recently that developments in finishing materials have not only allowed you to create vibrant graphics that are receptive to magnets at a reasonable cost, but also do so using lightweight materials that do not require special equipment (for ease of manufacture and shipping). If your business already offers in-house finishing services then you should offer this as a high-end (and thus more profitable) finishing option to your clients.
What is required?
Mounting adhesive
Metallic Paper
Substrate
Laminating Film
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You can now affix magnets of all kinds to this board. We recommend a magnetic sheet or tape of at least .020 (20 mils) in thickness. Also, you can use magnetic tape on items such as Matchbox Cars. Should your customer desire that you include removable graphics then we recommend applying those graphics to a magnetic sheet (these are available in several different gauges and widths up to 47” wide). As mentioned earlier, a dry-erase laminating film is recommended as an added benefit for your customer. However, certain scenarios may prevent you from doing so, e.g. high-traffic areas where a scuff-resistant finish may be required. Simply switch the laminating film to whatever finish your customer desires, but be sure not to exceed 5.0 mils in thickness as thicker gauge films may have an adverse effect on the magnets’ ability to stick to your substrate. The Magnet-Receptive Displays described above are only one of the many different options available to both your business and in turn your customers. With the present economic climate being what it is, now is the time to introduce finished products such as these to your customers. Not only will it give you the opportunity to “upsell” your customers for their graphic needs, but may also give you an opportunity to create your own niche. Most importantly, however, projects such as these will contribute to the bottom line. Speak to your film and media vendors. Ask them what new products they have available and whether or not they have any ideas and/or success stories to share with you, for they are often an under-utilized source of valuable information and ideas. More importantly use your imagination. Heck, speak to your staff and ask them to use their imagination. Not all “ideas” may lead to riches, but trying something new like a ‘Magnet-Receptive Display’ can lead your business to new markets; markets that can assist your business in reaching its long-term goals. Hayden Kelley is the General Manager of Drytac Canada headquartered in Toronto, Ontario. For comments and suggestions, he can be contacted by email at haydenkelley@drytac.com. You can visit Drytac's web site at www.drytac.com.
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