FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can we print our company logo or name?

A: Yes, this is very easy.  Your logo or name is stored as a separate graphics file.  The logo is printed at a predefined position on the panel.  Usually, logos have 2 or 3 variations for printing onto light, medium and dark designs.  3D effects possible! And, you will save money on buying logos.

 

Q: Can we print our dealer’s logo or name?

A: Yes, this is very easy.  See answer above. You can print your logo + your dealer’s logo.

 

Q: Can we print job information on panels?

A: Yes, the computer controlled system can print any information on a panel: job number, dealer name, production date, design name or code …  Data can be retrieved from your computer system automatically or entered manually.

 

Q: Where is job information printed on panels?

A: On the end of the panel in the overlap section (sideroom), where it will be hidden after door installation.  Information can be printed so that it is visible after fixing panel end caps, or can be hidden under the end caps.

 

Q: Can we print numbers and text on panels?

A: Yes.  No problem.  Commonly used for industrial door projects. Note that because of the matt lacquer, the printed panel will look different than standard panels.  Mixing lacquered and non-lacquered panels in a door will not look correct. All the unprinted panels should have lacquer application for a consistent looking door.

 

Q: Can we cut panels after printing?

A: Yes.  No problem.  Panels can be cut to length (vertically) or to height (horizontally).

 

Q: Can we print panels that have been cut to height (horizontally)?

A: Yes.  No problem.  

 

Q: Can we print different jobs on a panel then cut the panels to length?

A: Yes.  No problem.  This is useful to increase the production rate.  For example, a 2.500 x 2.000 mm door has four 2.550 x 500 mm panels.  Total length is 10.200 mm. Designs are printed on each panel, including job information.  Marks are printed on the panel indicating where to cut the panels.

 

Q: Can we print windows?

A: Yes and no.  Most window frames have a depth of > 6 mm and will not print well.  Printing has a maximum recommended depth of 6 mm. Also, printing onto plastic is different than printing on painted steel panels.  One solution is to cut flat window frames (exterior and interior) from aluminum or steel with a CNC machine. The frames are placed on a flat surface and printed.   The flat surface can be an old panel which is reused. The frames are glued to the exterior and interior of the panel.

 

Q: Can we print virtual windows?

A: Yes.  You can print virtual window frames with virtual glass.  The virtual glass will not be clear, but can be opaque or have a frosted look.  Or, you can print a scene “visible” behind the “glass”.  

 

Q: Can you print the top and bottom aluminum profiles that hold weatherseals?

A: Yes.  There are three options:

1) Profiles fixed to panels with exterior rivets.  If the profiles have been riveted on the exterior to the panel— printing is usually not recommended.  Printing has a maximum recommended depth of 6 mm. The thickness of the alu profile is ≈ 1 mm, the height of the rivet heads is  ≈ 2 mm, for a total of ≈ 3 mm. The print heads will be an extra 3 mm away from the panel surface, reducing print quality.  

If the panel has flat style, printing results can be acceptable for many designs.  

If the panel has cassette or ribbed styles, printing results will not be acceptable because the depth of the cassette block or ribs will be > 3 mm.  The total distance from the bottom of the cassette block or rib + extra height needed for the profiles with rivets will be > 6 mm.  

2) Profiles fixed to panels with interior rivets or screws.  The thickness of the alu profile is ≈ 1 mm and the print heads will be an extra 1 mm away from the panel surface, reducing print quality slightly.  

If the panel has flat style, printing results will be acceptable for almost all designs.  

If the panel has cassette or ribbed styles, and the depth of the cassette blocks or ribs is ≤ 5 mm, print quality can be acceptable.  Printing has a maximum recommended depth of 6 mm.  

3) Profiles printed separately from panels.  The profiles are placed on a flat surface and printed.   The flat surface can be an old panel which is reused. Profiles are fixed to panels after drying.

 

Q: Can we print panels with variations in white color?

A: Yes.  Often there is the problem of color variations in white panels.  Many of these panels become “dead inventory”. Color variations are caused by paint differences from one steel coil to another, fading and other factors.  Designs that have a high ink coverage rate will print well, hiding the color variations.

 

Q: When do we print panels that are not white color?

A: Some designs use the panel color as the background for the design.  Note that white color cannot be printed and the design cannot include white.

 

Q: Can we print replacement panels?

A: Yes.  No problem.  Retrieve the old print job and print the replacement panels.  Since the lacquer minimizes fading, the original panels will look similar to the replacement panels.  If panels have faded, the design can be adjusted to be lighter to match the original panels.

 

Q: Can we print cut marks or lines for windows, handles and locks?

A: Yes, no problem.  The marks or lines will be very accurately printed on the panel.  The accuracy will be better than if measured manually.  

 

Q: Can we print the interior of panels?

A: For most panel joint types, yes.  Some customers want the interior of the door printed.  Lacquer is applied since it is necessary to protect the digital ink.  Note that on-door hardware like hinges are not printed. They can be powder coated painted a color that will be similar to the printed design.

 

Q: Can we apply lacquer to unprinted panels?

A: Yes.  No problem.  Lacquer can be applied to any panel with paint finish.  The lacquer will improve resistance to corrosion, fading and scratches.  Also, makes graffiti easier to clean off.

 

Lacquer can also be applied to the interior of panels, which is useful for many industrial doors: car washes, doors that require frequent cleaning …  If a door has stainless steel hardware, lacquer application can be very beneficial.

 

Q: Can we print aluminum panels?

A: It depends on the aluminum finish (natural, mill, anodized, polished).  Requires testing.

  

Q: How are custom one-off designs different?

A: A custom one-off design for a customer requires setting up a new graphics file.  This requires the skills and time of a graphic specialist, which costs money. An extra fee is charged to the customer for the graphics set-up.  The fee can be € 100 - € 200, or more.

 

Q: Can we print on panels with matt or polygrain surfaces?

A: Yes.  Testing should be done to confirm good printing results with the specific surface.

 

Q: How difficult is it to make a complete door design from a photograph or scan?

A: The main issue is image resolution.  We recommend a minimum resolution of 200 dpi for best printing results.  DPI = Dots Per Inch. Even a small door will require a large image file. Up scaling graphics software will increase the resolution.  

 

Q: How do we scan an object to make a new design?

A: The main issue is the size of the object.  If the object is small and the pattern will be repeated, then a flatbed scanner is sufficient.  If the object is long (for example a wood board 2.000 mm long) then a special, moving scanner is required.  There are specialty scanning companies that can provide this service.