Hybrid printing refers to a printing system that combines both roll-to-roll and flatbed capabilities in a single printer. This versatile solution allows print service providers to switch between—or simultaneously handle—flexible and rigid substrates without needing two separate machines.
How It Works:
Hybrid printers are designed with movable or adjustable print beds. For rigid materials, substrates are loaded flat onto a stationary or belt-driven table. For flexible materials, rolls are fed through the printer using a roll-to-roll mechanism. The printheads remain the same, and most hybrid printers use UV-curable inks that adhere well to a wide variety of surfaces.
Compatible Substrates:
Rigid: Foam board, acrylic, aluminum composite, corrugated plastic, wood, and more
Flexible: Self-adhesive vinyl, banner vinyl, textiles, films, and paper
Applications:
Mixed-media campaigns that require both signs and decals
Retail displays with rigid signs and flexible shelf strips
Trade show graphics, including panels and banners
Prototype packaging and short-run display items
Advantages:
Increased flexibility in job handling
Cost-effective for operations with diverse substrate needs
Space-saving compared to owning separate roll and flatbed printers
Consistent print quality across different materials
Ideal for short-run, on-demand production
Considerations:
While hybrid printers are highly versatile, they may not match the speed or specialized capabilities of dedicated flatbed or roll-to-roll printers for high-volume production.