Tuesday, April 12, 2011

New New New New!!

Check out the ALL NEW Eco-Friendly Orchid Retractable Bamboo Banner Stand!! 



This easy to assemble and use bamboo banner stand is the perfect Green alternative to traditional banner stands! If you want to create a "Spa" type atmosphere, or show off how Green you are - this is the perfect product to host your promotional materials! The banner material shown here is a knitted polyester blend  - however, we can print on whatever banner material strikes your fancy!

Contact me today to learn more! 

Elizabeth Herber at Speedpro Imaging Marietta!
200 North Cobb Parkway Suite 130
Marietta, GA 30062
770.693.1767
www.speedpromarietta.com
marketingmarietta@speedpro.com

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Vechicle Wrap Seminar!

We had a seminar this morning for a new vehicle wrap product provided by Mactac - Nazdar.



 Our installer guys came and sampled the product - and loved it!



If your company has cars, trucks, vans or SUVs, and those vehicles are out on the street providing service to your customers, why not maximize that investment? Vehicle signage with high impact graphics from Speedpro will do just that.

Vehicle graphics can attract the attention of 25,000 to 75,000 people a day for up to 8.4 million impressions a year! As a result, vehicle signage is extremely cost effective because the cost is a fraction of traditional advertising mediums but the impact is high.


As an alternative to permanent vinyl decals or wraps, custom magnetic signs can be any size or shape, and are  easy to remove and apply. Magnetic signs printed in full color are commonly used on real estate, sales, delivery and service vehicles.

With a vehicle wrap, Speedpro will transform your ordinary vehicles so that they are sure to capture the attention of millions of potential customers. Contact Speedpro today to learn how we can make your vehicle or commercial fleet turn heads in traffic and drive your business to the next level.





Thursday, March 10, 2011

FAQs



 Frequently Asked Questions



Why should I partner with Speedpro Imaging, Marietta?

By choosing Speedpro Imaging as your wholesale provider of large format graphics, you’ll boost your revenue with very little effort and retain customers that you often had to refer to other businesses. We can provide a wide range of products and services to you - all “behind-the-scenes” so your customers never even need to know we’re your supplier.

What products does Speedpro Imaging provide?

        Banners
        Signs
        Trade show displays
        Vehicle graphics, including full and partial vehicle wraps
        Floor, window and wall graphics
        Magnetic signs
        Vinyl letters, decals, and logos
        And more... just ask!

Why should I order from Speedpro rather than an online, discount supplier?

There are a lot of discount suppliers out there, but you get what you pay for. Speedpro specializes in high quality, “larger than life” graphics - our image quality leaves our competitors in the dust, both in terms of color accuracy and resolution. Your customers are no longer limited by basic formats with a limited range of colors. Our focus on quality will differentiate you from other graphic suppliers for these reasons:

·         Many of the other guys either use true solvents, which are harmful to the environment and smell bad, or aqueous inks, which don’t stand up to the elements.
·         We use Eco-Solvents, which are weather-proof, UV-resistant, environmentally-friendly, and don’t smell.
·         We provide a faster turnaround and don't charge for setup or shipping.
·         Buying from us keeps the money local which is better for the city's economy.
·         No risk of damage from shipping, and we can personally deliver if requested.
·         We can give you a same-day color proof for peace of mind, the other guys will send you an email with a digital picture.. if you're lucky.
·         We stand by our product and can produce immediate fixes and reprints right away.

How do I get started with the Speedpro wholesale process?

1.      Decide how you want to promote your new large format services to your customers. We can provide you with a variety of free display samples such as: banners, window graphics, free-standing displays, and even floor graphics.
2.      Help guide your customers through their large format options. This FAQ sheet is an excellent way to become more knowledgeable about Speedpro products, however, the staff here at Speedpro Imaging is happy to answer any questions you have in order to further inform your customers of their options.
3.      Fill out our order form and call, fax, or email us. See Appendix A for order form.
a.       Phone: 770-693-1767
b.      Fax: 770-693-1582
c.       Email: Owner – Twillingham@speedpro.com                                     Production Manager – productionmarietta@speedpro.com            Marketing Director – marketingmarietta@speedpro.com 
4.      We will respond with a quote, and you can decide the markup price for your customer. A typical start is a 30% markup from our wholesale prices.
5.      Submit the customer’s artwork via email.
6.      We will notify you (and usually deliver) your project when it’s ready – typically within 24-48 hours.

How much additional revenue can I expect to gain from the Speedpro Wholesale program?

Once established, it’s not unreasonable to expect $1k-3k per month in additional revenue from your large-format graphics business. Of course, individual results vary and depend greatly on the amount of promotion you do.

What are the basics of Digital Printing?

Digital printing involves two basic types of files - Raster (bitmaps) and Vector (outlines).  For example, a photo is usually a Raster Image, and a font is usually a Vector or outline. 




Vector file formats (scalable to any size UNLESS they contain bitmaps in addition to vector images)
EPS (Encapsulated Postscript)
AI (Adobe Illustrator)
PDF (Acrobat)
Raster/bitmap file formats (may not support being scaled to large sizes)
TIF (or TIFF – Tagged Image File Format)
JPG (or JPEG – Joint Photographic Experts Group)
GIF (Graphics Interchange Format.

Be careful of GIF files as these are most commonly used for websites and are usually not high enough resolution to be enlarged significantly).

The biggest difference between Raster and Vector file formats is that a vector image can be infinitely enlarged because the image is created without outlines or line segments and curves.  The amount a Raster (bitmap) image can be enlarged depends on the original resolution, and accepted loss of clarity versus the accepted viewing distance.  Raster images are commonly used for photographic images, but they are also a bit more complicated to set up and produce a quality large format print. 

A Raster image (bitmap) is made up of tiny dots, and each dot can be one of many thousands, if not millions of colors.  There are also two color modes or pallets – CYMK (Cyan, Yellow, Magenta, and Black) or RGB (Red, Green, and Blue.)  Generally, the RGB color space is larger, and many RIP programs like this format to produce the most vibrant colors.  I know this might seem odd, as the printer is a CYMK device.  Eventually all files will be converted to CYMK by the RIP (Raster Image Processor) program when it outputs to the printer.  Nonetheless, starting with RGB files and letting the RIP make this conversion will generally produce the most vibrant images.

Raster images also have limitations on how much it can be enlarged depending on the original file’s resolution.  We recommend keeping the final output resolution between 100 and 200 DPI (dots per inch) at FULL SIZE.  Below 100 DPI and you will start to see a sacrifice of quality.  Over 200 DPI, you are probably wasting hard drive space and processing time.  (Unless you are printing 4 point type and the print is to be viewed from a very close distance.)  This file resolution is not to be confused with print resolution.  Even though our input files are 100-200 DPI, we typically print at least 360 DPI and more often 720 DPI.  This ensures the smallest droplet and lack of graininess.

One exception might be on a billboard or a tractor-trailer.  These areas are so large, that a 200 DPI input file will be too large for most computers to deal with.  When working in Photoshop, these files can swell over 1 Gigabyte.

How much can I enlarge a Raster image?

Here is an example: when following the 100 DPI, full-size guideline:  If you take a file that starts out at 600 pixels wide, the largest you can print, keeping to the 100 DPI rule is 6 inches.  (Divide 600 pixels by 100 = 6”).  Of course, it is possible to enlarge the file to a much larger size in Photoshop, but this just multiplies the pixels around each other, and you will just create a fuzzy mess.  Photoshop will just take each pixel and create a new pixel next to it, halfway in color to the next, and so on.  This is why most website images are not useable for large format output.  There is just not enough pixel data.  Website graphics are created at as small a resolution as possible to create a reasonable image to view on a monitor and reduce bandwidth.  This makes the website load as quickly as possible.

So what about the expensive digital camera I just bought? Can’t I just use that?

A high-end camera in today’s market may be as high as 12-Megapixels or more.  (1 Megapixel = 1 million pixels).  A 12-Megapixel camera, for example, may have a resolution of 4288 pixels wide x 2848 pixels high.  In keeping our file within our 100 DPI guideline, the maximum size we can output with minimal distortion is 42.88” wide (4288 pixels wide divided by 100).  The larger the original image, and the more pixel data you have, the more leeway you have to work with.  With this much pixel data, we can go a reasonable amount larger than 42.88” and still achieve good results.  Keep in mind, the larger we go from the original, the fuzzier and pixilated the final output will be.

There are filters that can do a nice job of smoothing out the “jaggies” of less than optimal files.  One popular program is Photozoom.  Its proprietary algorithms filter less than optimal artwork to result in a more acceptable image than Photoshop when enlarging artwork, as long as there is sufficient pixel data there to start with.  It cannot perform miracles, but it can make a significant improvement.

What design services do you offer?

        While many clients design their own graphics and provide “print-ready” files, we can provide complete graphic design services or recommend a graphic designer to create or edit your designs.
        Royalty-free photographs and images can be purchased from www.istockphoto.com. If we need to purchase them, we will add the cost to the project.
        We can match colors with high accuracy.  Although digital printers do not print PMS and RGB colors, our production team will match spot colors upon request.  Printed colors may look slightly different depending on materials.  We can provide test proofs before beginning a production run.
        With vehicle wraps, we will normally do the complete design and layout on vehicle templates; with as much design and review as necessary. Once the design is complete, we provide a test print to review to ensure color accuracy and quality. A 50% deposit is required prior to printing; and the rest is due on completion.  

What are your product descriptions and how are they used?

Banners
·         Outdoors vs. Indoors - All of our banners are printed with UV resistant inks to prolong banner life.  We normally print all banners on 13oz scrim vinyl banner media. This is suitable for outdoor use but can certainly be used indoors.  For strict indoor use, a banner may be printed on a smooth banner or a smooth blackout film. Smooth banner materials will generally be higher cost than standard scrim but do provide a smoother appearance for banners to be viewed at a small disctance.
·         Finishing - Hems and grommets are used for easy display. Hems are generally made with adhesive banner tape. Grommets (brass or silver) are placed in the corners and approximately every 2’- 3’. 
·         Hems - Standard hems require an extra 1“on each side to fold over and sew or tape. We normally tape hems for a smoother appearance.
·         Pole Pockets - The top and bottom of the banner is folded over and taped creating a pocket that accepts dowels.  Pole pockets require more material to fold over.  To ensure the proper size of the pocket, we will need the diameter of the pole.
Media
·         Calendared Vinyl -General-purpose signs and graphics; moderate to good exterior durability.  Greater production yields equals less cost.  Stiffer/thicker film equals easier handling.  Thickness of film increases resistance to abrasion.  Intended for flat, smooth opaque application surfaces.
·         Cast Vinyl - Designed for maximum outdoor durability and conformability.  Cast films also maintain their color and other properties better than other vinyl films.  Better performance of pigments and UV absorbers and less shrinkage.  Cast films are very thin to improve conformability over substrates with rivets, corrugations, and complex curves.  Cast vinyl is most often used to wrap vehicles.
·         Translucent – Formulated for illuminated signs and backlit displays.  Intended for flat rigid, flex face applications, and maximum light transmission.
·         Reflective – Ideally suited to safety and commercial signs or vehicle graphics that require viewing both day and night. Can be printed.
·         Mirror Finish – Silver and gold with a polished chrome, matte, brushed, or specialty-textured surface. Not usually printable.
·         Etched & Frosted – Simulates the appearance of etched or sandblasted glass on window fronts, entry doors, and partitions. Can be plotter cut for complex shapes.
·         Banner – Durable, flexible, tear and fade resistant material will withstand most weather conditions.  Available in a variety of scrim, smooth, and mesh materials.  Thickness of film increases resistance to abrasion.
·         Specialty - Variety of specialty media such as photo paper, artist canvas, perforated window film, static cling, street &wall graphics & more. 
Adhesives
·         No Adhesive - Banners, photo paper, poster paper, and artist canvas typically do not have any adhesive.
·         Changeable - Changeable films can be removed without any aids such as heat or chemicals and without leaving adhesive residue.
·         Repositionable - Repositionable graphics have a low-tack adhesive that leaves no residue and can be reused like “Fat Heads.”
·         Removable - Some semi-permanent films can be removed with the aid of heat only.  Others may require chemicals or accessories.  These films leave less adhesive residue that can also be removed.  Vehicle wraps are semi-permanent.
·         Permanent - Permanent films are not designed to be removed.  In some cases they can be removed, but with great difficulty and likely damage to the substrate.  If they are removed, they may leave significant adhesive residue.  Decals and signage typically use permanent adhesives.
·         Static Cling - Designed for short-term indoor window or mirror graphics where no adhesion is required.  Static cling graphics are repositionable and reusable.
·         Magnetic - Magnetic signs and decals can be “stuck” to any ferrous material and moved.
Laminates
·         Gloss/Satin/Matte - Laminates provide protection from ultraviolet (UV) light and mechanical damage.  They also protect prints from moisture and abrasion.  Laminates can also be used to enhance the depth of the image.
·         Dry Erase - Dry erase laminates can turn any sign into dry erase.  Great applications include menu boards, business presentations, and leader boards.
·         Anti-skid - Anti-skid laminates provide a slip-resistant surface on floor graphics.  (UL classified #4R93 for slip resistance)
·         Anti-graffiti - Anti-graffiti laminates provide excellent resistance to chemicals and solvents.  They allow for easy removal of graffiti.
·         Polycarbonate - Polycarbonate laminates provide scuff and UV resistance.  They also provide rigidity and durability to vinyl banners and decals.
Substrates
·         Corrugated Plastic - Durable because it is water proof and resistant to stains and most chemicals.  At regular temperatures most oils, solvents, and water have no effect, allowing it to perform under adverse weather conditions or as a product component exposed to harsh chemicals.  4mm is a common thickness; 10mm is very heavy and rigid. Coroplast is a popular brand.
·         Foam Board - Extruded polystyrene foam core laminated on both sides with heavy white or black smooth coated paper.  Designed for interior mounting applications requiring rigid, lightweight, and relatively inexpensive material.  Typically, foam board is used for short-term usage as it dents readily and does not hold up well to certain glues, such as superglue and some paints. 
·         Ultra Board - Heavy-duty, all-plastic panel that features a litho-grade, high-impact polystyrene surface for permanent displays and signs.  Ultra Board is designed primarily for interior use, but can be used outdoors.  Dent-resistant styrene liners are secured to the foam center with a bond that keeps the panel flat and rigid.  Moisture does not penetrate.
·         Gator-board - Much stronger than foam core, but about the same weight.  Warp resistant.  Rigid polystyrene foam core laminated between two face veneers of resin-impregnated wood fiber for use in displays and photo mounting.  Provides an ideal combination of minimal weight and high load capacity. However, high moisture & humidity can cause the wood/paper veneer to delaminate and peel the graphic off.
·         Poly-metal - Solid or corrugated plastic core with aluminum laminated to both surfaces.  Extremely flat surface that will not warp or distort.  Excellent durability in outdoor applications.  Alumalite, Alumacorr, Dibond, and Omega-bond are common.
·         Styrene - Extruded high impact material used primarily as an indoor panel or for outdoor usage up to 1 year.
·         Expanded PVC- Expanded PVC is lightweight, rigid board of moderately expanded closed-cell polyvinyl chloride (PVC).  Low gloss matte finish.  Will not rust, rot, peel, or absorb water.  Suitable for display, exhibit, interior, or exterior signage and for photo mounting.  Soften at about 150°F.  This means that you can easily heat up thin (3mm or thinner) pieces and mold as needed.  Sintra® is popular brand name.
·         Magnetic Sheeting - Permanent magnetic sheet used primarily in vehicle magnetic signs.  Vehicle magnetic signs are typically .030” thick and 18” x 24”. 
·         Sign board - Exterior grade wood products with a variety of aluminum, vinyl, or enamel surfaces.  Excellent for exterior signage.
·         Acrylic - Lightweight, high optical quality, high impact strength, and excellent weather ability.  Ideal for backlit signage.

What other products and services does Speedpro Imaging offer?

·         Design Services - Complete graphic design and file resolution improvement are available.

·         Contour Cutting - Graphics can be contour-cut by a dedicated computer plotter.  Decals and “Fat Heads” are examples of contour cutting.

·         Stands/Displays - Wide array of banner stands including retractable, tension pole, telescopic, outdoor, economy displays, back walls, pop-up display, table throws and runners, table-top products, folding display panels, counters, linear display systems, orbital truss systems, literature racks and luminosity/display lighting. 


Does Speedpro offer installation services?

Installation services are available through independent contractors.

What are your prices?

Because our prices change, call us at 770-693-1767 for our latest price list!

Monday, March 7, 2011

Let's Start Blogging!

Hello world of large format graphic enthusiasts!


Herein lies the first post of many to come from Speedpro Imaging Marietta!

I look forward to introducing you to our delightful staff, and to our high quality products!

My goal for this blog is to keep our followers updated on any new products, events, and news in accordance to Speedpro Imaging Marietta.

For now, let me end with directing you to our website while I compose something worth more of your time!

Cheers!

www.speedpromarietta.com


Also, let me introduce you to the Speedpro Mascot, HUE  -- Isn't he soooo cute!!