Sign Works Invests in the Future of Large-Format Graphics Printing

Sign Works, a sign and graphics provider based in Chicago, IL, has installed the Océ Colorado 1640 Printer from Canon Solutions America (Booths 2435 and 2525), becoming one of the first companies to do so in the U.S.

“Dating back to conversations I had with Canon Solutions America months ago about the launch of this ground-breaking technology, I knew investing in the Océ Colorado was the right move, and could expand our capabilities from both a quality and turnaround perspective,” says Greg Janowiak, Owner of Sign Works.

For more than 40 years, Sign Works has stayed at the forefront of the signage and graphics industry with state-of-the-art equipment and a talented creative team. Recognized throughout the Chicago area for its ability to produce distinctive graphics for all types of environments and clients, the firm’s substantial list of customers reaches everything from local shops to movie makers and television shows, utilizing the quintessential Chicago aesthetic. Over the last decade, Sign Works enhanced its reputation for high-quality output with various product installations as a way to support its work in fashion and other mediums that require deeply rich solid colors and flesh tones. According to Janowiak, his newest acquisition is one of the most important investments in technology since the doors to his shop opened in 1975.

“We’ve always valued our relationship with Canon Solutions America and this is a milestone for our continued collaborations together,” confirms Janowiak. “We were immediately impressed with the machine’s ability to help us produce jobs faster — speed is key, and the Océ Colorado 1640 delivers on that while not compromising top quality.”

The new printer, powered by Canon UVgel technology, was designed to fill the gap between current technologies in the roll-to-roll production market. With its launch earlier this year, print service providers like Sign Works now have a clear choice when it comes to a graphics printing system that can help deliver real production efficiency, while lowering operating costs and expanding business opportunities. The 64-inch roll-to-roll printer is supported by a new UV curable ink from Canon that gels instantly on contact with the media, resulting in precise dot placement and area control for consistent high-quality images at high speed.

“Speed and quality are pivotal, but equally important to Sign Works is the ability to work with a technology that could support a vast variety of applications and jobs that our customers demand,” says Janowiak. “Supporting both our indoor and outdoor display graphics applications and signage, the Océ Colorado 1640 has brought us into new markets as we continue to expand our reach and offerings.”

Another pivotal component to Janowiak’s (and other buyers’) decision to go with Canon’s new technology pertains to the ink savings of the Océ Colorado 1640 printer, as independently validated. By using the next-generation UVgel inks, users are able to experience significant ink cost-savings compared to competitive technologies. Cost-savings have reached as high as 30 to 50 percent compared to solvent and latex roll-to-roll printers.

The foundation of this collaboration is built around the relationship between Sign Works and Canon Solutions America. From the service and sales teams to the executive level, Canon Solutions America’s Large Format Solutions division worked closely with Sign Works for more than five years and knew that it was the right company for its new product.

“This is a monumental moment that we are genuinely proud of here at Canon Solutions America,” says Sal Sheikh, Vice President, Marketing, Large Format Solutions, Canon Solutions America. “Sign Works is a proven example of an organization that brings technology and people together. That is something that we too believe in, as proven by this latest announcement. We look forward to spearheading the future of large-format graphics together.”