Guiding the Way, Partnering in Progress
In the production of temporary traffic signs, digital printers significantly increase efficiency and sustainability in manufacturing. The requirements for digitally printed signs, which are used, for example, for securing construction sites, are particularly demanding both technically and in terms of approval conditions. In close collaboration with printing specialist Roland DG, ORAFOL has developed a certified product range that seamlessly combines a user-friendly digital printer, ORAFOL's specialized films, inks, and technical service. This system enables both German road construction companies and sign manufacturers worldwide to make their production processes for traffic signs significantly more efficient.
Certified Quality at the Push of a Button
When construction requires a road closure, a clearly marked detour is essential. In Germany, road construction companies are responsible for the signage of these detours. Traditional manufacturing methods for temporary traffic signs require all elements, including individual letters, to be painstakingly plotted and adhered manually. This process is time-consuming and presents challenges, especially for smaller businesses. This is exactly where ORAFOL's solution package comes into play. The new ORALITE® ECO Traffic Printer was specifically developed as an entry-level solution for small production batches. Labor-intensive steps are eliminated in the manufacturing process, as the complete design template for the detour signage is sent directly from a computer to the digital printer and processed there. The result is a transparent, self-adhesive film printed with the required symbol. This film is applied to a suitable, certified sign and can later be easily removed, allowing the base structure to be reused multiple times. This way, ORAFOL significantly contributes to sustainability in traffic sign production.
Determined Partners for Market Success
The new printing technology is the result of a successful partnership between the digital printing specialists at Roland DG and the experts at ORAFOL's Reflective Solutions division. Geert Van den hole, Business Development at Roland DG, describes the ORALITE® ECO Traffic Printer as a large color printer, similar to devices commonly used for Sign & Display printing. The printer operates in a predefined mode specifically tailored to the application, using specially developed, certified ink and the appropriate transparent film. "This ensures consistently high print quality at the push of a button."
To achieve this result, the teams led by Geert Van den hole and Maurice Jongen, Technical Sales Manager at ORAFOL, underwent a short but intensive development phase. The foundation for this project was laid in spring 2022 at the FESPA printing trade fair in Amsterdam. At that time, ORAFOL was searching for a successor to its previous printer supplier, which was planning to exit the market. A quick solution was needed. Thanks to the existing contacts between Maurice Jongen and Geert Van den hole, discussions took place directly at the trade fair.
High Complexity and Close Technical Collaboration
In 2023, the partners initiated implementation. The teams visited each other, discussed technical details, and conducted extensive test series. "Roland DG quickly grasped our requirements," emphasizes Jongen. "The Roland team has always responded very flexibly and promptly." The task, however, was complex: The Roland DG digital printer, ORAFOL's film material, and especially the specially developed ink had to be perfectly aligned. Colors and reflections had to meet national standards and be reproducible.
The challenge was to achieve both the desired color tone and the specified reflectivity level: "These are two parameters that can potentially be in conflict," explains Maurice Jongen. However, under his leadership, an expert team succeeded in developing a balanced ink system specifically tailored to these requirements, allowing the new printer to pass certification quickly.
In April 2024, the ORALITE® ECO Traffic Printer was presented to an international audience for the first time at the Intertraffic trade fair in Amsterdam. Van den hole is proud of the collaboration: "Our two teams have well understood the requirements for a smooth system launch. It is certainly beneficial that Maurice and I share a similar understanding of the business and the relevant tasks."
A Printer for All Markets
In Germany, the ORALITE® ECO Traffic Printer is the perfect solution for temporary signage. However, for ORAFOL, it was essential to offer the product globally to manufacturers of permanent signs as well. In many regions, the much more labor-intensive screen printing process is still widely used. "We operate globally and have established international distribution channels as well as sales and service teams," says Geert Van den hole.
This enables ORAFOL to provide an optimal solution in all regions for manufacturing traffic signs according to national standards. Key selling points include the printer's low maintenance requirements compared to alternative systems and its excellent print quality. Maurice Jongen is convinced: "This economical high-end solution marks the beginning of a long-term partnership for us."
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