Digital print embellishments are nothing new, yet they remain a viable way for print businesses to increase the value of their products, improve customer satisfaction, and boost profitability. As digital print processes continue to grow, so is the demand for more on demand embellishments. Making the investment in this type of technology can change the game for your business. Let’s dive a little deeper into the world of embellishments.
Why Embellishments in Print Matter
Enhancements play a powerful role in capturing attention and elevating brand perception. A 2020 study from Printing Impressions found that print buyers are willing to pay 24% to 89% more for printed pieces with embellishments! Why? Because whether it’s spot UV, foil, lamination, embossing, specialty inks, die cutting, or unique coatings – embellishments get consumers to engage with your brand. They make prints impossible to ignore, and quickly add value and a more luxurious feel. People love touching items with different textures and finishes because as humans, we are drawn to it. A printed piece of marketing that’s been enhanced will grab more attention than one without.
Today’s clients want more than just ink on paper – they want print that reflects the value of their brand. A Napco study confirms this trend, showing that 55% of print buyers prefer working with providers who offer enhancement options. Adding embellishments not only increases the value of the print order but also helps you attract more clients.
The Cost-Effectiveness of Digital Embellishments
While digital embellishments might sound expensive, they’re actually more cost-effective than you think. Traditional embellishment methods often require large print runs, separate processes, and skilled labor, making them less suitable for the short-run and variable print jobs of today.
Digital embellishments, on the other hand, allow for more flexibility with shorter runs and on-demand customization, making them more affordable for a wider range of projects. The operation of these devices tends to be more user-friendly and quite easy for an operator without prior experience.
When it comes to the ROI, you will recoup the investment in a matter of time once you have something more to upsell and the added revenue exceeds the total cost. Regular products, like standard business cards, become premium products when spot UV, foil, and/or lamination get added on.
Key Considerations for Printers
If you’re looking to just dip your toes into digital embellishments, you can start small by experimenting with the 5th color station and the specialty inks that are available in many digital presses. These can produce spot gloss, white, metallic, or fluorescent colors to help prints pop a little bit more.
When looking to add offline embellishment equipment, first evaluate your current production capabilities. Are most of your jobs printed on your offset or digital press? Note the maximum and minimum sheet sizes your equipment can handle, as well as the types of substrates most used. And of course, consider the most common jobs you are producing.
Just as important, make sure you understand your primary client base. Whether you serve corporate businesses, marketing agencies, non-profits, or luxury brands, their expectations for embellishments will vary. Research your competitors too to see what types of value-added services they offer. Think about how you can differentiate your print shop by providing options that others don’t offer.
It’s all about what works best for your business and operation. Even if you have that 5th color station, something like raised spot UV or foil can take your metallics to the next level. Experiment with different finishes to see which ones resonate most with your customers.
And finally, assess the physical space you have available in your shop for new devices. Embellishment equipment comes in a variety of sizes, from compact models to larger machines that take up the space of a full press. If you’re considering a flood or digital spot UV coater, keep in mind that these machines require proper ventilation so make sure you have a way to vent the unit.
Duplo’s Solutions for Digital Print Embellishments
There is a wide variety of equipment in the market you can choose from. Duplo offers compact, user-friendly equipment that makes professional embellishments accessible – even for smaller print shops. Here’s a closer look at them:
DDC-810 Pro Raised Spot UV Coater
With its compact footprint and PC-based operation, the DDC-810 Pro is a fully automated machine that applies texture and depth to any area of the printed image via digital inkjet technology. Ideal for business cards, invitations, and packaging, it performs with a spot layer file and uses camera-guided registration for consistent output. No screens or dies are required. It’s compatible with output from your existing offset and digital presses, including Canon, Fujifilm, HP, Konica Minolta, Ricoh, Sharp, and Xerox.
DFL-700 and DFL-500 Foil/Laminator
A cost-effective, entry-level solution for foil and lamination. The DFL-700 and DFL-500 can be used to apply toner or polymer-based foil as well as single-sided lamination in finishes like soft-touch and matte. It’s great for short-run jobs as the heated roller fuses foil directly to the black toner that’s been printed for toner-foiling applications. Then you also have the capability to apply foil on top of spot UV for that raised foil effect. An excellent option for printers looking to produce beautiful greeting cards, business cards, and invitations without breaking the budget.
Digital print embellishments aren’t just a trend – it’s a proven way to differentiate your print shop, increase margins, and deliver added value to your clients. With Duplo’s user-friendly solutions, print embellishment has never been easier.
