What makes reel fed digital printing suitable for long format graphics?

Reel fed systems are designed to maintain stable tension and consistent ink laydown across extended print lengths. This prevents skewing, colour drift and surface inconsistencies. Because the material feeds continuously, it supports long murals, banners and wallpaper drops without interruption. This makes the method ideal for installations where image continuity is essential.

How do UV roll fed and eco solvent systems differ in performance?

UV printing produces a highly durable finish that bonds securely to the material surface and performs extremely well outdoors. Eco solvent printing produces a noticeably smoother finish with richer colours and finer gradients which is ideal for indoor graphics or displays requiring detailed imagery. The choice depends on the project’s expected conditions and the level of visual quality needed.

Can reel fed graphics be produced without visible joins?

Yes. When printed on wide format machines up to five thousand millimetres, many graphics can be produced in a single uninterrupted piece. For projects that exceed the roll width, artwork is prepared in matched drops that align perfectly during installation. This approach allows large displays to appear continuous.

What substrates are best suited to reel fed digital printing?

Poster paper, PVC banner, mesh banner, self adhesive vinyl, wallpapers, window films and semi rigid PVC are the most common. Each material is profiled to ensure stable colour reproduction and correct curing. The choice depends on where the graphic is installed and how long it needs to last.

Is white ink available on roll fed materials?

Yes. White ink can be used to improve opacity on clear or coloured films, enhance contrast in layered artwork or support specialist effects. It is particularly useful for window graphics where selective visibility or controlled translucency is required.

How do you ensure colour consistency across long print runs?

Reel fed presses use calibrated temperature control, constant tension systems and tightly managed ink delivery. These factors ensure that colours remain identical from beginning to end across very long print lengths. Our internal profiling system further ensures that each material responds predictably to the process.

What finishing options are available after printing?

All finishing is performed in house. This includes lamination for surface protection, trimming to final size, contour cutting for shaped graphics, and hemming or eyeletting for banners. Managing finishing on site ensures precision and shortens overall lead times.

Do you provide installation for reel fed graphics?

Yes. We install vinyl, wallpaper, window graphics and banners across the United Kingdom. Our installation team ensures all graphics are fitted correctly, safely and in line with the material’s intended performance.

Reel Fed Digital Printing

PRINTING ON ANY MEDIA

Reel fed digital printing is a highly versatile and efficient method of producing large format print on continuous roll materials. Instead of printing onto individual sheets, the material is fed through the machine from a roll which allows for uninterrupted print runs, controlled tension and excellent colour accuracy across long lengths.

OUR PRINT FACTORY

Platinum KCXL Pro by Liyu UK

The Liyu FlatBed printer delivers stunning 2400 dpi prints with a 5-picolitre drop size, handling materials up to 100mm thick. Its advanced vacuum system ensures a perfect grip, making it a versatile choice across different materials

Impala 2i by SwissQPrint

Widely regarded as a market leader for direct-to-substrate print quality, the Swiss Q range of hybrid flatbed printers has topped the sales charts across Europe for five consecutive years.

H3200i LED Anapurna by AGFA

The 6-colour engine prints at a width of up to 3.2m and combines high quality with high productivity for outdoor and indoor, rigid and flexible wide-format jobs. The white ink function allows printing on transparent material for backlit applications or for printing white as a spot colour.

If you’re unsure which materials or print method are best for your project, our team is here to help. Email sales@wallaceprint.com with your project details, quantities and intended use, and we’ll review everything for you. You’ll receive clear recommendations and a no-obligation quote based on what will deliver the best result.

Reel Fed Digital Printing

At Wallace Print, we operate both UV roll fed and eco solvent reel to reel systems, giving us the ability to offer superior durability, exceptional image quality and production widths of up to 5m. This makes reel fed digital printing ideal for internal displays, external graphics, promotional campaigns and large scale commercial installations requiring reliable output at speed.

A Reliable Method for Long and Continuous Graphics

Reel fed printing is used when the graphic needs to be produced at length, when a clean drop structure is required or when the material naturally comes on a roll. The process supports flexible substrates such as poster paper, PVC banner, mesh, self adhesive vinyl, wallpapers, window films and certain textiles. Because the material runs as a continuous feed, it remains stable throughout the print cycle and maintains uniform colour, clarity and detail from the start to the end of the roll. This ensures a professional result on projects such as long murals, full height window graphics, retail campaigns and oversized promotional pieces.

UV Roll Fed and Eco Solvent Printing Technologies

Our UV roll fed systems are designed for durability and outdoor performance, with inks that cure instantly and bond firmly to the surface. These prints withstand weather exposure and maintain colour over time, making them suitable for construction environments, fascia banners and long term outdoor signage.

Our eco solvent machines are selected when the highest print quality is required. Eco solvent printing offers smooth tonal gradients and exceptional depth of colour, making it ideal for close viewing displays, premium internal graphics and detailed promotional work. Between these technologies, we can match the print method to each project’s expected lifespan, environment and visual requirement.

Supporting a Broad Range of Flexible Substrates

The reel fed process works across a wide range of materials including self adhesive vinyls, poster stock, PVC banners, mesh banners, semi rigid PVC, textiles and specialist films. Every substrate is colour profiled in house which ensures stable colour reproduction and correct ink performance. This profiling process is particularly important for materials that stretch or expand under heat, as it guarantees consistency across multiple panels or long lengths. The result is a clean, stable print suitable for retail, leisure, construction, commercial interiors and brand environments.

Large Format Capability up to 5ms

One of the major advantages of reel-fed digital printing at Wallace Print is our width capability. With the ability to print up to 5m wide, we can produce super size banners, wide format vinyls and extensive window graphics without joins. This significantly improves visual impact and allows for large uninterrupted displays. For narrower materials, we match the roll width to the appropriate machine ensuring the most efficient and accurate print process.

Experience, Reliability and Support

With more than 40 years of experience in roll based digital production, and as one of the first companies in the United Kingdom to invest in reel fed digital printing technology, Wallace Print has a deep understanding of the process. Our team can recommend the most suitable material, print method and finishing approach for each application. Whether the requirement is a single roll of vinyl or a national campaign rollout, we support every project with clear communication, dependable scheduling and a focus on consistent high quality.

Printing Services

We offer a complete suite of large format printing services, covering everything from start to end of the printing process. All produced and finished in-house for consistent quality.

Frequently asked questions

What makes reel fed digital printing suitable for long format graphics?
Reel fed systems are designed to maintain stable tension and consistent ink laydown across extended print lengths. This prevents skewing, colour drift and surface inconsistencies. Because the material feeds continuously, it supports long murals, banners and wallpaper drops without interruption. This makes the method ideal for installations where image continuity is essential.
How do UV roll fed and eco solvent systems differ in performance?
UV printing produces a highly durable finish that bonds securely to the material surface and performs extremely well outdoors. Eco solvent printing produces a noticeably smoother finish with richer colours and finer gradients which is ideal for indoor graphics or displays requiring detailed imagery. The choice depends on the project’s expected conditions and the level of visual quality needed.
Can reel fed graphics be produced without visible joins?
Yes. When printed on wide format machines up to five thousand millimetres, many graphics can be produced in a single uninterrupted piece. For projects that exceed the roll width, artwork is prepared in matched drops that align perfectly during installation. This approach allows large displays to appear continuous.
What substrates are best suited to reel fed digital printing?
Poster paper, PVC banner, mesh banner, self adhesive vinyl, wallpapers, window films and semi rigid PVC are the most common. Each material is profiled to ensure stable colour reproduction and correct curing. The choice depends on where the graphic is installed and how long it needs to last.
Is white ink available on roll fed materials?
Yes. White ink can be used to improve opacity on clear or coloured films, enhance contrast in layered artwork or support specialist effects. It is particularly useful for window graphics where selective visibility or controlled translucency is required.
How do you ensure colour consistency across long print runs?
Reel fed presses use calibrated temperature control, constant tension systems and tightly managed ink delivery. These factors ensure that colours remain identical from beginning to end across very long print lengths. Our internal profiling system further ensures that each material responds predictably to the process.
What finishing options are available after printing?
All finishing is performed in house. This includes lamination for surface protection, trimming to final size, contour cutting for shaped graphics, and hemming or eyeletting for banners. Managing finishing on site ensures precision and shortens overall lead times.
Do you provide installation for reel fed graphics?
Yes. We install vinyl, wallpaper, window graphics and banners across the United Kingdom. Our installation team ensures all graphics are fitted correctly, safely and in line with the material’s intended performance.

Industry Specialists

With over 40 years in large format printing, we’ve delivered thousands of projects across the UK. Our legacy is built on precision, reliability, and trusted results.