It began as a quirky project to test the Rockville, MD-based Signs by Tomorrow’s new Gerber Ion. It became a major selling tool.
Mary Lou Goehrung, president of the Rockville location, said the shop had delayed purchasing a flatbed until it found a user-friendly version. They especially liked how the Ion kept the substrate still while the printheads moved over it. Thus, the shop quickly created this bit of old-world elegance.
“We came up with the idea for the ceiling tiles at 9 a.m and before noon, we installed six printed tiles in the lobby ceiling …wowing our customers,” Goehrung said. She added that after having gawked at the tiles, people ask, How did you do that?
“This gives us a good lead in to explain the printing process, our new flatbed Ion and all its capabilities,” she said, “Some clients have even asked to see the Ion.”
The Ion uses GerberCAT UV cationic inks, which are cold-cured and flexible. They allowed the shop to print on the unusual material.