Digital printing for traffic signs
At 3M, we know that your traffic sign production workflow directly impacts your business. From printers to overlays and every component in between, we have the expertise to help you produce durable, fully reflective traffic signs and high‑performance road safety graphics. Our solutions help you deliver long‑lasting visibility and reliability. And when you use our products, you can feel confident knowing you’re backed by the 3M™ MCS™ Warranty for Traffic.
The advantages of a digital printing solution
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What are the benefits of digital traffic sign printing solutions?
No matter the size of your road sign printing business, you face the demands of limited time, tight budgets, constricted space, and constant waste. By moving to a digital printing solution you can tackle all of these issues. Your 3M digital printing solution can increase your bottom line through an efficient workflow and expanded opportunities.
Watch the video to learn how 3M digital printing solutions can add efficiency to your business. (video, 2:22)
The components of a digital printing solution
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What do I need for a digital print signage solution?
We know you aren't just looking for a traffic sign printer. You are looking for all the components to fit your needs. Whether it’s the digital road sign printer of a certain price or the inks, we offer all the materials needed for a digital printing solution that work together and produce high quality traffic signs that last.
At 3M, we offer all of the components you need to create effective traffic sign printing processes:
- Recommended printers
- Sign sheeting
- Inks
- Overlays
What are recommended digital printers for traffic signs?
A robust portfolio of traffic sign printers, giving you the flexibility to choose the ultimate printing solution for your business.
If you would like to discuss digital printing with us, complete our contact form and a 3M representative will be in touch.
Discover featured 3M products for digital traffic sign printing
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Reflective sheeting3M™ Diamond Grade™ DG³ Reflective Digital Sheeting 4000UDS Series
3M™ High Intensity Prismatic Reflective Digital Sheeting 3930UDS Series
3M™ Diamond Grade™ Fluorescent Work Zone Digital Sheeting Series 3924SUDS
3M™ Diamond Grade™ DG³ Reflective Sheeting 4090DS White for Digital Printing
3M™ High Intensity Grade Prismatic Reflective Sheeting 3930DS, White, Digital Printing
3M™ Advanced Flexible Engineer Grade Reflective Sheeting Series 7310
3M™ Advanced Flexible Engineer Grade Reflective Sheeting Series 7610
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Protective overlays
Frequently asked questions about digital printing for traffic signs
Find answers to frequently asked questions regarding the digital printing for traffic signs that 3M could support, or related topics.
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How to start a digital traffic sign printing with 3M support?
What are the intended applications? How much regulated versus non-regulated traffic signage will be printed? While the commercial sign market has employed digital sign printing for decades, this technology is relatively new to traffic sign printing. Many manufacturers with years of experience in the commercial market might claim that a solution that relies exclusively on combining process colors is appropriate for the traffic market as well.
However, high purity, highly saturated colors (such as those required for traffic signs) are difficult to achieve by mixing standard CMYK process colors. It is therefore typical for such process color printing to have a color gamut that degrades one or more traffic colors.
For that reason, it is important to be clear on your priorities. Will traffic signage be your focus, with occasional fabrication for the non-regulated market? If so, look for a manufacturer with corresponding experience serving the traffic market.What surface(s) do I need to print on?
Do you need a roll-fed solution, sheet-fed solution or the flexibility of a hybrid printer that can handle both? Roll-fed printers, also called roll-to-roll printers, work just as the name indicates – by feeding a roll of material through the printer. Sheet-fed, aka flatbed printers, can print on flexible or rigid sheets of various materials. Finally, hybrid printers allow the considerable versatility of functioning either way. Then, consider the range of media on which you will need to print. Ink adhesion on more traditional media, such as vinyl graphic film, is a relatively straightforward matter. Reflective traffic sign sheeting, on the other hand, presents challenges. The composition of the top layer of reflective sheeting can undermine ink adhesion. It is important that whoever provides your solution has carefully formulated their ink to bond with their materials, as well as performed ample testing to ensure years of durability.To find more guidance, with questions to ask before starting the project download 3M digital printing faq white paper (English, PDF, 353 KB) .
How can I contact 3M to discuss my project needs?
If you would like to discuss your project, please contact us.What is the digital printing process and how 3M solutions can support me?
3M Digital Printing Solutions offer you the tools you need to make every day more efficient.Process steps:
- Receive
Process orders quickly and batch together a wide variety of signs. - Design
Most common design software is compatible with digital printing. - Print
Expand your capabilities and productivity by printing regulated and custom color images with speeds up to 550 square feet per hour.
More information about capabilities - Laminate
Apply 3M premium overlaminate film to complete your sign and enhance durability.
More information about overlaminates - Cut
Reduce sheeting waste through image nesting. - Apply
Print and ship a variety of signs at once without the need to keep inventory.
To discuss how you can boost productivity, reduce cost and expand your portfolio, contact your 3M representative.
3M™ MCS™ Warranty for Traffic (English, PDF, 605 KB) offered for products made with our system of matched components.
- Receive
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What digital printing warranties does 3M offer for traffic signs?
3M™ MCS™ Warranty for Traffic: Our premier warranty provides top-of-the-line coverage for regulated, finished signs. When you use 3M traffic sign materials, you get all the benefits of the 3M™ MCS™ Warranty, plus retro reflectivity retention and guaranteed traffic colors.
To get more details on differences between 3M™ MCS™ Warranty and 3M™ MCS™ Warranty for Traffic, compare warranty comparison opening Warranty Coverage Comparison Chart (English, PDF, 605 KB)
To qualify for a specific MCS™ Warranty for Traffic, using the correct ink, RIP Software, Overlay and Sheeting is needed.
For more general information open MCS™ Warranty for Traffic Bulletin (English, PDF, 230 KB)What is the warranty and durability?
Up to 10 years of protection when using select 3M components.
More warranty details here (English, PDF, 605 KB) -
Where to buy products for digital printing?
If you are current customer make a purchase via bcom .
If you are a new customer, or still need finding information, contact us. -
Where can I find digital printer information?
Canon Colorado M-Traffic printer information:
Go to Canon webiste to get more details about Canon Colorado M-Traffic .Durst Rho 163 TS | HS printer information:
Durst Information (English, PDF, 190 KB)EFI H1625-RS printer information:
EFI H1625-RS Brochure (English, PDF, 1 MB)
EFI H1625-RS Information (English, PDF, 192 KB)HP Latex 1500 printer information:
HP Latex Printing Solution Portfolio brochure (English, PDF, 782 KB)HP Latex 360/365 printer information:
HP Latex Printing Solution Portfolio brochure (English, PDF, 782 KB)
3M HP Flyer (English, PDF, 1 MB)
Digital Imaging with HP Printers on 3M Reflective Sheeting (English, PDF, 1 MB)
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