One Machine, Many Possibilities—How to Choose the Right Flatbed

Investing in a flatbed printer is one of the most important decisions a signmaker can make. It’s not just about the hardware—it’s about where you want to take your business. Do you want to expand into premium signage? Offer printed furniture or glass? Produce packaging prototypes or textured wall art? The flatbed printer you choose will either empower those ambitions—or limit them.

But with so many models on the market, ranging from entry-level machines to industrial production systems, how do you decide what’s right for your operation? Should you go for speed or versatility? Smaller bed or oversized? Do you need white, varnish, and primer ink channels—or just CMYK?

In this guide, we’ll walk through the key buying criteria for signmakers in Belgium and the Netherlands. Whether you’re replacing an older printer, upgrading from roll-to-roll, or building a hybrid setup, we’ll cover what to look for in size, ink configuration, automation, software, and support. And once you’ve narrowed down your options, we’ll point you to Dimix’s flatbed lineup where you can explore proven models from top-tier brands.

Still wondering whether flatbed is the right path for your shop? Check out our article on flatbed vs solvent printers to understand when each technology fits best.

Print Bed Size – Know Your Media, Know Your Market

Start with the basics: bed size. This determines not only what you can print, but how efficiently you can work. Most standard flatbeds come in 250 × 130 cm (8 × 4 feet), which matches common panel sizes like Dibond, Forex, and MDF sheets. For many signmakers in the Benelux, this is the sweet spot—large enough for architectural signs, retail panels, and décor boards, without taking over your floor space.

But if you plan to print longer panels—like doors, extra-wide wayfinding signs, or furniture parts—consider an extended bed model such as the Mimaki JFX200-2531 or JFX600-2531. These printers support toggle printing (work while you print) and handle oversized media with precision.

On the flip side, if space is limited or you only need rigid printing occasionally, smaller bed options like the JFX200-1213EX can be a smart entry point. You still get white and varnish support but at a lower footprint and investment.

Make sure to also factor in material loading and unloading space. Your shop floor needs 1–2 metres of clearance around the printer for safe operation—especially with large, heavy substrates.

Ink Channels – More Than CMYK: White, Varnish, Primer

When it comes to flatbed printing, your ink configuration defines your creative range. Every printer will offer CMYK, but if you want to stand out in premium markets—think glass signage, layered textures, or packaging prototypes—you’ll need more than just the basics.

Let’s break down the key specialty ink options:

• White Ink: Essential for printing on transparent or dark media. Acts as a base or spot colour. Enables printing on glass, wood, coloured acrylic, and backlit materials.
• Clear Varnish: Adds gloss, matte, or texture effects. Ideal for raised logos, spot highlights, or even Braille signage. Can be layered for 2.5D printing.
• Primer Ink: Used for difficult substrates like glass, metal, or ceramics. Improves adhesion without manual pre-treatment.

Not all printers come with all three, so it’s critical to match your ink configuration to your target applications. For example:

• Planning high-end retail or museum work? Go for white + varnish.
• Want to print on glass or metal? Look for primer support.
• Only planning CMYK signage on PVC? Then a simpler setup may do.

Printers like the Mimaki JFX600-2513 or Roland IU-1000F 6C, available from Dimix, offer multiple channels and advanced layering support—ideal for creative professionals who want room to grow.

To explore what’s possible with these ink effects, check out our deep-dive on white ink, varnish & texture effects. It shows how layering techniques can help you command higher prices and enter new markets with confidence.

Print Speed, Resolution & Productivity Features

Choosing a flatbed printer isn’t just about what you can print—it’s also about how fast and efficiently you can produce it. Print speed and resolution directly impact your profitability, especially if you plan to produce mid- to high-volume signage or décor.

Here’s what to look for:

• Throughput (m²/hour): Entry-level machines like the Mimaki JFX200-2513EX offer solid speeds around 12–25 m²/hr depending on quality mode. Mid-range and industrial models like the JFX600-2513 or Roland IU-1000F can exceed 100 m²/hr—critical if you’re replacing an older printer or outsourcing jobs today.
• Print resolution: Most flatbeds print at 600–1200 dpi. Higher resolutions are essential for art prints, photographic quality, or fine text on small signs.
• Vacuum table control: Adjustable zones let you manage suction for different panel sizes, reducing misalignment and improving print consistency.
• Tandem or toggle print modes: These let you load one board while the other is printing, ideal for non-stop production workflows.

Also consider ink circulation systems (especially for white), automated nozzle checks, and head-height adjustment for thicker media. These automation features cut downtime and reduce the need for constant supervision.

Still unsure which printer matches your speed and quality needs? Our blog on flatbed ROI can help you compare output capacity against your actual business volume.

RIP Software & Workflow Integration

Your printer is only as good as the software that runs it. That’s why RIP (Raster Image Processor) software is such a critical part of your flatbed setup. It controls how ink is layered, how white and varnish are applied, and how jobs are queued and optimised. A good RIP not only improves print quality—it also boosts efficiency and reduces waste.

Most flatbed printers ship with their own dedicated RIP: Mimaki with RasterLink, Roland with VersaWorks. These platforms are tailored to each machine and support:

• Spot colour setup for white, clear, or primer channels
• Multi-layer printing (e.g. white + CMYK + varnish)
• Variable data or nested layout printing
• ICC colour profiles for consistent colour across different substrates
• Preview tools to simulate layer effects before printing

For shops already using workflow automation or MIS systems, it’s also worth checking how well your RIP integrates with your broader setup. Can it handle hot folder automation? Does it support barcoding for job tracking?

If you're producing mixed media or complex jobs (e.g. clear acrylic signage or double-sided printing), a robust RIP is a must. And don’t underestimate the value of training—Dimix offers technical onboarding and support to ensure your team gets up to speed quickly.

Need ideas on how to prepare layered artwork or varnish zones? Our guide to flatbed print effects walks you through artwork setup, file structuring, and output checks.

Final Thoughts – Choose for Now, and for Next Year

Choosing the right flatbed printer isn’t about buying the most expensive model—it’s about buying the one that fits your business today and tomorrow. Ask yourself:

• What substrates do I want to print on?
• What special effects or finishes do my clients request?
• How fast do I need to deliver jobs?
• Do I want to add new services—packaging, décor, tactile signage?
• What is my team ready to handle—and how much support do I need?

Once you’ve answered those questions, it’s much easier to filter by bed size, speed, ink configuration, and software. Whether you’re after an agile, compact system or a full-speed production beast, Dimix has the models and guidance to help you make the right investment.

Still researching? Dive into our articles on flatbed printer ROI and creative flatbed applications to map out how the right printer can power your growth for years to come.