Flatbed Printing Sydney

Name: Flatbed Printing
Brand: Fast Print Services
SKU: 000
Price: 85 AUD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.9 (271 reviews)

Direct to media and flatbed UV printing onto acrylic, timber, glass, metal, PVC, foamboard and rigid display substrates.

Direct to Media Printing on Rigid Materials

Direct to media and flatbed UV printing onto acrylic, timber, glass, metal, PVC, foamboard and rigid display substrates.

Fast Print Services offers flatbed printing in Sydney for signs, display panels, retail graphics, branded interiors, plaques, prototypes, menu boards and custom printed substrates.

Also known as direct to media printing or direct to substrate printing, flatbed printing applies artwork directly onto the material itself rather than printing onto vinyl, paper or film first.

We can print onto a wide range of flat rigid materials, including acrylic, glass, metal, timber, PVC, foamboard, ACM and other suitable substrates. Depending on the job, printed panels can also be CNC cut, drilled, routed, shaped or finished ready for installation or display.

Our Flatbed and Direct to Media Printing Services Include

Flatbed UV printing: Direct printing onto rigid sheet materials for signs, panels, displays, plaques and custom pieces.
Direct to media printing: Artwork printed straight onto the final substrate for a clean, integrated finish.
Direct to substrate printing: Printing onto acrylic, timber, glass, metal, PVC, foamboard, ACM and other suitable rigid materials.
White ink printing: White ink can be used under colour, behind colour or as a standalone layer on clear, dark or coloured substrates.
Second-surface acrylic printing: Reverse printing onto clear acrylic where the graphic is viewed through the face of the material.
Multi-layer printing: Layered print effects for selected jobs where opacity, depth or special visual effects are required.
CNC cutting and routing: Printed panels can be cut, drilled, routed, shaped or radius-cornered where required.
Custom printed panels: One-off or short-run printed panels for retail, events, interiors, displays, wayfinding and branded spaces.
Prototype and sample printing: Useful for product samples, packaging mock-ups, display concepts, material tests and pitch presentations.

Links to, Signage, Foam Board, Corflute, and CnC Cutting

Flatbed Printing Printing Gallery

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Direct to media with CNC cutting

Fabric Bunting

High-impact flatbed printing

Flatbed printing is a practical solution when you want the final print applied directly to the material rather than mounted later. It creates a cleaner, more integrated finish and is well-suited to signage, display work and rigid panels that need to look sharp and feel durable.

Because the print is applied straight to the substrate, flatbed printing is often a better fit for projects where material choice, surface finish and presentation all matter.

Print straight onto the real thing

Direct to media printing allows artwork to be printed directly onto rigid surfaces such as acrylic, PVC, timber, ACM, glass and other sheet materials. This removes the extra step of printing onto vinyl and mounting it later, which can be useful when you want a neater result or when the material itself is part of the final look.

It is especially effective for display panels, branded surfaces, architectural applications, menu boards, retail fit-outs and custom signage pieces.

One technology, many materials

One of the strengths of flatbed printing is its ability to handle a wide range of materials. Depending on the job, we can recommend the most suitable substrate based on finish, durability, weight, intended use and budget.

Some jobs call for a lightweight board for temporary display, while others need a more premium, rigid panel for longer-term branding or interior signage. We can help match the material to the purpose of the piece.

What We Need for a Flatbed Printing Quote

To quote your flatbed or direct to media printing job accurately, please send:

Finished size: Width and height of each printed piece.
Quantity: Number of panels, signs, displays or pieces required.
Material: Acrylic, timber, glass, metal, PVC, foamboard, ACM, corflute or supplied substrate.
Material thickness: Thickness of the substrate if known.
Print side: Front print, reverse print, second-surface print or double-sided print.
White ink: Whether white ink is required under colour, behind colour or as part of the design.
Cutting requirements: Square cut, shape cut, drilled holes, routed edges, radius corners or CNC cutting.
Use: Indoor, outdoor, retail, signage, display, prototype, art, packaging mock-up or decorative use.
Artwork status: Print-ready artwork supplied or design/prepress help required.
Deadline: Required pickup, delivery or installation date.
Delivery postcode: For courier or freight quoting.
Special requirements: Material testing, sample print, colour proof, installation, packing or supplied material details.

If you are unsure which material is best, send us the artwork, size, intended use and where the piece will be displayed.

Get Your Flatbed Printing Quote

Fill in the quote form as best you can and we will get back to you right away.

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Benefits of Flatbed and Direct to Media Printing

Flatbed printing creates a clean, integrated finish by printing artwork directly onto the material.

This is useful for signs, display panels, retail graphics, plaques, prototypes, architectural details and branded interiors where the substrate is part of the final look.

Direct to media printing can reduce the need for mounting, laminating or applying vinyl to another surface. This can make the finished piece feel more precise, durable and purpose-built.

The process also allows for more creative material choices. Acrylic, glass, timber, metal, PVC, foamboard and ACM can each create a different visual result.

White ink, layered printing and CNC cutting add further flexibility, especially for clear materials, custom shapes, drilled panels and premium display pieces.

Common Uses for Flatbed and Direct to Media Printing

Rigid signs and display panels: Direct printed panels for retail, events, wayfinding, office signage and branded environments.
Reception and office signage: Acrylic, ACM, timber or metal panels for reception areas, office interiors, door signs and directional signage.
Retail displays and menu boards: Printed rigid panels for product displays, menu boards, shelf displays, retail fit-outs and point-of-sale pieces.
Event and exhibition graphics: Direct printed boards for launches, activations, trade shows, displays and branded environments.
Architectural and interior graphics: Printed timber, acrylic, glass or metal features for fit-outs, decorative panels and interior design projects.
Plaques and feature panels: Custom printed rigid panels for awards, labels, interpretive displays, museum-style panels and presentation pieces.
Product samples and prototypes: Direct print onto sample materials for pitches, product mock-ups, packaging concepts and visual testing.
Custom-shaped printed boards: Printed panels finished with CNC routing, drilled holes, radius corners or shaped edges.

Choose Fast Print Services for your direct-to-media printing needs and see the difference for yourself.

Flatbed Printing Q&A

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Is flatbed printing the same as direct to media printing?

Yes. Flatbed printing is often also called direct to media printing or direct to substrate printing. It means the artwork is printed directly onto the material rather than printed onto vinyl or paper first.

What materials can you print onto?

We can print onto a range of suitable flat substrates, including acrylic, glass, timber, metal, PVC, foamboard, ACM, corflute and other rigid materials depending on size, thickness and surface suitability.

What's the main advantage of Direct to Media over traditional printing?

DTM allows for printing directly onto diverse materials, opening up a world of creative possibilities. The prints are high-quality, durable, and can have unique finishes based on the material—like the sheen of metal or texture of wood. Plus, by bypassing the need for mounting or transferring images onto surfaces, it can often result in a more seamless and integrated look.

How does the pricing work for Direct to Media prints?

Pricing is determined by a few factors: the type and size of the substrate, the complexity of the design, any prep work needed, and the print volume. Each material may have its cost structure, so it's best to provide specifics or consult with us for a detailed quote.

Can I order just one print using this method?

Absolutely! Whether you're looking to print a single, custom piece or a bulk order, we cater to both. Keep in mind our minimum cost for wide format products are $80+GST which covers the the initial setup costs.

Are there limitations on the size of Direct to Media prints?

Not many. We can print as small as a business card or as large as full sheets of material, often measuring several feet in both dimensions. However, the maximum size is often determined by the specific printing equipment and the substrate size available. Always best to check with us if you have something unusually large in mind!

How long does it usually take for a Direct to Media print job?

Turnaround times can vary. For standard materials and sizes, we can print same day, other materials need to be purchased so you might be looking at a few days. But for larger orders, custom materials, or especially intricate designs, it could take longer. It's always recommended to discuss your deadline upfront so we can ensure timely delivery.

How much will it cost to get my design prepared for Direct to Media printing?

Design costs vary based on complexity. If you're providing a print-ready design, there may only be minimal charges for checking and setting up the file. However, if you need a design from scratch or significant modifications to an existing one, the cost will reflect the design time and expertise required. Please contact our sales team for a design quote.

How should I format my design for DTM printing?

High-resolution files are key. Please export your file as a PDF file to the final dimensions, cmyk colours and embedded fonts. Preferably, your design should be in a vector format to ensure the best quality across different sizes. If you're unsure, we're here to assist and guide you on preparing your design for optimal results.

Is there a particular DPI recommendation for DTM?

For the crispest prints, we typically recommend a resolution of 300 DPI. However, depending on the material and the viewing distance, sometimes lower DPI settings can still yield excellent results. Always best to consult with us on the specifics of your project!

How do I care for my Direct to Media print?

Care depends on the material used. For indoor pieces, regular dusting and avoiding direct sunlight can help prolong the vibrancy. For more durable materials meant for outdoor use, periodic cleaning with a mild detergent and water might be necessary. Always avoid abrasive cleaners or tools, as they can damage the print. If there are specific care instructions for the material you've chosen, we'll make sure to provide them upon completion.

How durable are prints created with direct-to-media printing?

Prints produced with direct-to-media printing are highly durable. They are resistant to fading, scratching, and weathering, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

Is direct-to-media printing environmentally friendly?

Yes, direct-to-media printing is considered more environmentally friendly than traditional printing methods. It generates less waste and uses inks that are typically free from harmful solvents and VOCs.

Can direct-to-media printing be used for large-scale projects?

Yes, direct-to-media printing is suitable for both small and large-scale projects. The technology is scalable and can handle various sizes and quantities of prints efficiently.

What size sheet do you print on?

For most substrates, we can print up to 1200x2400mm. This ensures we cover most standard and custom poster requirements.

How many prints can I fit on one sheet?

This depends on the individual size of the print. We always aim to maximize the sheet usage to provide value while maintaining quality.

Can you print white ink?

Yes. White ink can be used under colour, behind colour or as part of the design on clear, dark or coloured materials.

Can you print on clear acrylic or glass?

Yes. Clear materials are a popular use for flatbed printing, especially when white ink or second-surface printing is required.

Can you cut the printed panels to shape?

Yes. We can combine flatbed printing with CNC cutting, drilling or profile cutting where the job requires shaped panels, holes or custom finishing.

Is flatbed printing suitable for signage?

Yes. Flatbed printing is commonly used for signage, menu boards, branded panels, retail displays, exhibition graphics and custom rigid display pieces.

What file format is best for flatbed printing?

Print-ready PDF files are preferred. It also helps to include bleed and crop marks where relevant, and to clearly note any white ink layers or CNC cut paths if required.

Can you help if I am not sure which material to use?

Yes. If you tell us the size, intended use, indoor or outdoor application and the type of finish you want, we can help recommend the most suitable substrate.

What is flatbed UV printing?

Flatbed UV printing is a process where UV-curable inks are printed directly onto flat materials such as acrylic, glass, metal, timber, PVC, foamboard, ACM and other rigid substrates.

Can you print onto acrylic?

Yes. Acrylic is one of the most popular materials for flatbed and direct to media printing. White ink can also be used for clear or coloured acrylic where opacity is required.

Can you print onto wood or timber?

Yes. We can print onto selected timber, plywood and wood surfaces. Suitability depends on the surface texture, coating, thickness and finish.

Can you print onto metal?

Yes. Metal and aluminium composite panels can be printed for signs, labels, displays and selected outdoor applications.

Can direct printed panels be cut to shape?

Yes. Printed panels can often be CNC cut, routed, drilled or finished with radius corners depending on the material and job requirements.

What size sheet can you print?

For most substrates, the current page lists a maximum print size of up to 1200 × 2400mm.

Materials Suited to Flatbed and Direct to Media Printing

Flatbed printing works best on rigid media where you want the print applied directly to the final surface. Common materials include acrylic, foam PVC, ACM, timber, plywood, glass, corflute and selected metal or composite sheets depending on the application.

Because the artwork is printed directly onto the substrate, the result can feel cleaner and more integrated than using a printed vinyl overlay. This is especially useful for signage, display boards, branded panels and custom pieces where the material itself is part of the final look.

Acrylic printing: Glossy, modern printed acrylic panels for reception signs, display panels, plaques, lightbox inserts, product displays and premium visual pieces.
Glass printing: Direct print onto selected glass panels for decorative features, interior panels, display elements and branded spaces.
Metal and ACM printing: Durable printed metal and aluminium composite panels for signage, industrial labels, retail displays, directional signs and outdoor-ready applications.
Timber and plywood printing: Direct printing onto timber, plywood and selected wood surfaces for interiors, displays, signs, décor and creative projects.
PVC and foam PVC printing: Lightweight printed panels for indoor signs, exhibition graphics, retail displays and point-of-sale pieces.
Foamboard printing: Lightweight direct printed boards for presentations, events, temporary displays and internal signage.
Corflute printing: Direct printed lightweight panels for temporary signs, event signs, campaign boards and practical outdoor uses.
Custom substrates: Other flat materials may be possible depending on thickness, surface finish, size and ink adhesion.

White ink, second-surface printing and layered effects

One of the major advantages of flatbed printing is the ability to print white ink and build layered effects directly onto the substrate. This is especially useful on clear acrylic, glass and darker materials where standard CMYK alone may not give the right opacity or contrast.

For some jobs, white underprint, second-surface printing or multi-layer effects can create a cleaner, more premium result for signage, branded panels and decorative applications.

White ink, layers and special effects

White Ink Printing: Add an extra layer of detail and contrast to your prints with white ink printing. This technique is particularly effective on dark or transparent substrates.
Textured Printing: Create tactile experiences with textured printing, adding depth and dimension to your graphics. This is ideal for artwork, signage, and decorative elements.
Multi-Layer Printing: Enhance the visual appeal of your prints by using multi-layer printing techniques to achieve a 3D effect or add additional layers of colour and detail.

Common uses for flatbed and direct to media printing

Flatbed printing is commonly used for:

Rigid signs and display panels
Reception signage and branded interiors
Acrylic photo or display panels
Menu boards and retail fit-outs
Exhibition and point-of-sale graphics
Safety signs and operational panels
Museum or display labels
Custom-shaped printed boards finished with CNC routing

Where direct-to-media printing shines

Direct to media printing works best when the material is an important part of the finished result and the print needs to feel sharp, durable and purpose-built. It is a strong choice for projects where mounting would add complexity or where a more seamless finish is preferred.

That makes it well suited to branded interiors, premium signage, retail panels, custom displays and architectural-style applications where presentation matters.

Flatbed printing for signage, display and branded panels

We produce flatbed printed work for a wide range of Sydney projects, including retail signage, branded interiors, reception panels, exhibition graphics, menu boards and custom display pieces. Whether you need a one-off printed panel or a larger run of rigid signs, we can help match the material, print method and finishing to the job.

Because different substrates behave differently, the best result usually comes from choosing the setup around the end use, durability requirements and the finish you want the piece to have.

Flatbed Printing with Practical Production Advice

At Fast Print Services, we help Sydney businesses choose materials, print methods and finishing options that suit the job.

Our team can advise on flatbed UV printing, direct to media printing, direct to substrate printing, white ink, acrylic, timber, glass, metal, PVC, foamboard, ACM, CNC cutting, drilling, routing and artwork setup.

Whether you need one custom panel, a short run of printed signs, a retail display piece or a prototype on a specific material, we can help produce a professional result.

Fast Print Services in Sydney provides exceptional direct to media printing solutions that deliver high-quality, durable, and versatile results. From acrylic and metal to wood and glass, we can print directly onto a variety of substrates, offering endless creative possibilities. Trust us to produce stunning prints that meet your exact specifications and exceed your expectations.

Local flatbed printing in Sydney

Fast Print Services prints flatbed jobs in Alexandria, Sydney. With practical advice, faster printing and local turnaround on rigid media projects. If you already know the size, material and finishing requirements, send through the details, and we can recommend the best production approach.

Sydney Flatbed Printing, Pickup and Delivery

Fast Print Services is based in Alexandria, close to Sydney CBD, making us a practical choice for flatbed and direct to media printing in Sydney.

Pickup is available from our Alexandria factory, and courier delivery can be arranged across Sydney for suitable printed panels and rigid substrates.

Delivery timing depends on material availability, size, quantity, white ink, curing, CNC cutting, drilling, routing, packing and artwork readiness.

For larger panels, fragile substrates or interstate delivery, packing and freight can be discussed based on the material, size and destination.

Call Fast Print Services to speak to our friendly staff now! 02 8203 1800 or email sales@fastprintservices.com.au

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Fast Print Services would like to Acknowledge the Gadigal people,
the traditional custodians of this land on which we work, and pay our respect to the elders both past and present.