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Printer vs. Plotter

What Is The Difference Between a Printer and a Plotter?

When it comes to producing documents or graphics, many people wonder about the difference between a printer vs plotter. While both put ink on paper, the way they work — and the type of jobs they’re designed for — is quite different.

A printer is designed for everyday documents, photos, and graphics. It works by spraying tiny dots of ink or using toner to create an image quickly and efficiently. Great for reports, forms, and letters, but it’s not built for producing extra-large, highly detailed technical drawings or precise line work.

A plotter, on the other hand, is made for large-format printing. Instead of treating your file like a photo, it “draws” it with incredible precision, making it ideal for architectural plans, engineering schematics, GIS maps, or high-impact posters. Plotters can produce output far larger than standard printers, and with outstanding accuracy.

For example, a school might use a plotter to print colourful banners for events, while an engineering firm needs it for precise CAD drawings. A government department could create wayfinding maps or public notices in-house, saving time and outsourcing costs.

This is where the HP DesignJet range shines. Also known as plotters, these versatile devices combine the ease of a printer with the precision and scale of a plotter — perfect for technical documents, presentations, and eye-catching visuals.

Discover our range of HP DesignJet printers (https://ballanddoggett.com.au/hp-designjet-plotters/) and see how they can transform the way your business creates and shares big ideas.

Ball & Doggett Strengthens Packaging Portfolio Through Strategic Partnership with CMPC

Ball & Doggett, Australia’s largest distributor of printable materials and packaging substrates, is proud to announce a renewed exclusive distribution partnership with global pulp and paper producer CMPC.

This strategic partnership strengthens Ball & Doggett’s offering by securing access to a broader portfolio of high-quality, fibre-based packaging boards from one of the world’s most respected producers — providing Australian converters, printers and brand-owners with greater choice of sustainable boards, improved supply and trusted product performance.

“CMPC has an incredibly strong reputation across the Australian packaging industry. We’re proud to welcome it back to the Ball & Doggett family and extend this support to our local packaging convertors,” said Leigh Hooper, General Manager – Labels & Packaging, Ball & Doggett. “Partnering with CMPC enables us to deliver an expanded and reliable packaging board range tailored to the evolving needs of our customers.”

Among the highlights of this collaboration is the return of RC Kraft —  a multi-layer coated kraftback with superior stiffness and strength, and an outstanding yield.

“While RC Kraft’s return is a significant moment for us and our customers, this partnership is about far more than one grade,” stated Tammy Arhontissas, National Manager – Fibre-Based Packaging, Ball & Doggett. “It opens the door to the wider CMPC board offering, enabling us to further support the local market with our expansive range of sustainable FBB solutions.”

Produced in Chile by CMPC, the FBB portfolio features a range of virgin fibre packaging boards, engineered for consistent converting performance, excellent printability, and strong shelf presence. These grades are designed to meet the demands of premium folding carton applications across a variety of sectors, including food, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, personal care and graphical packaging.

CMPC Export Manager, Mr. J. Francisco Martin is excited about this new strategic collaboration with Ball & Doggett, stating “This partnership aims to provide improved local service, support, and accessibility for our valued customers, ensuring a seamless supply chain for your packaging material needs.”

“We are confident that this collaboration with Ball & Doggett will further strengthen our commitment to serving the Australian market and providing the best possible solutions for your packaging requirements.” Mr. J. Francisco Martin concluded.

The CMPC Folding Boxboard portfolio will be available through Ball & Doggett from October 2025. It will be fully supported by our national packaging team, with product samples, swatches, and trial support available in the coming months. 

 

For further information on this announcement, please send enquiries to cartonboard@ballanddoggett.com.au

 

Nubium Print Shop Management Software

Introducing Nubium

In today’s fast-paced printing industry, efficiency and adaptability are key to staying competitive. For small to medium-sized print shops, managing daily operations can be challenging, especially when resources are limited. This is where print shop software like Nubium from eProductivity Software (ePS) can make a significant difference.

What is Print Shop Management Software?

Print shop management software is a solution designed to automate and streamline the various processes within a print shop. From estimating and job tracking to inventory management and invoicing, this type of software integrates these functions into a cohesive system, providing real-time insights and control over your operations.

Introducing Nubium: Tailored for Your Print Shop

Nubium is a cloud-native print shop software for small and medium-sized commercial printers. Understanding that not all print shops have dedicated IT staff or extensive setup capabilities, Nubium offers a user-friendly platform that simplifies print management without the need for complex installations or maintenance.

Key Benefits of Nubium

  1. Streamlined Operations: By automating tasks such as job estimation, scheduling, and inventory tracking, Nubium reduces manual workloads, allowing your team to focus on delivering quality prints and exceptional customer service.
  2. Improved Accuracy: Manual processes are prone to errors. Nubium ensures that all data is consistently recorded and accessible, minimizing mistakes and enhancing reliability in your operations.
  3. Real-Time Insights: With Nubium’s intuitive dashboard, you gain immediate access to vital information about your print jobs, equipment status, and inventory levels, enabling informed decision-making and proactive management.
  4. Cost Savings: Efficient resource management leads to reduced waste and optimized use of materials and time, directly impacting your bottom line positively.
  5. Scalability: As your business grows, Nubium grows with you. Its flexible architecture allows you to add new services, equipment, and users without significant additional investments.

Ease of Use and Implementation

One of Nubium’s standout features is its ease of deployment. As a cloud-based solution, it eliminates the need for on-site servers and complex installations. This means you can start managing your print shop more efficiently in no time without the need for specialised IT knowledge.

Why Choose Nubium?

Transitioning to a new system might seem daunting, especially if you’re cautious about technology. However, Nubium is designed with simplicity in mind, ensuring that even those with minimal technical expertise can navigate and utilise its features effectively. By embracing Nubium, you’re not just adopting a software solution; you’re investing in the future of your print shop, positioning it for success in an increasingly digital world.

For more information and to see how Nubium can transform your print business, visit our page

DTF Printing for Business

How DTF Printing is Transforming Personalised Branding

Personalised branding has become a powerful tool for businesses looking to stand out in today’s competitive marketplace. DTF printing for business which includes personalised branding enables companies to create bespoke merchandise that enhances brand visibility and deepens customer connections. Let’s explore how DTF printing is empowering businesses to elevate their branding strategies.

Why Personalisation Matters in Branding

Personalised branding resonates with consumers on a deeper level, fostering loyalty and engagement. A study by Deloitte found that 36% of consumers express interest in personalised products, with one in five willing to pay a 20% price premium. Custom merchandise offers businesses a tangible way to connect with their audience.

“Consumers today want more than just products—they’re looking to differentiate,” explains Joe Lahoud, Technical Specialist at Ball & Doggett. “By offering personalised merchandise, businesses can align their branding with their customers’ individuality, creating a lasting impression.”

The Advantages of DTF Printing for Businesses

1. Versatility Across Materials

DTF printing offers unparalleled flexibility, allowing businesses to print on a wide range of materials, including fabric, leather, and glass. Unlike traditional techniques, DTF enables intricate and elaborate designs, opening endless possibilities for unique and innovative branded items.

2. Cost-Effective Customisation

Unlike traditional methods that require bulk orders, DTF printing supports small-batch and one-off printing. This reduces inventory costs and allows businesses to offer personalised products without overcommitting on stock.

3. High-Quality, Durable Prints

DTF prints deliver vibrant, long-lasting designs that withstand wear and tear, ensuring branded merchandise maintains its appeal over time.

“DTF printing combines quality and creativity in a way that traditional methods often cannot,” adds Joe Lahoud. “This technology empowers businesses of all sizes to offer premium branding solutions without overcommitting on inventory or costs.”

The Future of Personalised Branding

Customisation is no longer a trend—it’s a fundamental shift in customer expectations. DTF printing is revolutionising personalised branding by offering businesses a cost-effective, high-quality solution for custom merchandise.

By leveraging its versatility, businesses can create meaningful connections with their audience and enhance their brand presence. As the demand for personalisation continues to grow, DTF printing is proving to be an invaluable asset in modern branding strategies.

Take Your Brand to the Next Level

Looking to enhance your brand with DTF printing? Explore our range of custom printing solutions at Ball & Doggett and bring your branding vision to life!

Australia’s First 100% Closed Loop Recyclable ‘Ecobanner’ Calls for an Eco-Revolution!

Ball & Doggett, Australia’s leading distributor of printable materials, consumables, and wide format printing equipment, is proud to announce an exclusive partnership to bring Ecobanner by GALE Pacific™ to the Australian market. The innovative Ecobanner is the only Australian-made, PVC-free flexible banner fabric capable of offering a 100% closed-loop recycling solution.

Ecobanner is the first product of its kind to be manufactured in Australia with closed loop recycling capability. This eco-friendly banner material not only supports local manufacturing but also aligns with the growing demand for sustainable and environmentally responsible products.

Ecobanner is the winner of the 2024 Sustainability Award at the World Out of Home Organization (WOO) Awards. This is a groundbreaking move for the Sign & Display market as Ecobanner can be recycled back into the same product, avoiding landfill.

The polypropylene composition makes it a robust and versatile material, perfect for both indoor and outdoor applications by ensuring durability and vibrant print quality on a latex and UV Inkjet printing technology. Ecobanner is available in Back Lit (white/white) and Front Lit (grey/white) banner options as well as generous 1600mm or 3200mm widths.

Furthermore, Ecobanner is part of a traceable full circular loop program, allowing for the complete recycling and repurposing of used banners. This contributes to a sustainable lifecycle and minimizes environmental impact. Unlike greenwashing claims, this Closed Loop Program is already in full swing, and its impact is measurable, demonstrating a genuine commitment to sustainability.

“We are thrilled to bring Ecobanner to the Australian market,” said Rob Brussolo, Ball & Doggett General Manager – Sign, Display & Digital. “This initiative underscores our commitment to providing innovative, high-quality, and sustainable solutions to our customers. Ecobanner not only meets the rigorous demands of flexible banner advertising but also sets a new standard for environmental stewardship in our industry.”

Healthy stock volumes of Ecobanner are now available across all Ball & Doggett locations. Ecobanner is well-positioned for the signage market and for socially conscious business brands aiming to enhance their sustainability narrative.

Ball & Doggett’s extensive distribution network and deep market knowledge will ensure that Ecobanner reaches a wide array of customers, from local businesses to large enterprises, empowering them to make sustainable choices for their advertising and signage needs.

Photo L to R: Troy Mortleman, General Manager – Australia/New Zealand, Vice President – Middle East/Europe/Asia from GALE Pacific Limited and Rob Brussolo, General Manager, Sign, Display & Digital from Ball & Doggett

Ball & Doggett Illuminates the Future with Palram Partnership

Ball & Doggett, is thrilled to announce our new partnership with Palram Industries, a global leader in the manufacturing of thermoplastic sheets. Under this new partnership, Ball & Doggett will distribute Palram’s innovative Palight and Palboard products throughout Australia, ensuring healthy stocks are readily available around the country.

Palight and Palboard, embody a fusion of innovation and functionality, offering a myriad of benefits to meet the diverse needs of our customers. Crafted from premium PVC materials, Palight and Palboard are engineered for durability, ensuring exceptional performance in any setting, whether indoors or outdoors. Their versatility shines through in applications ranging from dynamic indoor displays to robust outdoor structures, adapting effortlessly to varying project demands. Resilient against the elements, Palight and Palboard endure moisture, UV rays, and temperature fluctuations with ease, ensuring lasting performance over time. Their ease of fabrication further enhances their appeal, allowing for seamless customization and installation using standard woodworking tools.

Commenting on the partnership, Rob Brussolo, General Manager – Sign, Display & Digital from Ball & Doggett stated: “We are delighted to join forces with Palram to bring their innovative Palight and Palboard products to our customers. We are confident that this partnership will empower our customers to elevate their projects to new heights of excellence.”

As leaders in the industry, Ball & Doggett are committed to offering premium solutions that meet the evolving needs of our clients and adding Palight and Palboard to our product offering aligns with this vision. For more information about Palight and Palboard, click on the product name to go directly to the product page on our website or click this link to request a quote or more information.

Ball & Doggett Forges Strategic Partnership with Kornit Digital for Dynamic Print-on-Demand Services Across Australia

Ball & Doggett, Australia’s premier distributor of printable materials, press consumables, and printing equipment today proudly announced  a groundbreaking strategic partnership with Kornit Digital LTD., (“Kornit” or the “Company”), a worldwide market leader in sustainable, on-demand digital fashionx and textile production technologies. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the print industry, poised to redefine print-on-demand capabilities for businesses across the Australian market

Recognizing the growing demand for efficient, high-quality print solutions, Ball & Doggett has strategically aligned with Kornit to offer a comprehensive suite of direct-to-garment and roll-to-roll digital printing and fulfillment services. Leveraging Kornit Digital’s cutting-edge technology and Ball & Doggett’s extensive distribution network and expertise, this partnership will empower businesses to streamline their printing operations, reduce turnaround times, and unlock new opportunities for growth.

“With a dedication to sustainability and innovation, Kornit Digital’s direct-to-garment solutions are crafted to assist manufacturers and fulfillers in discovering the highest production demands of today’s consumer-driven market. Ensuring existing Kornit Digital users receive exceptional service throughout this transition remains our top priority.” remarked Rob Brussolo GM for Sign Display & Digital at Ball & Doggett.

“Today’s announcement is a significant milestone for us, and we are very excited to join forces with industry leader Ball & Doggett – driving innovation and redefining the future of on-demand, digital textiles across the Australian market,” said Tomer Artzi, President and Managing Director, Kornit Digital Asia Pacific. “By combining our unmatched expertise and extensive resources, our goal is to empower businesses of all sizes to thrive in the digital age, offering unparalleled flexibility, speed, and quality in their on-demand printing operations.”

With this strategic partnership, Ball & Doggett reaffirms its commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions and unparalleled value to its customers across Australia and beyond. Together with Kornit Digital, Ball & Doggett looks forward to shaping the future of digital printing and fulfillment services, revolutionizing the way businesses bring their ideas to life.

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Mastering Fleet Branding: Ball & Doggett Hosts Avery Dennison Stage 1 Workshop

In the fast-paced world of advertising and branding, every detail matters. From the design concept to the final installation, ensuring a flawless execution is crucial for businesses looking to make a lasting impression. That’s why Ball & Doggett, in collaboration with Avery Dennison, is proud to host the Stage 1: Introduction to Fleet Branding & Advertising Graphic Installation workshop.

Unlocking the Secrets of Fleet Branding

This comprehensive workshop is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the field of fleet branding and advertising graphic installation. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, this course offers valuable insights into the intricacies of this critical application.

The workshop begins with an overview of key considerations and techniques for fleet branding and advertising graphic installation. From there, participants dive into a concise curriculum covering a wide range of topics. With hands-on training comprising 80% of the workshop, attendees gain practical experience that translates into quicker, easier, and more efficient application processes.

Led by experienced Avery Dennison product specialists and industry-leading Certified Trainers, participants receive unparalleled guidance and support throughout the workshop. From mastering installation techniques to understanding critical areas of importance in this specialized field, our experts are dedicated to ensuring every participant leaves with the confidence to provide customers with professional, durable solutions that look great.

Avery Dennison are committed to providing high-quality technical support and training to users of all our products. With their technical staff on hand, you can trust that you’re receiving the best guidance and support in the industry.

Training dates are available in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, and Brisbane. Sydney kicks off the workshop series on June 26th, with additional dates to follow in other major cities. Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your skills and take your fleet branding expertise to the next level.

In the dynamic world of branding and advertising, staying ahead of the curve is essential. With Ball & Doggett’s Avery Dennison Stage 1 workshop, you’ll gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to excel in fleet branding and advertising graphic installation. Join us for an immersive learning experience that will set you apart in this specialized field.

Click here for more Event and Registration workshop details.

Ball & Doggett Announces Exclusive Partnership with Klieverik.

We are excited to announce strategic partnership with Klieverik, a global leader in rotary thermo-processing equipment for advanced textiles. With over 40 years of experience, Klieverik specializes in designing, manufacturing, installing, and maintaining innovative industrial machinery, including advanced dye sublimation and fixation calender heat presses.
Klieverik’s dye sublimation and fixation calender heat presses enable textile manufacturers to achieve superior results while optimizing production processes. Whether it’s creating custom apparel, promotional items, or interior décor, Klieverik’s presses deliver exceptional quality, durability, and performance.


“We are delighted to partner with Klieverik, a renowned name in the field of advanced textile processing,” said Rob Brussolo GM for Sign Display & Digital at Ball & Doggett. “Their expertise in dye sublimation and fixation calender heat presses perfectly complements our commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions to our customers. Together, we are poised to redefine industry standards and drive innovation in textile printing.”


“At Klieverik, we are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of textile processing technology,” said John Buitenkamp Area Sales Manager at Klieverik. “Our partnership with Ball and Doggett represents an exciting opportunity to expand our reach and deliver our innovative solutions to a broader audience. Together, we will empower textile manufacturers to enhance their capabilities and achieve new levels of efficiency and productivity.”


In addition to providing cutting-edge technology, Ball and Doggett and Klieverik are committed to delivering exceptional service and support to their customers. This includes support for the current install base of Klieverik’s equipment. Ball and Doggett’s staff will undergo training to ensure they are equipped to provide knowledgeable and responsive support to customers utilizing Klieverik’s machinery.
For more information, Klieverik Solutions please visit: https://www.klieverik.com/

Ball & Doggett announces strategic partnership with Coldenhove to revolutionize Dye Sublimation Printing Solutions.

Ball & Doggett, a leading provider of print material and packaging solutions, and Coldenhove, renowned manufacturer of high-quality paper products for dye sublimation printing, proudly unveil a strategic partnership aimed at ensuring a smooth continuity of supply to existing Coldenhove users.

This collaboration merges Ball & Doggett’s expertise in materials with Coldenhove’s innovative paper technologies for dye sublimation printing. Together, the two companies aim to redefine printing solutions, offering businesses unmatched quality and performance.

Dye sublimation printing is recognized for its vibrant colours and versatility across various applications, from textiles to signage and personalized gifts. However, the industry has sought alternatives to traditional dye sublimation papers due to concerns about environmental impact.

Through this partnership, Ball & Doggett will leverage Coldenhove’s state-of-the-art paper technologies to deliver exceptional print quality while adhering to the highest standards of responsible production.

Notably, Coldenhove’s products are Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified, reflecting their commitment to conservation and responsible forest management worldwide.

“We are excited to collaborate with Coldenhove to pioneer innovative solutions in the dye sublimation printing industry,” said Rob Brussolo GM for Sign Display & Digital at Ball & Doggett. “Ensuring continuity of supply to customers is a focus, and with our extensive converting capabilities in Australia, we can offer custom lengths and sizes to support the sublimation market. By combining our expertise, we aim to provide our customers with superior printing materials that meet their needs and exceed expectations.”

Coldenhove shares this enthusiasm for the partnership and its potential impact on the industry. “At Coldenhove, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of printing technology. We look forward to working with Ball & Doggett to deliver cutting-edge solutions to their customers ensuring our clients receive their products even faster. It’s a testament to our ongoing commitment to improvement and exceeding expectations.” said Gert Jan Breukink Senior International Account Manager at Coldenhove.

With a shared commitment to sustainability and innovation, Ball & Doggett and Coldenhove are poised to drive positive change in the printing industry. The partnership aims to support businesses in their quest for superior printing solutions and adopting environmentally friendly printing practices.

Coldenhove: www.coldenhove.com