The future of possibility in RV interior design, customization and production might be one that needs only minutes to complete — for Patrick Industries, at least.
On Tuesday, Sept. 29, RV PRO attended a media event to witness Patrick Printing Solutions (PPS) in action — a next-generation industrial printing process just introduced by the component solutions provider on Sept. 28, housed in its newly debuted 225,000-square-foot facility in Edwardsburg, Michigan.
The tour was hosted by Patrick Industries representatives, printing and design experts, including Hugo Gonzalez, president of Powersports and Housing and the company’s chief operating officer; Charles Roeder, president of RV; Mike Caudill, the company’s newly appointed head of marketing; and more from the Patrick team.
Before the tour began, the group of media representatives and RV content creators gathered for a group photo. Nearly 20 minutes later, that photo was printed directly onto a large composite panel without the use of adhesive layers used in traditional lamination.
The group got to see the head-to-tail printing process in action — giving proof to the technology’s ability to produce high-resolution designs and physical textures with impressive color accuracy and repeatable quality, Patrick reps said.
The process works across a range of panel materials including composites (specifically Patrick’s proprietary composite panel NTXT), MDF, particleboard, wood products and other compatible materials. RV manufacturers now may source from a broader range of substrates while digitally changing the finished “look and feel.”
Seeking an RV interior that looks like real woodgrain but feels like brick, bamboo or stone? PPS can print that vision, with the speed and consistency of modern industrial manufacturing.
“RV OEMs are continually looking for new ways to differentiate their products while making smart decisions around materials, design and production,” said Roeder in an earlier press release. “PPS affords them a powerful tool to deliver such optionality while complementing the strength of our existing decorative products portfolio. We expect this solution to bring more options, value and service to our partners, helping them solve challenges and create better products for the next generation of RV owners.”
Helping OEMs move faster from digital concept to finished physical panels, Patrick’s new solution supports everything from one-off prototypes and specialized applications to full-scale production runs.
“PPS allows manufacturers to modify designs digitally, respond quickly to changing customer preferences and maintain consistent quality from prototype through production,” the company said.
Current printing capabilities may accommodate sizes up to approximately 4 feet by 10 feet, with significantly larger formats planned for the future as the company continues to expand its capabilities and options in the product solution space.
Another immediate benefit for OEMs is reduced inventory and obsolescence. PPS offers digital libraries for panel solutions, so partners no longer need to commit to designs months in advance or stock finish-specific inventory that may become obsolete if preferences change.
Read more about the new tech here.
