Flatbed Printer Helps Keep Kids Fit

Kidsfit, a leading developer of fitness equipment for children, has always preferred to manufacture its own products. The Huger, S.C.-based company cuts and welds its own steel, and also designs and installs its own graphics.

A production manager at Kidsfit uses the Roland VersaUV LEJ-640FT UV flatbed printer to print an active learning wall mount, to be installed in an elementary school’s kinesthetic classroom, where students learn by carrying out physical activities.

“We do all our own manufacturing, and we use Roland printers for all our graphics,” says Ed Pinney, who founded the company in 1999.

In addition to a 54˝ Roland VersaCAMM wide-format color printer/cutter, Kidsfit recently invested in Roland’s VersaUV LEJ-640FT UV flatbed printer. 

“We loved what we could do with printing on roll materials. Then it dawned on us that we could also print directly on plastic and other rigid materials,” says Pinney.

In addition to developing and manufacturing more than 70 different types of gym equipment and fitness products, Kidsfit has developed a kinesthetic classroom as well as learning labs to help kids, parents and teachers enjoy the many benefits of physical activity. In its classrooms and labs, Kidsfit installs colorful wall graphics, customized flooring mats and themed equipment designed to promote movement.

“We set up our rooms to be spaces that are full of energy,” Pinney says. “Big, colorful graphics make a huge impact on students, teachers, administrators and parents.”

Many Kidsfit products use colorful paints and graphics to increase the engagement of students. In one theme, a cross-country skier and a downhill skier are printed directly on plastic using the LEJ-FT and mounted on the Kidsfit equipment. In addition to printing on plastics such as nylons and acrylics, Kidsfit uses its Roland UV flatbed to print on various papers and on wood.

Pinney extensively researched various manufacturers before deciding to purchase the first wide-format printer. 

“I didn’t want to make a mistake, so I did my homework with research and reviews. Roland was the obvious answer,” says Pinney. “Our Versa­CAMM produces superior results, so when it was time for a flatbed, we chose Roland again. It’s been an ongoing great experience.”

Kidsfit’s graphics installations aim to educate as well as inspire. Images help teachers explain the benefits of movement to students.

“We’ve really just begun to scratch the surface of what we can do,” says Pinney. “The printers really help us practice what we preach — learning kinesthetically in the classroom and in the labs.”

Kidsfit’s products are also used to help kids with developmental delays. Teachers and therapists use its equipment to teach movements such as spinning or crawling, which are developmental precursors to learning skills ranging from balance and proprioception to reading. “Some of our best clients are physical and occupational therapists because our equipment helps kids practice specific movements which develop their skills,” says Pinney.

Pinney’s business model of “doing well by doing good” is working. To date, Kidsfit has installed its kinesthetic classrooms in 46 states and across six continents. Its products are used by kids of all ages — preschoolers through high schoolers. Kidsfit has also recently launched a corporate training division.

“We are now seeing the moment where our ideas, supported by scientific research, are having real impact. It’s a very exciting time,” says Pinney.