Neil (left) and Alan Wood, father and son, with their new JFX500-2131
Victory Signs, a sign and display producer, has beaten the pack by being the first in the UK to invest in a JFX500-2131.
The Northubmerland-based company has built up a core of end users interested in its engraving, fascia, retail and specialist output, but wanted to make its production more efficient and so decided to invest in the 2.1 x 3.1 metre grand format UV curable flat bed printer from Mimaki.
‘We’ve been a Mimaki house for some time, and already own a 1.6 m CJV30-160 and a UJF-3042,’ explained Neil Wood, manager. ‘Investing in the JFX500-2131 means we can keep production of larger display boards in house, and the ability to print direct to the media avoids transfer and other multiple-stage processes that can introduce liabilities. It’s a real step up for our business, and for what we’ll be able to do for our customers.’
The printer improves throughput by more than twice the amount done by previous models and features both LED curing and specially formulated LUS-150 flexible ink to allow high speed production onto a range of sensitive substrates.
A maximum 60 sqm/hr print speed when printing in four colours makes it a viable alternative production process to screen, while the addition of white ink will give the functionality of over and under printing for high value display applications and onto transparent media.
Underpinning the machine’s production abilities is an array of technology developments. Mimaki’s Intelligent Microstepping System helps to eliminate banding and enables the production of text sizes as small as two points, a capability that works in tandem with the minimum drop size of four picolitres to guarantee the exceptionally smooth graduation crucial to high end display work. Multiple print passes can be easily programmed on a case by case basis using the Mimaki Advanced Pass System to eliminate any hint of banding.
The company has built a large engraving footprint over the last 30 years since its incorporation, servicing military contracts for machinery parts and other, confidential industrial applications. It will use the JFX500-2131 to expand in two key business areas; shop fascias and confidential display work for local representatives of major multi-nationals, freeing up its CJV30 for the company’s fully unattended outdoor durable graphics work.
‘As we transfer existing work to the JFX500-2131 and put it through its paces, we’re also assessing all the new revenue areas it can take us into,’ Mr Wood said. ‘We’re certain that we’ll be able to provide a high quality trade service for other local companies, but beyond that the possibilities are very exciting.’
