Blackburn-based MaD Chair has installed a dedicated roll-to-roll Epson SureColor SC-F6300 from CMYUK. This 1.1m wide dye sublimation printer replaces an older Epson model.
The company was founded two years ago when designer/producer Tracy Reed went into business with daughter Remy-Mae Reed.
Tracy Reed has a 15-year background in digital print design and prior to MaD Chair had been producing personalised items such as canvas prints, throws, and the like. Her daughter has a law degree as well as a talented penchant for design and marketing, teaching herself design software, she also built the company’s website.
The Reeds first became acquainted with CMYUK after creating some digital upholstery for its presence at a trade show. In return CMYUK printed bedroom textiles for Ms Reed, and so when it came to buying new equipment, CMYUK was the first port of call. The new Epson SureColor SC-F6300 represents an upgrade in production operation.
Tracy Reed explained, ‘Our older Epson model that we’d had for about eight years was a real workhorse and still working, however the blacks weren’t deep enough for us and we were changing the maintenance tank every couple of months. The new model doesn’t have these so should save us quite a substantial amount of money over the year, plus the speed of the new one will make a real difference.’
The four colour SC-F6300 is designed to produce high quality printed textiles and promotional goods. It has a minimum droplet size of 4 pl and prints at 720 x 1400dpi.
The installation of the new Epson printer coincides with the company opening a new store in Blackburn. The Reeds expects both these events to further drive the business into developing new products. Specifically, a real store window to dress, collections will become more structured and co-ordinated rather than the ad-hoc inspirations of the last two years. MaD Chair is also set to explore new production techniques such as thermoforming acrylic for tables.
Tracy Reed concluded, ‘It’s an exciting time for us and our business is going from strength to strength. We’re both committed to pushing the brand into new creative avenues and it’ll be interesting to see where we land in another two years.’
