A move to the latest low-cost UV-curable print technology has quickly reaped financial and speed dividends for Complete Studio Graphics via a roll-to-roll wide-format machine fitted with a Lightbar UV curing solution supplied by Colorific.
Located on-site at London’s ExCel, a sizeable proportion of jobs produced by Complete Studio Graphics is in the events area, with exhibition participants relying on being able to get their display requirements turned round quickly and at a high quality. In addition, the company also produces a broad range of general graphics for conferences in other locations as well as for a diverse selection of clients from overseas as well as in the UK.
Formerly, with jobs on flexible materials being produced using its solvent-based units, Complete Studio Graphics was faced with delays after printing and before laminating because of the risk of outgassing. With the addition of the Lightbar solution, finished jobs are now ready immediately, with no time needed for drying.
“We needed a machine that would give us a faster way of working but at a low investment price, particularly as this is our first venture into UV-curable technology,” said Alan Carter of Complete Studio Graphics. “But we didn’t want to sacrifice quality or our ability to maintain attractive prices for our clients who know that our sensible rates and fast turnaround don’t compromise the standard of the work we produce.
“With Lightbar, we can print work and use it straightaway, which is something that’s impossible with solvent-based production,” Carter continued. “We’re now far more flexible and versatile, and the saving on lamination is a huge saving on time and money. UV-curable technology is the way to go.”
Carter was originally looking at a flatbed machine with roll-to-roll capabilities as his introduction to UV-curable print but, with the bulk of his company’s work being on flexible materials, it made more sense to invest in a machine with the Lightbar unit. Although it can be retro-fitted for just £2,500 to an existing chassis that uses Epson DX4 or DX5 printheads, he decided to buy the system as part of a new printer.
“Complete Studio Graphics is a typical example of a graphics house that wants to transform its solvent-based print to UV-curable production, but without the huge learning curve and high investment cost,” said Shaun Holdom of Colorific. “The Lightbar curing unit is inexpensive and easy to use. Retrofitted to an existing chassis, operation is straightforward and familiar yet finished prints are high quality, dry instantly and ready for use straightaway.”