Nottingham-based APN Display has upgraded its UV print technology with the purchase of a Vutek H2000 LED UV hybrid printer from CMYUK, which they hope will open the door to new markets as well as add to their production capacity.
APN Display, which services agency and trade customers both regionally and across the UK, specialises in 2D and 3D POS displays, and the H2000 installed in July is already blurring the lines between what was previously printed digitally or pressed on a screen or litho.
“The H2000 is the next generation on from our previous UV machines - an Inca Eagle and Spyder V,” said Director Paul Nicholls. “It’s much faster with a higher quality print, and the new technology has reduced the need for separate printing processes and reduced the minimum numbers for cost effective print runs.
“Firstly, with the new Vutek we can now print onto clear material using white ink at the same time rather than printing on a digital machine then adding the white via a screen press.
“This means shorter runs for applications such as window graphics become more economic – even just one or two units – as set up and origination costs are lower and there’s less risk of spoilage, with the two print processes needed now reduced to one.”
The company is also now using the H2000 to produce the 3D corrugated POS display units that it designs and manufactures. The higher resolution and flatbed facility means it can now digitally print jobs that would previously have been litho printed then laminated onto boards – again, the ability to print onto a wider range of substrates such as boards removes a process from the workflow.
CMYUK director Robin East said: “The EFI Vutek H2000 Pro is a great printer for a company like APN Display that’s looking to both improve and diversify its output.
“It has a number of available production and imaging options allowing print houses to configure a system that matches their needs today or when new opportunities arise. The H2000 also offers EFI’s UltraDrop Technology in six colours for more precise control and high definition quality, and handles rigid and sheeted media up to 80in wide and up to 2in. thick with optional roll-to-roll production.”
The time from installation of the printer to full production was just two weeks, and the APN Display team is looking forward to working closely with CMYUK in the future.
“We have our own in-house design facility and we’ll be looking at new ways to make the most of the capabilities of this new machine, sharing our expertise and offering cutting edge solutions to our customers,” concluded Paul.