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A Middlesex-based sign-maker has purchased an EFI Pro 30h UV LED press from CMYUK, reporting significant speed boosts and expanded capabilities
Signcraft, a third-generation family-owned signage business based in Middlesex, has purchased an EFI Pro 30h UV LED hybrid printer to boost its operations.
The 3.2m wide EFI Pro 30h, which Signcraft purchased from distributor CMYUK, has reportedly delivered speed improvements and expanded capabilities that have transformed the company’s workflow.
Explaining the impact of the new EFI press, Adam White, sales manager at Signcraft, says: "We were facing significant pressure to match competitor speeds while maintaining quality.
“The EFI Pro 30h has completely transformed our ability to meet tight deadlines and handle larger volumes efficiently.”
Signcraft was founded by White’s grandparents, Bernice and Bob Colwell, in 1971. The company first produced residential property board, expanding its offering of commercial and industrial property signage solutions in the following decades and growing to a staff count of 25.
The Pro 30h, which replaces an ageing swissQprint flatbed printer, can handle rigid and roll materials on a single platform.
White was initially apprehensive about using UV on flexible roll materials due to past experience, concerned primarily about ink adhesion issues. These fears were reportedly assuaged, however, once he saw the press in action at CMYUK’s facilities.
The machine represents the first time that Signcraft has used direct-to-substrate (DTS) UV white ink in-house, thereby transforming the company’s printing operations.
“I had a set of assumptions that were 100% outdated,” White says. “The EFI Pro 30h has been transformational. The speed increase is incredible, and we’re delivering better quality work faster than ever before. It’s the missing piece in the workflow and changed the way we operate.”
This printer has been calculated to handle up to 230sq m per hour, with a continuous board feature added for the 30h which optimises speeds for large boards and can handle up to four smaller boards at once.
The Pro 30h blends four-colour CMYK printing that with additional white ink capabilities developed for high impact prints.
The press also utilises EFI’s UltraDrop technology, which is developed to ensure 7pL greyscale printing in resolutions of up to 1200 dpi, while a magnetic linear drive allows for more precise drop placement.
The announcement of the EFI purchase comes at a time of significant expansion at CMYUK, with the print press supplier hiring several new team members.
Last month, CMYUK announced the appointment of Julia Clarke as its new service administration manager. In the newly-created role, Clarke will be tasked to focus on enhancing communication with CMYUK’s service customer base and ensuring the smooth operation of internal processes.
The supplier also hired Stewart Cobby as its new senior digital sales executive. Cobby joins CMYUK from Ricoh UK, where he held the position of inkjet sales manager for industrial print.
Rounding up the new hires, Steve Evans has joined the company as an application specialist and installation engineer. Evans will be responsible for installations, technical training, and applications support, with a particular focus on the JWEI digital cutting table range.
