Whether it is wide, superwide or grand format digital inkjet printing, EFI has a full suite of solutions to meet a range of applications
When a long-time printshop owner with a recently installed EFI Vutek superwide format printer tells you that they have always wanted to own a Vutek machine it’s natural to ask why.
According to Greg Edkins of OSS Printing in the inner-city Sydney suburb of Leichhardt who recently installed a Vutek QS2000, the first time he saw a Vutek machine was on a trip to the USA years ago.
Edkins says he could not help noticing that every successful large print company seemed to have a Vutek, and the quality of the machines impressed him to the point of being envious. Just starting out in wide-format at that time, but with big plans for the future, Edkins decided one day he would own one.
Now he does, with a QS2000, which iss already flat out, printing point-of-sale material for high-end clients such as retailer David Jones.
Superwide printing
Since acquiring New Hampshire-based Vutek in 2005, EFI has continued to expand the reputation of Vutek printers by investing substantially in product development. In the past 18 months EFI has introduced several new printers and inks.
EFI says new additions to the Vutek superwide line-up – the GS 3200 and GS5000r – are the ideal printers for expanding business profitability, by tapping into new premium-margin markets that demand photorealistic quality graphics, while the QS3250r adds a 3.2 metre roll-to-roll option to the popular QS series.
In addition the introduction of the QS220 flatbed printer a few months ago has made superwide UV capability available at wide format prices.
Simon Trytell, EFI inkjet sales development manager for Australia and New Zealand says, ‘Vutek superwide UV printers are driving success worldwide more than any other competitor, and the QS220 is an ideal option for printshops wanting to step up performance and productivity by moving to superwide.’
Versatility
The Vutek QS series is a market-leader, and already tried and tested in Australia and New Zealand.
According to EFI the ability to print on a wide variety of substrates with what is described as stunning quality has made them a clear winner, especially when teamed with the QS Series 2 UV inks. Developed to provide more durability and improved flexibility, these brilliant inks won’t crack or chip and are optimised for a wide range of substrates.
Phillip Burns, southern region inkjet sales manager with DES, the ANZ distributor says, “It’s possible to reduce operational costs by 50 per cent. Some printers believe that a Vutek is just out of their price range, but it’s important to look at ROI, as well as considering flexible financing options like renting or low entry variable lease deals, and the entry level QS220 is a winner.”
Trytell says, “The new GS family of printers deliver uncompromised speed, quality and versatility that meet customer demands for high impact, premium quality graphics as well as traditional superwide applications including banners, POP signage, exhibition and display graphics, billboards, building wraps and fleet graphics
Affordable
EFI says its Rastek range of wide-format printers is an ideal entry point for printers looking to break into fast-growing wide-format market.
Brenden Dunn, Vutek and Rastek business development manager for DES says, “For less than $130,000 a print shop can be up and running with a Rastek flatbed UV printer in very little time. Immediately a whole new range of business opportunities opens up.”
A new addition to the Rastek range is the T660 UV flatbed printer. Optimised for and tested on over a dozen substrates, including PVC, aluminium, acrylic and glass, the T660 is aimed at the printing indoor and outdoor signage, display and exhibition graphics, point-of-purchase advertising, and even short-run packaging and prototyping, on substrates up to 1,520 mm wide and 50.8 mm thick.
Next level integration
Rips – According to EFI its powerful Fiery XF large format rip allows most wide and superwide format users to manage colour in a new dimension with efficient and fast production tools to achieve standardised, accurate colour effortlessly.The automation features ensure accurate set-up and maintenance of a perfectly defined colour workflow from linearisation and profiling to calibration.
Web-to-print - EFI says its Digital StoreFront solution gives printers a new front door for their clients and prospects, and opens up new workflow possibilities and business opportunities for printers with an eye to further expanding their operating model.
Print MIS - Integrating with wide format printers, as well as the Fiery XF rip and Digital StoreFront, the EFI PrintSmith Sign enables sign and print providers to manage their operations, save time, reduce waste and generate more profits. It is a flexible, feature-rich Print MIS and EFI says it is the only offering of its kind to address wide format, digital page product and screen printing operations in a single system.
