29 Mar 2024

The light goes on for Stika.co with Mimaki CJV30-60 purchase

When Weymouth, UK-based Stika.co invested in a Mimaki CJV30-60, the young company already had a substantial sales presence on eBay.  The company needed to expand its production capabilities to meet a rising demand for its unique merchandise range including light switch stickers, health and safety labels and more.

Stika.co began in 2012 when Alex and Cristina Smith created a light switch cover sticker featuring a cartoon character for their young daughter. Smith already had extensive printing experience as a director of a local print company and a couple of months after the purchase of the Mimaki, Stika.co moved into new premises as it continued to expand.  “It wasn’t long before we realised we’d come up with a unique idea that was going to be very popular,” Alex Smith explains. “Within a year we had sold over 10,000 stickers through eBay alone and we now regularly despatch 150 orders per day through our website.”

Analysing its workflow, Stika.co determined investing in a new printer would allow them to offer faster turnaround, high quality finishes and one-off production. Working with Mimaki reseller, PaperlinX, it invested in a Mimaki CJV30-60 integrated printer-cutter. “The Mimaki perfectly suits our application, with its vibrant colours and high print detail,” says Smith. “It then seamlessly cuts to shape without the need for an operator to intervene – which is ideal for smaller businesses where one person may be carrying out multiple jobs.”

“Having seen the Mimaki at an exhibition, we decided it was exactly what we needed. We have limited space at our premises, so having a printer-cutter in one was a real bonus, especially one that doesn’t compromise on print quality,” he comments. “Our customers are delighted with the stickers and how great they look – our client base is growing all the time.” Using Orajet® 3164 100mic vinyl, Stika.co has developed an impressive portfolio of light switch stickers, ranging from cartoon based images for children’s bedrooms, through to abstract art and stylish interior décor pieces. The company is also beginning to expand its range to include mobile phone skins and covers for television remote controls too.

The CJV30 Series printer-cutter is a multi-award winning integrated print and cut solution from Mimaki and offers flexibility with its four sizing options from 60cm through to 1.6m. Combining high performance with superior print quality, the Mimaki CJV30 has print speeds of up to 17.5m²/h and runs with Mimaki’s SS21 fast drying, outdoor durable inks or ES3 eco-solvent options.

For further information about Stika.co and its complete product range please visit www.stika.co.

Mimaki’s products can be found by visiting UK and Irish distributor Hybrid Services Ltd’s website at www.hybridservices.co.uk.