CMYUK has installed an EFI VUTEk M3h hybrid UV LED printer at Ottimo Digital in Newport, South Wales. It replaces an existing EFI VUTEk LX3 Pro printer, which had served the business well over many years, but had reached the end of its working life.
The new 3.2m wide printer has strengthened the company’s production workflow with increased speed, versatility, and capacity for its exhibition and events clients.
“We’ve seen a large increase in work on both rigid and flexible substrates, all requiring quick turnaround times. We wanted to increase our speed, particularly when printing onto Foamex, without compromising on quality,” says Ottimo Digital’s Commercial Director, Craig Boxley.
EFI VUTEk M3h expands capability and capacity
Ottimo Digital has a long history with EFI technology, having already invested in four EFI printers from CMYUK. While the company continues to keep a close eye on the wider market, EFI remained the natural starting point for this latest investment.
The EFI VUTEk M3h was selected for its combination of speed, quality and price point, as well as its ability to extend Ottimo Digital’s production capability. The larger vacuum bed has increased the range and volume of substrates the company can handle, while multi-layer printing has opened up additional application opportunities, including digital floor lino and layered acrylic work.
“Nothing is ever a given when investing in new machinery, but considering our successful history with EFI technology, it’s always the first place we look,” says Craig. “We were extremely impressed by the M3h. It gives us speed, quality, durability and ease of use.”
The installation was a smooth transition. Operators were up to speed quickly, greatly helped by the familiarity of the workflow and the continuity between the EFI VUTEk LX3 and the new M3h hybrid.
“Everyone was quickly competent as a lot of the features are not too different to the LX3. It has fitted in seamlessly,” notes Andrew Thomas, Production Director, Ottimo.
M3h delivers faster turnaround and greater output
In a fast-paced exhibition and events market, where deadlines are often tight and production windows compressed, the M3h has given Ottimo Digital greater flexibility and capacity.
“The biggest gain for us is speed, which in turn gives us more time to focus on other jobs in a fast-paced, quick-turnaround industry,” says Andrew. “Speed has been the most noticeable improvement, allowing us to handle more work within tighter deadlines and improve overall turnaround times.”
The company has also seen strong results in print quality, colour consistency and substrate versatility. These gains are helping Ottimo Digital take on a wider range of work in-house, including higher-volume and more complex applications.
“Quality and colour consistency has proven to be very strong and reliable, which gives us confidence across repeat and high-visibility jobs,” says Andrew. “The added versatility has expanded the range of substrates and applications we can print in-house. Overall, it has made our workflow far more efficient and responsive.”
CMYUK partnership built on trust and consistency
Ottimo Digital has worked with CMYUK for more than 10 years, a relationship that began when the company first contacted CMYUK while looking to move into super-wide-format production with a 5m machine. Since then, the partnership has continued to develop through multiple technology investments.
For Ottimo Digital, the value of the relationship lies in CMYUK’s consistency, responsiveness and understanding of the business.
“We know what to expect, and CMYUK continue to meet those expectations without fuss,” says Craig. “The quality of service, responsiveness when it matters, and understanding of our needs have all made a genuine difference. It feels less like a supplier relationship and more like working with a team that’s invested in our success.”
Smooth rollout backed by CMYUK support
Due to Ottimo Digital’s demanding workload, there were only limited windows in the year when the company could replace the outgoing LX3. Completing the installation and initial training during December was therefore essential. CMYUK worked closely with Ottimo Digital to ensure the printer was delivered, installed and operational within the required timeframe.
“CMYUK have consistently advised and supported us throughout the decision-making process,” says Craig. “Their understanding of our business and requirements made it much easier to move forward with confidence.”
The team received initial machine training from CMYUK, followed by more in-depth operation and maintenance training from EFI. After-sales support has also remained an important part of the relationship.
“There are always knowledgeable members of the CMYUK team available at the end of the phone, ready to help resolve any questions or minor issues quickly, which reinforces the strength of the partnership,” says Andrew.
EFI VUTEk M3h helps future-proof the business
Looking ahead, the EFI VUTEk M3h is helping Ottimo Digital respond more effectively to changing customer expectations, shorter lead times and increasing demand for more complex, high-quality wide-format applications.
“The M3h has given us far greater flexibility in how we respond to customer demands,” says Craig. “Its speed and reliability that ensures we can turn work around more quickly, even on tighter deadlines, without compromising.”
The investment also reflects Ottimo Digital’s commitment to growth and future capability.
“This investment reflects a clear commitment to growth and staying at the forefront of the industry,” says Craig. “We’re positioning ourselves to handle greater volumes, take on more complex work, and maintain consistently high standards as we scale. Ultimately, it’s about future-proofing the business.”
Caption: Craig Boxley (L), Commercial Director with Andrew Thomas, Production Director, Ottimo Digital
