Signcraft, a third generation-family-owned sign business based in Middlesex, has transformed operations with the installation of an EFI Pro 30h UV LED hybrid printer from CMYUK.
At 3.2m wide, the EFI Pro 30h delivers significant speed improvements and expanded capabilities that have transformed workflow efficiency and further enhanced customer satisfaction. The investment was driven by the need for greater competitiveness and versatility.
“We were facing significant pressure to match competitor speeds while maintaining quality,” says Adam White, Sales Manager. “The EFI Pro 30h has completely transformed our ability to meet tight deadlines and handle larger volumes efficiently.”
Modernising printing production
Signcraft was founded by Adam’s grandparents – Bernice and Bob Colwell in 1971 – producing residential property boards. Fifty-four years later, the business has a staff of 25 and now specialises in commercial and industrial property signage.
The Pro 30h replaces an ageing SwissQ flatbed printer and offers the business intrinsic versatility encompassed within a hybrid printer, able to handle rigid and roll materials on a single platform. Initially, Adam was apprehensive about using UV on flexible roll materials, due to past experience, he was concerned about ink adhesion issues. However, as soon as he saw the Pro 30h in action at CMYUK, his misgivings simply evaporated.
“I had a set of assumptions that were 100% outdated,” he admits.
The EFI Pro 30h is a 4-colour printer that also offers standard white ink for high value prints. Its advanced UV ink formulation provides superior adhesion enabling it to print to the widest range of substrates for numerous applications. EFI’s UltraDrop technology also ensures 7pL greyscale printing in resolutions of up to 1200 dpi, while a magnetic linear drive guarantees precise drop placement.
This is the first time that Signcraft has used direct to substrate UV white ink in-house, and the transition has significantly transformed printing operations. Staff no longer need to manually cut and apply white vinyl as a backing to glass and acrylics, and this direct-to-substrate print capability is opening new opportunities.
Life in the fast lane
The operational impact of the EFI Pro 30h has been substantial, changing how Signcraft approaches production scheduling and capacity planning. The speed improvements have been particularly dramatic, with Adam citing an example of an 80-meter hoarding, which prior to the EFI installation, would have taken four days to print, but printed by the Pro 30h in a single morning.
This printer handles up to 230 sq. m or 60 boards per hour. A continuous board feature optimises speeds for large boards or multiple small ones – up to four at once. Transitioning between rigid to flexible printing is fast and easy, while dual roll printing further turbo charges operations.
“The speed increase has been incredible. We’re completing jobs that used to take multiple shifts in much shorter timeframes, which has eliminated the need for overtime and allowed us to take on more work,” notes Adam.
CMYUK factor
Signcraft had been thinking about updating its SwissQ flatbed for some time, to balance out the printing side of the business with the recent investments made in its fabricating department. However, it was an Instagram post from CMYUK that ignited this consideration into action. After making initial contact with the sales team, Adam attended one of CMYUK’s regular open house events at its Demonstration and Training Centre in Shrewsbury.
“Once we saw the Pro 30h, we just knew it would be a gamechanger, giving us the flexibility moving forward to do roll-to-roll applications,” he says.
Adam was really impressed with CMYUK’s approach and expertise. “They helped facilitate an excellent deal on our equipment purchase and were supportive through the implementation process. Training was also very good; I had no complaints from the guys,” he says.
Enhanced customer service
The EFI Pro 30h has significantly improved Signcraft’s ability to meet customer demand for ever shorter lead times. The hybrid printer’s combination of speed and versatility enables it to handle a broader mix of work, while maintaining consistent quality standards. The new capabilities have enabled the business to better compete for trade work opportunities, with its ability to offer a direct-to-substrate service becoming a key differentiator.
Says Adam, “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.”
