The S200 can be used to produce pitch books, fine art prints, photobooks and personal publishing.

The inkless technology features LumeJet’s patented Digital Print Head (DPH), and works in a similar way to an inkjet using light, rather than ink, to make tiny dots on photosensitive media.

Altaimage, which is based in London’s Docklands, bought the first S200 in 2013, after acting as a beta test site for the machine.

Managing director Rob King said: “It’s terrible news for the owners and staff of what was looking like a promising company.

“I thought it was odd that good people like Miles and Paul [directors Miles Bentley and Paul Anson] were leaving the company, but there was still a good team so I didn't worry too much. Not sure where that leaves me - up the swanny without a paddle I guess.”

Woolwich-based TG Print & Design bought the machine last year. Managing director Dave Duhig said: “[The S200 was a] very expensive little number for me, but nothing ventured nothing gained.”

He added that he hopes the firm will still be able to get technical support for the machine if a buyer for the company is not found.

“I will see if I can get some kind of support from ex-employees somehow, or it’s a big grey box.”

Tyrone Courtman and Nick Edwards of business advisory firm Cooper Parry were appointed as administrators of LumeJet last Monday (24 August) after it fell into administration due to undisclosed financial issues.

Edwards said: “This is a difficult situation, as substantial sums have been invested in developing this technology, and working machines have been sold and are already with customers.

“We have started the process of looking for potential buyers for the business. Anyone who is interested in purchasing the business should contact us as soon as possible.”

Administrators have told PrintWeek there is no specific deadline for offers to buy the business and confirmed that eight jobs are at risk if no buyer is found.