Watford-based Rocket said the machine, which is additional to the company’s plant list, will help with its growth plans. The device, which can print at speeds of up to 58sqm/hr, was installed in May.
The 5032 increases the firm’s dye-sub printing productivity and also improves the overall output of its textile graphics quality up to 1,440dpi.
The machine, which uses water-based inks, prints direct onto the textile media, which then advances through an in-line fixation unit, where the ink is sublimated to the fabric.
The machine can print on a wide variety of substrates including high-tenacity polyester, flag polyester, backlit polyester, block-out polyester, Decotex stretch fabric, voile and fabric mesh.
Commercial director Antony Rider said: “The upgrade of the MTEX 5032 will assist and increase our capability and service offering to both existing and new clients who are attracted by the advantages of our ‘start to finish in-house’ offering.”
The business also looked at alternatives from suppliers including Hollanders but found the MTEX machine to be the best fit for its requirements.
Rider said the machine has had an instant impact, helping Rocket to secure new work due to the additional print media options the business can now offer its customers.
The company recently used the 5032 to produce a hanging fabricated box frame, complete with graphics and illumination, as part of the ‘fanzone’ for the ATP Tennis Tour final at the O2 in London.
Over the past 18 months the business has bought an EFI Vutek GS5000r and a third Mimaki JV33-160 and installed Caldera’s Flow+ 2.0 wide-format workflow system.
The firm, which also operates two EFI Vutek QS 3200s, has recently completed an internal mezzanine extension, which has provided an extra 465sqm of space to its 1,161sqm premises.
Rocket, which has a turnover in the region of £6m, currently employs 42 staff. The business achieved a 17% growth in turnover in 2014.
It produces a wide range of large-format digital production of branding and signage for customers including agencies, end-users and trade sector clients.
