The Croydon-based company bought the machine from HP large-format reseller City & West End Solutions. It is expected to be delivered "imminently" and will be used predominantly for printed exhibition boards.

According to Discount Displays managing director Giles Fletcher, the company had been experimenting with an older UV machine but decided to take the plunge into full production with the FB500.

Fletcher explained: "The system this machine uses is cheaper and faster than the seal and glue method. Our customers want things quicker and quicker and this investment will improve our speed, quality and production costs."

HP is marketing the entry-level FB500 as a smaller version of its FB950 model. According to HP, the FB500 gives a white ink option to what is a low-volume machine.

In addition, the manufacturer claimed that its smaller footprint would enable new applications for smaller printers and sign shops looking to invest in flatbed technology.