The Newcastle firm has been chosen to beta test the 210,000 ink-jet printer, which was launched earlier this year. The  3.2x1.6m Spyder is running beside the firm's two Inca Eagle flatbed printers.

"The Eagles are production machines and the Spyder won't give you fantastic speeds," said business development director David Bullivant. "But we didn't buy it for speed. We want to take on the higher end of the market."

The firm will use the kit to push into the high-quality exhibition market.

"It's good to be a beta site and part of something new. Unlike conventional digital work the Spyder lets you print  direct on the material and the [Spectra] print head technology ensures exceptional quality," he said.

The Spyder, which uses a static bed and a moving carriage, can print directly onto substrates such as PVC and corrugated board that are up to 30mm thick and weigh up to 80kg.

Inca Digital said around six more UK deals were in the offing. Ten machines are shipping out to Australia, India and America.

Story by Jez Abbott