Supplied by Papergraphics, the 64in (1.6m) device - Slams Signs’ fourth SureColor - was installed in March and replaced the firm’s eight-colour SC-S70600, which was purchased in 2015.
Its latest install runs alongside an Epson SC-S40600, which was brought in last year to replace a 2012-bought SC-S30600.
Explaining the reason for the latest upgrade, David Jorge, who heads the business with Jodie Banfather, said it was an obvious decision.
“After buying the SC-S40600 model last year, we really noticed that Epson had ironed out a few of the niggley issues from the older models and we felt that it had improved so much it would be a real step forward for us to invest in this model,” he said, adding: “With the new red and the white, which it prints much faster than the older models, we felt this was absolutely the right move."
Jorge said that increased sales at the signage and wrap specialist, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, had meant it had needed to speed up its processes and that the new device proving its worth “across the board”, especially in its vehicle wrap division.
“We are doing a lot more work in that area, around two vehicles a week, and it’s perfect for that because it produces amazing quality,” he said.
The new, circa-£18,000 SC-S80600 features dual PrecisionCore TFP printheads and prints in 10 colours at up to 95.1sqm/hr in single-pass banner mode and at up to 12.5sqm/hr in eight-pass film mode.
“In my view, the SureColor SC-S80600 is probably the best printer on the market today in terms of quality, versatility and engineering," said Jorge,
“The 10-colour UltraChrome GS3 inkset, including metallic, red and white, means we can achieve accurate and consistent colours and hit the majority of Pantone colours. We don’t need to produce test prints to check colours – they are always spot on which saves us and our customers considerable time. The special red ink really delivers a bright, punchy effect which designers and ad agencies love," he added.
Due to the increased workload, the business has recently expanded its team from five to six and installed a Keen cutter, to speed up DiBond and Foamex work, which joins its existing two Summa cutters and a Sihl laminator.
Jorge said the firm was considering a RollsRoller flatbed applicator table as its next investment.
