Supplied by CMYUK, the 3.2m-wide roll-to-roll LED printer was installed in April and replaced a Vutek QS 3200 hybrid printer at the Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire-based business.

“We’ve definitely branched out because we’ve really had to justify buying a printer of this calibre. With this new machine we can do so much more, and it has presented us with more opportunities. It’s opened up a whole new world,” said Sound Control Services owner and managing director Jim O’Shaughnessy.

Set up by O’Shaughnessy – an acoustics engineer – in 2003, Sound Control Services provides acoustic products including panels, foam, blankets, baffles, and vibration damping materials for education, corporate, community, industrial, marine, military, and media customers.

The company had originally purchased the Vutek QS 3200 five and a half years ago to enable it to cope with the growing number of branded acoustic wraps, which up until this point had been outsourced.

“Our construction clients kept asking for printed acoustic building wraps that made us delve into the whole process a little more, and led to the purchase of the Vutek QS,” said O’Shaughnessy.

“We produce large volumes of architectural products such as panels that hang from the ceilings, [and] baffles that reduce unwanted ambient noise in large spaces such as gyms, halls, lobbies, and wall panels.

“However, now we’ve got the ability to print on the fabrics that surround these products – the Pro 32r produces really fantastic prints at really high quality.”

The new machine has also enabled Sound Control Services to carry out panel refurbishment work – both for existing clients as well as customers who originally bought panels from elsewhere, as well as corporate fit outs.

The company decided to replace the Vutek QS 3200 due to its age but was keen to remain with the Vutek range, as well as with CMYUK due to its service and support.

The Vutek Pro 32r is a four-colour machine with a white ink option. It uses cool cure LED technology that reduces operating costs and has a lower environmental footprint.

“Continuing with CMYUK seemed the natural way to go. The support we’ve been given is very good. EFI Vutek printers are reliable, high quality machines that are used widely,” said O’Shaughnessy.

“We really liked the QS 3200 and the way it operates. Obviously the Pro 32r is a big step-up but all we ever print is fabric, and a dedicated roll-to-roll system is absolutely perfect for us.”