The Hampshire-based wide-format printer, which already runs an array of EFI and Roland solvent machines and two HP Latex 260 printers, had previously avoided UV because the prints weren’t flexible enough for vehicle wraps.

“Traditionally UV printers don’t have the flexibility on the inks to produce vehicle graphics and we didn’t want to invest in a machine that couldn’t be used for all parts of the business,” said production manager Tom Bates.

He added that the firm had worked in partnership with EFI and wide-format substrate manufacturer 3M to get EFI’s new flexible UV inks approved to 3M’s industry-leading MCS warranty.

The MCS warranty, which Stewart Signs was already able to offer for prints produced on its two latex printers, guarantees the intended life of a finished graphic produced on a specific device with the relevant matched inks and substrates.

“Key to our decision [to invest] was the ability to produce applications that meet the requirements of the 3M MCS (matched component system) warranty,” said Bates. “This performance is essential when producing vehicle and fleet graphics, where adhesion and elasticity of the inks are vital to the success of the end application.”

The company's new 3.2m Vutek GS3250LXr Pro includes the manufacturer's cool cure LED curing and greyscale printing technology.

Simon Casajuana, UK south territory manager at EFI, said: "The combination of the versatility of the Vutek GSLXr 3M SuperFlex UV ink, the power savings and the overall low cost of ownership has made the Vutek GS3250LXr Pro the ideal machine for Stewart Signs in its transition from solvent-based production to more environmentally friendly printing."

Stewart Signs is also in the process of finalising an investment in two new flatbed cutters, taking its total spend to around £500,000. The investment followed a business review of the company’s plant and machinery.