The machine is Colorific's solvent-UV conversion of Roland DG's RF-640 wide-format device. It also won a full set of inks and a one-year RolandCare Partner Solution warranty as part of a print package.
The printer will be installed on 1 September at the 10-staff Warwickshire-based company.
Sticky Media account manager Lucy Hemming said the company would use the 1.6m-wide printer to increase capacity.
“It could save us a little bit of money because it’s cheaper to run, but the main benefit is that it allows us to operate at higher capacity. It also has more ink options than our current printers,” she said. Sticky Media currently uses three HP Latex machines, a L25500, a 260 and a 280.
The company attended Sign & Digital UK on 24-26 March at the NEC in Birmingham to look into dye-sublimation technology, and considered taking a dye-sub printer as the prize, before opting for the Lightbar.
“The original prize was a dye-sub machine,” said Hemming. “The purpose of the visit was to look at dye-sub technology as well as to keep on top of the market. However, we would’ve had to spend an extra few grand on new technology to go along with it.”
She said the company was still keen on dye-sublimation. “We are looking to move into dye sublimation because of the growing popularity of soft signage,” said Hemming. “A lot more retail companies are using fabric for soft signage, so we are looking at how to bring dye-sub into the business.”
Sticky Media managing director Charlie Bukovets said it was a shock to win: “We can’t wait for the installation date. The low running costs mean our Lightbar RF-640 is the ideal solution for our high volume of automotive graphics.”
The Lightbar device is also available in 1.37m width. It features double-CMYK inksets and produces fast solvent-UV ink print that comes out dry to the touch.
Roland DG commercial print business manager Mat Drake said: “The initiative was a fantastic way to engage with visitors at Sign & Digital UK. The prize inspired many creative discussions with visitors about how Roland DG’s machines can add great value to their industries.”
