Manufactured in Russia, the Bigprinter portfolio currently consists of the Bigjet range of wide-format digital inkjet flatbed systems, which includes Standard and higher-end Professional versions, and the Bigzee cutter/CNC family, designed to compete in the wide-format sector at a lower price point than its competitors.
In the UK, the brand has an exclusive distribution agreement with Watford-based supplier Conversion. At Sign & Digital UK 2019 in Birmingham last month, Conversion showcased a number of Bigjet and Bigzee machines.
This showing will be followed up by Bigprinter with a stand at Fespa 2019 in Munich next month – marking the show debut of the Bigjet 3.2m industrial roll-to-roll system, named the Bigjet UV iP3307M.
Colin Price, partner at Conversion, said: “Sign & Digital was a great launch platform for Bigprinter in the UK and a chance to get on people’s radars. Everyone who saw the machine remarked on the quality of build and print samples we were producing live at the show.
“We got the feeling from many conversations that quite a few smaller companies were stating that flatbed would be their next step, and the established ones who are looking at renewing their equipment were interested in ways to stand out.
“In general, all Bigprinter machines offer incredible value for money. They have a European build quality but with pricing that starts alongside many of the Asian-built machines. The price advantage is not due to compromised build quality, but rather due to the Ruble-to-Sterling exchange rates.”
The Bigjet flatbeds range in size and speed
Bigjet flatbed printers cover a range of prices starting at £80,000 and going up to £145,000, while Bigzee cutters range from £55,000-£78,000 and Bigzee CNC routers start at £25,000 with customisable additions and size ranges up to 2.08x4.1m.
The 3.2m Bigjet UV iP3307M roll-to-roll system comes in multiple colour configurations from CMYK upwards, printing at speeds up to 105sqm/hr at a resolution up to 1,016x1,440dpi. In high-quality mode, it can print at up to 55sqm/hr.
All Bigjet flatbeds come with a bed area of 3.1x2.02m, though the Professional models can take on a greater substrate height and print at higher production speeds. Bigzee cutter table sizes range from 1x1.6m to 2.1x3.2m.
On top of Conversion in the UK, Bigprinter has now established dealers in Germany, France and Italy, with leads and installations beginning to come in.
Fespa 2019 will take place at Messe Munich, Germany, over 14-17 May.
