What is it?
A flatbed and roll-to-roll wide-format UV inkjet printer.

Why did you choose this particular machine?
A large part of SSAF's production is 8x4ft safety signs and hoarding panels, so we already get cost savings by printing directly on to rigid substrates. We bought our current flatbed printer two years ago and realised that we needed extra production capability, so we started looking for another. We were attracted by the potential offered by the Gerber Solara ion to open up new business opportunities. The machine can print directly on to glass and on our own branded window film, which as far as we know no other machine can do. The Cold Fire Cure system uses low temperatures to cure the ink, so the substrate does not deform and we can now print on both sides. We got all this at a reasonable price, so the entire package was the best we could find on the market.

Did you look at any other similar machines?
This machine has been the biggest investment for our business - second only to our premises - so we researched the market thoroughly. There are a number of machines on the market and we considered closely the Mimaki JF Series, but we felt the Solara ion offered the best package.

Why did you make the purchase?
We wanted to boost capacity, but also expand the range of services we offered. SSAF is a window film company and this machine will print on to glass and on to our own window film without problems.

What features do you particularly like?
It is very easy to use and when you're printing you don't need to monitor it constantly. There's no need for operator intervention, so we maximise the use of our time. In addition, the print is dry as soon as it leaves the machine, so we can use it immediately.

Is there anything that you dislike?
If anything, the noise level, but we understand the benefit of having a vacuum pump to hold the material down on to the printing table.

Is there anything that you wish it had that it doesn't?
The machine does what we wanted it to do.

How fast is it?
We have been printing 12-15 2,440x1,220mm sheets a day. Because of the quality and speed, we were able to increase our production.

How reliable is it?
We have had the machine three months and had only one call-out. Spandex engineers were here the next day and it was up and running within an hour. They returned two days later and went through the machine to ensure everything was all right.

What's the quality like?
We are very pleased with the print quality. It is faster and offers better quality than our current machine.

How much time or money has it saved?
This is a hard one. Since buying this machine we have printed more to board than ever before. This is because of the high-quality. I can't say how much it has saved us in money, but it has opened up new areas of business and will increase our capacity by helping the business to grow.

Has it won you any new work?
Buying this machine was a big investment for SSAF. We believe this machine is the future of sign making and it will help us grow in the market. We are picking up more trade work and we are sending out quotes for several new jobs.

Would you say that it offers value for money?
Absolutely.

Who do you think the machine is right for?
Anyone looking to print on to boards, banners, glass and Perspex.

Under what circumstances would you buy another?
If we had enough work for two machines

Conclusion
User's verdict    
Speed 4/5
Quality 5/5
Reliability 4/5
Value for money 4/5

Supplier's response
Leon Watson, Spandex hardware sales director, says: "SSAF typifies the way in which this versatile machine is benefitting printers' operations and, judging by the response so far, it's almost as if the market has been waiting for a UV printer that offers the price-versus-performance ratio delivered by the Gerber Solara ion. The patented ColdFire Cure system, in combination with GerberCat inks, means customers can now extend their offering by printing on to a much wider range of substrates, including heat-sensitive materials, Correx and DiBond with fantastic adhesion."
Price On application
Contact Spandex UK 01454 200620