Dornans has installed a Mimaki JFX200-2513 EX UV LED flatbed printer from CMYUK. This purchase marks the beginning of a new era for this one-stop-shop business that has its roots in a printing company that was founded in 1848 – before the arrival of the lightbulb, telephone, and automobile!
While the new business remains in Oldham, the birthplace of the original company, it has moved to new premises, and invested in cutting edge production equipment for greater efficiency, quality, and speed to ensure its overall competitiveness.
Dornans offers a number of services including small format digital printing, litho printing, direct mail, and CNC routing, while its digital wide-format department services the retail, education, and exhibitions market sectors.
In the company’s previous set-up, a Jetrix flatbed was the mainstay for wide-format printing. However, with the evolution of the business, the senior team chose to upgrade to the Mimaki JFX200-2513 EX. This decision was driven by the printer’s impressive qualities: fast and simultaneous white ink printing, excellent print quality, impressive speeds, and cost-effectiveness.
“The Mimaki JFX200-2513 EX represents a robust leap forward that aligns with our commitment to provide top tier printing solutions. We also needed a printer that could handle white ink well, as we produce white on window vinyl at volume for our national retail customers,” says Steven Shalmani, Dornans’ Client Services Director.
In addition to the operational performance of the Mimaki, its physical size was also a consideration. “The relatively compact footprint of the Mimaki was a big bonus and influential in our decision-making. Rather than being in a room on its own, it sits nicely alongside our new digital cutting table. This physical closeness between printing and finishing has helped to make all aspects of our workflow almost seamless,” says Steven.
Mimaki – cost-effective high-quality
The Mimaki JFX200-2513 EX is an 8 x 4ft UV flatbed printer. A successor to the JFX200-2513, this is a high productivity printer that features a new print head configuration that doubles output speeds when printing with white in all print modes. Versatile too, it prints onto an extensive range of materials including acrylics, glass, metal, polyester, wood, stone, and more, allowing owners to offer the widest range of applications to its customer base.
The Mimaki utilises Variable Dot Technology that enables it to print with 3 different dot sizes – small, medium, and large – to create high quality images. Smaller drops are used to produce smoother gradations, while larger ones generate uniform solid colours. With these tri-sized drops, high resolution graphics can be produced smoothly, without a grainy appearance, at high speed and in low resolution mode.
The printer stands out in the production of high value-added prints courtesy of his advanced 2.5 D Texture Marker. This feature allows for the creation of smooth semi stereoscopic 2.5 D prints, perfect for interior design materials that mimic real textures like brick and wood grain as well as producing artwork that simulates the thick oil of paintings, and embossed signage letters. The tactile quality of the prints not only adds a visual depth but also invites interaction through touch. For production owners, this means the ability to offer unique high-quality products that stand out in the market enhancing static appeal and boosting customer engagement.
CMYUK approach
This is the first time that Dornans has purchased production equipment from CMYUK. The experience was extremely positive, with both pre-and post-sales going through without a hitch. The on-site training was also well received, reflecting the preferred learning style for the machine operators.
“Although we have extensive experience with various machines, the Mimaki was a new addition to our portfolio. The training provided by CMYUK was tailored to our specific learning style, enabling us to rapidly understand and adapt to the Mimaki’s capabilities in relation to our everyday printing needs. The ease of use of the Mimaki was apparent early on. Furthermore, the ongoing support and accessibility of the CMYUK team for any queries underscores the printer’s functionality and our confidence in its integration into our working practices,” says Steven.
Forward momentum
Dornans distinguishes itself with a deeply rooted heritage that has evolved into a modern streamlined business that is future-facing. Its investment in Mimaki flatbed technology and advanced finishing capabilities are a cornerstone for expected growth, establishing a new era of innovation and efficiency.
Says Steven, ”We have a small team that really pulls together, which is in a very good place. We can pretty much do everything in-house as we’ve always done, but just better. With this strategic investment in Mimaki technology, we’re not just ready for the future but are actively shaping it, ensuring unparalleled service and quality for our customers.”