Improved customer choice was behind C3imaging’s purchase of an MTEX 5032 fabric printer from Digital Print Innovations (DPI).
National Accounts Manager Nigel Davies explained the rationale behind the investment: “We specialise in bespoke premium digital short run graphics, displays and exhibition materials.
“We knew that soft signage was a future growth area, and had been keeping our eye on fabric printing for the last couple of years.
“We met specialist textile printer distributor DPI at Sign UK and FESPA, and knew that the MTEX was a stand-out machine. It was the right fit, at the right time for our business, opening up exciting new soft signage opportunities for customers to create really innovative graphic displays.”
C3imaging has been in business for 25 years, with branches in Bristol, Cardiff, Colchester, Liverpool and London and in 2012 under new ownership it joined the Zenith Print Group alongside Zenith Media and Zenith Print and Packaging.
The companies have retained their own brands but, as Nigel says, with the litho and packaging specialisms added to C3’s digital expertise and the new MTEX, together there isn’t a print job that they can’t do.
C3’s new MTEX was installed in their Liverpool branch in October 2013. Nigel said: “It’s built around a solid engine and we know that the technology is sound. With this new 3.2mtr fabric printer – and the right framing systems – we can now offer point of sale backdrops, fabric exhibition systems, aluminium tensioned fabric frames – wall mounted, freestanding or suspended, lightboxes, freestanding displays, hanging fabric banners and sound walls.”
The new generation MTEX printer offers a superb all in one direct to textile solution, printing up to 1440dpi and speeds up to 58m²/h direct to textile using a vibrant punchy waterbased inkset. The textile is then advanced to the inbuilt fixation unit where it sublimates into the fabric.
Added Nigel: “The main benefits of fabric are the simplicity of changing graphics. Once you have your framing system, you can reprint as many times as you want, tailoring your signage for seasonal promotions or special events. Reduced weight also means lower delivery costs, and robust materials make fabric ideal for indoor and outdoor usage.
“Having a direct to textile printer really simplifies what had previously been a fairly technical process. The MTEX also has a small footprint, making it ideal for our busy production area.”