Staffordshire-based large-format digital print company Printdesigns Limited has ordered its second Zund G3 digital cutter to cope with increasing demand for its expanding range of portable fabric-based display stands. The new Zund G3 cutter has a 3.2m-wide bed and will also feature a specially developed fabric tensioning system, critical for the effective transport of the high elastane-content polyester fabrics used for Printdesigns's graphics. It is expected in September.
Printdesigns launched its TexStyle display range in 2013 following the installation of a 3.2m-wide Mimaki JV-5 DS printer and a rotary Monti Antonio heat press.
Director Mark Thompson said: “Our main area of business is the production of portable display solutions for the self-build exhibitor. For many years, the market has been dominated with traditional products that employ heavy, rollable graphics printed onto PVC or polyester films. The introduction of fabric graphics, along with lightweight supporting frameworks, have allowed us to offer newer, more innovative solutions to our customers."
However, the success of the line has created a bottleneck in production due to hand-cutting fabric – a process that took longer than the actual printing – hence the latest investment. "We considered both Zund and another digital cutting brand. While the other manufacturer allowed us to see its equipment in situ at the print room of an existing end user, it was a little awkward and difficult to see it up close,” said Thompson. “Zund’s dedicated demonstration centre in St Albans, on the other hand, gave us time to sit down, ask questions and really consider the machine in a comfortable environment."
The company is now awaiting the arrival of its second Zund G3, configured specifically to meet its needs. Thompson explained: "Soft signage graphics are generally produced on one big piece of fabric measuring 3.2m wide, which is great for the customer as there are no panels to line up, but harder for us with our existing 2m-wide cutting table.”