London-based wide-format printer The Handsome Prints Company has signed for a Mimaki JFX200-2513 UV flatbed on the opening day of this year’s Sign & Digital UK show.

Within hours of the show opening at Birmingham’s NEC yesterday, The Handsome Prints Company founder Rob Harrison had made the deal with supplier CMYUK.

The investment was made to support the firm’s growth in the interiors and home decor market. Harrison said: “We carried out some tests and found this to be the one that suited the market that we’re looking to expand into.”

The Mimaki JFX200-2513 uses standard-sized media on a 2.5×1.3m bed. It can output at up to 25sqm/hr and has an ink supply unit to speed up the ink replacement process.

“The ability to print white ink is essential, the spot varnish was important, along with the range of materials it can handle,” said Harrison.

Harrison said the London-based company had been planning to make a purchase at Sign & Digital and CMYUK was the obvious choice. “I’ve dealt with CMYUK many times before, at different operations that I’ve worked at. I’ve always found them to be fabulous to deal with and would always head to them first off for any purchases.”

Berkshire-based CMYUK announced in January that it would stock a number of new wide-format products this year, including a new range of clear UV-printable films by Solar Gard. Its stand at Sign & Digital includes a live installation wall, demonstrating techniques on how to fit digital wallpapers, window films and floor graphics, and a material samples wall.

Sign & Digital runs until Thursday. It is showcasing products from more than 200 leading suppliers, along with print workshops, seminars and product demonstrations. Last year it was attended by nearly 7,000 people.

Harrison added: “I come every year. It’s a great show for the type of work that I carry out. I will be looking now at what new substrates and products are coming onto the market.”

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