Large format print and project management company 2601 has installed a Mimaki JFX200-2513 EX UV flatbed and a Mimaki UJV55-320 UV LED 3.2m roll-roll printer to boost rigid capacity and move into textiles.

The purchase of the two Mimakis from reseller CMYUK was prompted by a desire to move into textile productions, according to John Sulzman, CMYUK’s specification specialist.

Until now, the firm had previously been unable to produce large format textile prints, such as backdrops for film, theatre and TV, in-house.

Steve Williams, co-founder of 2601, said: “We’ve got a hybrid printer here but wanted something with better quality, speed, and versatility. 

“We were considering other makes and models of flatbeds, but when we started comparing that with the cost of a pair of Mimakis, it made sense for us to begin our 3.2m roll-to-roll journey and also amplify our capacity for rigid work using the new flatbed and prolong the life of the flatbed we already own.”

He added: “There are lots of Mimakis on the market, and there is a reason for that.

“They are proven, easy to use, have fantastic quality and the speed is impressive. We love the idea of using white ink on hard media. We had white ink installed on our existing printer but within a year we turned it off because it was too much hassle and expensive to use.”

In developing the JFX200-2513 EX, Mimaki upgraded its previous model, the JFX200-2513 by doubling the speed it can lay down white and adding the ability to detect and recover missing print nozzles.

2601’s new UJV55-320 UV LED has likewise given the firm the ability to dual print roll-to-roll simultaneous printing at 1,200 dpi.

Williams added that the new kit has helped it take advantage of the full spread of work it offered: “Our work from week to week is so varied, having the flexibility with the new kit extends the volume of work that can now be undertaken. 

“We have an extensive supply chain that the team have built up over the years that we call upon depending on the extent of each project, we may put some of the work out, but we choose as to when, what, and who.”