Colourgen reseller, CWE Solutions, has supplied a Seiko ColorPainter W-64S wide format solvent-based inkjet printer to Display Signs. The new printer replaces a Seiko ColorPainter 64S and was selected because of the quality, speed and reliability that Display Signs knows they will get from Seiko printers.
For more than 30 years, Display Signs in Uxbridge has been one of London’s leading sign-makers. The factory is equipped with a broad range of first class sign making technology, including the latest large format digital printers and routing equipment, which allows Display Signs to produce top quality signs at competitive prices.
Although a sign-maker very much in the traditional mould, Display Signs first made a significant move to digital technology around eight years ago. Paul Cater, Sales Director, explains, “The introduction of solvent-based inkjet printing revolutionised our business and I would say around 60/70% of our work is now digital. We do a lot of cut vinyl and lettering, particularly directional wayfinders for schools, colleges and hospitals, and the Seiko has always proven ideal for this market. For many years it was an excellent workhorse, very reliable and gave us very few problems.”
He continues, “When we saw the new ColorPainter W-64S, we were confident that it took the technology forward quite significantly and would deliver even higher levels of quality and reliability in a new, faster and more powerful printer. The printer also has an advanced front drying system, which helps ensure print workflows are faster, which allows us to increase production.”
The ColorPainter W-Series is available in 54” and 64” widths. It has new print heads which offer resolutions up to 900dpi as well as triple-drop technology for 4-step greyscale. It offers two colour configurations, including 4 colour type for lower running costs and increased speed and 6 colour type for better image quality. The combination of 6 new high speed print heads, two types of ink and several new innovative printing functions increases the printer’s performance and widens the printer’s application range for the signage and digital printing market.
The new printer was supplied to Display Signs with Caldera’s VisualRIP+, which was a major improvement on the RIP that was being used for the company’s other printers. “We can now run both the Seiko and our HP printer using VisualRIP+ from a single screen. The software is calibrated so there are no colour issues between the printers and we can print jobs to either printer knowing they will both come out exactly as we want them,” adds Paul.
The day to day maintenance of the W-64S is another big benefit. “The new printer requires very little in terms of maintenance and everything is very easy to access and clean. These daily jobs were a real chore on the old printer and we now save a good ten to fifteen minutes every day thanks to the improved process. The printer also uses significantly less ink because it doesn’t need cleaning so often, which has saved a lot of money already,” he says.
Paul Cater concludes, “The main benefit of the Seiko W-64S is its reliability and the fact that both CWE Solutions and Colourgen are able to sort out any problems very quickly. We are familiar with Seiko printers and feel that they are better than other printers in their class. We are now able to offer guaranteed delivery dates with real confidence because we know the Seiko can produce a lot of prints very quickly and with a minimum of fuss. It is fast, consistent and reliable and delivers fantastic image quality every time.”