Fremont, Calif. Electronics For Imaging, Inc. today announced that Southern California printing company D’Andrea Visual Communications (DVC) has expanded its existing fleet of EFI VUTEk technologies with the installation of an EFI VUTEk FabriVU 340 soft signage inkjet printer purchased to improve quality, increase throughput and open new business opportunities.

Known as “the fabric printer,” Cypress, California-based DVC has been in business since 2005 and features a talented team of employees, many of whom have been in the large format business for decades. In addition to printing on fabric for soft signage and interior décor applications, the company also has a range of flatbed and roll-to-roll superwide format printers to service its retail, experiential, exhibit and home décor clients. The company’s full-service, one-stop shop offers everything from litho and large-format printing to design, finishing, fabrication and installation services.

The company is a long-time EFI customer that also uses EFI Fiery digital front ends to drive its inkjet devices. Plus, DVC directs its overall business and production management workflow with an EFI Midmarket Print Suite featuring EFI Pace MIS/ERP technology and a full range of component solutions for dynamic scheduling, web-to-print, multi-channel marketing, planning, shipping and more. In addition to its new VUTEk FabriVU printer, D’Andrea also has two 5-meter VUTEk roll-to-roll printers and a pair of 3.2-meter VUTEk hybrid flatbed/roll LED printers.

DVC’s newest inkjet installation provides an upgrade in soft signage thanks to its high-quality aqueous dispersed dye-sublimation imaging capabilities.

EFI: A long-term partner with exceptional service and support

“About 40% of our business is fabric-based, and that percentage is likely to climb with this new printer,” said DVC Co-owner David Schiller. “Over the years, we have had a number of EFI VUTEk printers – including purchasing six printers in one order about five years ago – and have found working with EFI to be a terrific experience. Their service and support are exceptional, and they are like family to us.”

DVC’s newest printer builds on the more than 70 years of experience from EFI has from its Reggiani textile printer business. As a result, DVC can provide superior-quality displays, high-density backlit signs and more with ultra-high resolution 2,400-dpi, four-color printing and fast throughput up to 5,381 square feet (500 square meters) per hour. The printer series also offers the distinct advantage of printing on transfer paper or direct-to-fabric with the same ink set – saving considerable labor, machine downtime and wasted ink compared to other printers when changing from transfer to direct applications.

Speed, quality and a lower environmental footprint

“We were seeking a proven solution that could deliver speed and quality and this fit the bill. And the color is absolutely amazing, which is a really big bonus.” Schiller noted. “We were also pleased that it uses water-based inks, which enables us to reduce our environmental footprint and have a safer work environment for our employees. Plus, water-based inks are less expensive, and that helps us reduce production costs.”

Installed in late 2017, the new VUTEk FabriVU device is already delivering on its promised productivity advantages. “We have been able to produce stunning retail campaigns, even those with large quantities, with a much faster turnaround time,” Schiller stated. “One of our large customers shortened its delivery time expectations from three and a half weeks to two weeks, and we have been able to meet that deadline and make them happy.

“It’s also not uncommon to get calls from big brands looking for event backdrops with the order in at 9 a.m. and up to Los Angeles by 4:30 same day,” Schiller added. “The new printer gives us the capacity to support those requirements as well as having our own frame extrusions stocked in-house.”

DVC also discovered it has a stronger opportunity in the décor market. While the company had previously produced draperies for theaters, custom pillow cases and other design and décor applications, with the new printer, Schiller has found that “there’s huge opportunity for us moving forward in that market segment.

“These are exciting times,” he added, “and our VUTEk FabriVU 340 is a key element in ensuring our continued growth.”

The integrated EFI VUTEk, Fiery and Midmarket Print Suite products at DVC are all featured this week in EFI’s exhibited of advanced, integrated signage and graphics production products at the ISA International Sign Expo, March 22-24 in Orlando. For more information about EFI products for soft signage production, visit www.efi.com.