Signwaves made the decision to stick with swissQprint and upgrade for improvements in productivity, quality and sustainability
Signwaves was founded in 1989 and operates from a 3-acre office, factory and warehouse site in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk. The business designs, manufactures and prints advertising sign, display and presentation products. Customers include some of the biggest brands and retailers. In addition, it caters for over 2,000 trade resellers: a network of sign and print companies, agencies, exhibition contractors and shop fitters.
swissQprint has been an important part of the company’s print equipment inventory since 2016, when an Impala and Nyala were installed to satisfy an increasing demand for full-colour digital output. Some eight years later Signwaves Chairman Mark Ford felt the time was right to upgrade and benefit from improvements in productivity, quality and sustainability offered by the latest machines.
The business opted for two six-colour Nyalas with white, varnish and primer. One machine incorporates a 3.2 metre roll to roll option and both Nyalas, which were installed in February, replace older swissQprint models.
Mark said that it was an easy decision to stick with swissQprint. “Eight years ago we partnered with swissQprint and were immediately impressed with what they could do,” he explained. “We have always been incredibly thorough when testing new equipment. For us, swissQprint ticked all the boxes and the fact that we have returned to them for two new Nyalas is testament to their technology and reliability.”
Working across demanding substrates
Signwaves chose two Nyalas to provide consistency at higher volumes than its previous machines. Both machines operate at a maximum of 206 square metres per hour and, depending on the print mode, can boost print speeds by 35 percent compared to the old machines. Also, thanks to the latest generation print heads, the 1350 dpi and smaller droplet size, the printers deliver sharper edges and finer lines with smoother transitions across an increased colour gamut.
With the business printing a high percentage of its output on to rigid materials, often for the outdoor market, durability, UV stability and quality are all critical. The white ink and primer print head configuration, chosen by Signwaves, is essential for the likes of black high-pressure laminate that underpins the company’s branded chalkboard offer.
Sustainability was also a key factor in the company’s decision to upgrade its swissQprint machines. “We’re on a journey to make the business carbon neutral by 2030,” said Mark. “We produce our own electricity through solar energy and use this to power our production, including our new Nyalas. Their incredible energy efficiency will ensure we deliver the cost-effective, sustainable products our clients demand.”
Erskine Stewart, Managing Director of swissQprint UK, said, “We’re delighted that Signwaves have committed to upgrading with us. The high quality and fast turnaround of their work makes the Nyala perfect for the business. It’s great to see them choose two new machines and build on the strong relationship we have built over the years.”