Spandex has supplied an HP Scitex FB550 flatbed UV to one of the country’s newest and most progressive point-of-sale, signage and display producers – Melbourne’s POS Visual Solutions.
POS Visual is already an HP Latex roll user, but this is its first move into flatbed UV. Although at its current location since only 2014, the business was established by founder Reece Conlan in 2008 initially as a Project Management Business supplying Print Production and Sign / Graphic installations. Prior to this, he had six years as sales & marketing manager for renowned retail POP specialist Adval Australia (now part of the Active Display Group).
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| Reece Conlan with his new HP FB550 flatbed UV | All HP – the new FB550 complements three HP Latex roll printers | Ready to roar – POS Visual’s Mentone, Vic premises. |
“We were doing very well with the project management and national installation solutions,” says Reece Conlan, “but I have always had a hankering for production – especially the need of being in control of quality and turn-around service for customers. So, our first HP Latex printer – an L260 - went in and from then on we’ve just grown and grown, with the latest move into flatbed UV.”
Spandex, also supplied the HP Latex 360, 280 and 260 machines as POS Visual has grown, and a Rollsroller flatbed applicator. Spandex also supplies a sizeable portion of POS Visual’s ImagePerfect vinyl roll media needs, and some of the rigid materials. The company now has six full-time employees, plus several casuals to call on for busy times in the design and finishing departments.
First time flatbed
As Conlan explains: “This is our first flatbed UV and it’s already paying for itself; our clients love it. We are saving a lot in production costs and labour time. Although it can print at 39.9 square metres per hour in Express mode, because I am a stickler for quality we often run at 18.5 sqm/hr or even 9.2 sqm/hr photo-quality. Some outdoor signage we can get away with 31.5 sqm/hr, and the 1200 x 600dpi printhead resolution is one of the best available.”
For ripping and colour management, POS Visual uses Onyx Production House version 12.
“Prior to the HP FB550, our rigid graphic output was laminated on using the Rollsroller but now we have the big advantage of the ability to print directly to rigid materials up to 64mm thick, versus print & mount,” says Conlan.
Rigid materials such as: Foamcore, B-Flute, Screenboard, Forex / Foam PVC, Corflute, ACM (aluminium composite panel) and also more obscure materials like Plywood, are being printed.
Boutique operation
“We like to think of ourselves as being more ‘Boutique’ in the way we do things for our customers and obviously we look to provide some other more proactive print services, instead of just competing within the Large Format Digital marketplace. We also provide National and New Zealand installation capability for our clients, which for years now has been a solid part of our business model. Many jobs can fall down at installation stage; we make sure that does not happen.”
“The same goes for vehicle wraps – we print and laminate the wrap to the highest standard on Avery or Arlon material from Spandex, but call in expert applicators to apply the wrap professionally.”
Asked if there are any regrets in moving back into production, Conlan is certain: “No, none at all. The simplicity of use of this new printer has been the important outcome for us. In addition, the support we have received from both HP and Spandex in not only the initial install set-up but with the ability to contact our Spandex tech guys to answer any queries our production team have had, has been awesome.
“Spandex communications and support has been fantastic, and we have really forged a great relationship with their Tech team over the past 3 years in the purchase and install of all of our HP printers. We really feel that we can rely on them 24/7 if required.”
The next phase in POS Visual’s growth involves looking at flatbed cutters and continue to grow and develop the business capabilities.
Spandex Asia Pacific
www.spandex.com.au
POS Visual Solutions
www.posvisualsolutions.com.au
