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Benefits of direct to substrate
In this Q&A article, Quarmby Colour Studio's managing director, Damian Quarmby, illustrates the benefits of direct to substrate printing with an EFI Vutek QS2000
Q: With the QS2000 printers you can print direct to substrates, what did you do before?
A: We are currently working with supermarket chain Morrisons on its store re-branding, which involves Quarmby producing graphic applications for the re-branding of up to12 stores per week. This is the first real project where we are now printing all items direct to substrate, which for this project are primarily Foamex boards.
We have been working with Morrisons for the past 10-years. Previously, we printed graphics using thermal inkjet onto gloss film, then topped and tailed it with either a matte or gloss laminate. This was finally mounted onto the chosen substrate, either card or Foamex.
Q: What were the technical, financial and environmental implications of printing this way?
A: Printing direct to substrate is much more efficient, dramatically so. There is no way we would have never been able to print as quickly using thermal inkjet because we had to handle so many process manually: top and tail, cut by hand, mount graphics to substrate, etc.
For example, when doing the Safeway conversions in 2005 (prior to buying the QS2000 printers) we could only handle four to eight stores per week. Using the QS2000 printers we can now do up to 12 stores per week, while also doing much longer runs.
Also, the graphics are more durable. By printing directly onto Foamex the matte finish is scratch-proof and can take rough handling. Prior to direct to substrate printing, even the slightest scratch would show up on the laminate. The laminate was also be prone to lifting and curling at the edges. We don't have any of these issues now and Morrisons stated it wants everything printed direct to substrate.
Regarding the environment, by printing direct to substrate, we are eliminating adhesives, laminates and films: a key consideration when Morrisons placed the contract with us.
Q: What benefits has the QS2000 brought to you and your customers?
A: EFI's QS2000 machines have definitely had a positive impact on profitability. We are doing more work, particularly in the outdoor market, which we did not previously do using conventional/traditional thermal inkjet. We have added signs and external graphics to our offering. By capturing new business we are growing and looking at expanding the premises.
We have also eliminated costs on materials (adhesives, laminates, films etc) and labour (toping and tailing, mounting etc). We also provide a faster service because more of the process, particularly finishing, is now automated.
For most customers, speed, price and durability are key factors, with ‘green' production a bonus. However, among larger clients, environmental considerations are becoming as important as price. We are working for a leading burger chain and the environment is a top priority. For example, we've been implementing new recyclable materials.
Q: Why choose EFI?
A: We attended Sign UK in 2005 and saw the print quality first-hand. We have an extremely good relationship with EFI and have stayed with them. They have helped to make our business profitable and have been very good to us over the years in terms of service and support.
Q: Why do your customers choose Quarmby?
A: Quality is our number one selling point. We are a family-run business with a father, two sons, an uncle and the remaining 10 staff, the majority of which have been with us since we started in 1994. We look after our staff and our customers. We provide quality products and services at prices that attract customers. We are reliable and customers know they can count on us to provide them with what they want: our long-standing customer relationships are proof of this.
Q: How is the Morrison's job going?
A: The Morrison's re-branding project is proceeding well. When we initially started working with Morrisons on this particular project, we had a set number of stores for which we produced the graphics. Along the way, the number of stores increased to 12 per week. As a result, we are running both of our EFI Vutek QS2000 printers 24-hours a day most weeks and weekends.
Q: Do you expect more of this type of work in the future?
A: We are already capturing more of this type of business and are currently negotiating a large project. If successful, we'll definitely need to increase our capacity sooner rather than later.
