Ottimo Digital installs UK’s first EFI Quantum LXr 5m printer from CMYUK

South Wales-based Ottimo Digital has invested in the UK’s first EFI Quantum LXr 5 UV-LED printer to meet increased production demand. The 5-metre wide, roll-fed printer was installed in February 2017 by CMYUK.

Ottimo Digital, based in Newport, was started in 2009 by Lee Crew and Nick Lindwall. The company specialises in the printing of exhibition graphics to both end-user and trade customers. The EFI Quantum LXr 5 UV-LED printer – featuring powerful LED-curing technology with dramatically lower power consumption – is a seven-colour system with optional white ink and unique feature sets such as double-sided printing, wrinkle analyser and many more. The printer offers high-quality imaging with 7 picolitre greyscale imaging in resolutions up to 1,200 dpi.

Additionally, the Quantum benefits from labour-saving inline finishing and single-operator media handling capabilities. The printer also sets a new benchmark in reducing waste, with only 40 cm of wasted material per roll.

The achievable print quality makes the EFI Quantum LXr 5 ideal for exhibition graphics that are often viewed at much closer ranges than output such as signage, banners and billboards.

Ottimo Digital Director Nick Lindwall explains: “Our business is primarily in exhibition graphics for retail and trade, and late in 2016 we identified a need for a roll-to-roll UV printer big enough to cope with high-quality 4-metre high exhibition stand graphics printed as a single piece. We were also keen to streamline our finishing process as that might have become something of a bottleneck if we began producing output that was too large to fit on our 3.2m cutting table.”

Following investigation of the options available – and having spoken to EFI supplier CMYUK – Ottimo was recommended the EFI Quantum LXr 5, which offers the desired LED-UV ink curing, very high print quality, and – importantly – an in-built XY cutter that would allow for the production of finished graphics straight off the printer.

Nick continues: “We were invited by CMYUK to visit the EFI demo facility in Belgium to see the Quantum LXr 5 printer in action. During this presentation, it quickly became apparent that the Quantum ticked pretty much every box. We came away suitably impressed and were confident that it was the right machine for us, and we placed an order with CMYUK shortly afterwards.”

With the assistance of CMYUK, the EFI Quantum LXr 5 immediately began producing live customer work, with the first jobs being produced during the training process.

Joint Ottimo Digital Director Lee Crew comments: “We are over the moon with this latest purchase. Entering the 5m wide market, along with our already comprehensive range of equipment, means that we are perfectly placed to handle absolutely any project that our customers might require.”

“In addition to this, the Quantum is the only 5m-wide machine to offer full in-line cutting which will speed up our finishing process, enabling us to offer extremely short turnarounds.”

CMYUK Digital’s Robin East adds: “Ottimo Digital is such an impressive operation. They’ve got a very loyal customer base and I can only see them growing further as their capabilities lead to them winning more new business. The addition of the EFI Quantum now enables Ottimo to offer its clients faster turnaround and superb quality. We’re glad that CMYUK have been able to play a part in helping Ottimo move on to the next level in the development of their business.”