Coleman buys Massivit 1800 3D printer

Sydney-based signmaker Coleman Group has purchased Australia’s fourth Massivit 1800 3D printer, from Stick on Signs, distributed through Graphic Art Mart.

Glenn Coleman, CEO of Coleman Group says, “We think it’s a good fit for a lot of our clients. We do a lot of exhibition and event work and I see this merging into that product. It’s an area that’s going to grow into the future, and we like being leading edge, we always have been. This is the next step for us,” he said.

The dual-head 3D printer with its variable head size will be suitable for the work Coleman Group is planning to perform, says Coleman.

“We’re going to develop the market – there’s nobody ringing us up at the moment saying ‘we want to do 3D printing’, it’s just something we think our clients will want to use, even if they don’t know it yet. We’ll be open to all markets, probably some we don’t realise exist at the moment.

“We’ll probably leave our clients to come up with their own concepts and ideas – we’re not about telling them how to use it, we’ll be about giving them the ability to produce 3D for exhibition and event work,” he said.

Coleman adds that 3D will definitely expand its presence in signage, even if it won’t take over completely.

“2D print will always be more economical, and we’re not expecting to turn over $20m worth of 3D next year. It’s a growing market, and I think it will complement 2D print,” he said.

Founded in 1948, Coleman Group was established as a signwriting company before branching out into sporting work a few years ago; it now produces exhibition and event work.

“We’re constantly changing, we have a staff of about 55. Business has been good – we’re not setting any records, but we’re doing well,” said Coleman.