Reece Conlan of Melbourne signage and display producer POS Visual Solutions says a recently installed HP Scitex FB550 flatbed UV from Spandex is already paying for itself.
“We were doing very well with project management and national installation solutions,” says POS Visual founder 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.
“This is our first flatbed UV and it’s already paying for itself. Our clients love it and 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.
“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.”
POS Visual Solutions was established in 2008 and moved into its current location at Mentone in Melbourne's south-east in 2014, supplying print production and sign/graphic installations.
Spandex, also supplied HP Latex 360, 280 and 260 machines as POS Visual has grown, and a Rollsroller flatbed applicator. Spandex supplies a sizeable portion of POS Visual’s ImagePerfect vinyl roll media needs and some of the rigid materials.
“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," says Conlan. "We really feel that we can rely on them 24/7 if required.”
The company now has six full-time employees, plus several casuals to call on for busy times in the design and finishing departments.