The LEC-540 is capable of printing realistic prototypes on a wide variety of substrates
The star of the company’s new Innovation Centre is a VersaUV LEC-540 UV inkjet printer/cutter, installed to enable customers to have accurate packaging prototypes produced.
Family-run Beatus Cartons in Wales produces cartons for a range of products; from counter displays and confectionery boxes to shelf-ready packaging, and specialises in folding cartons, including customer samples and small promotional items.
Following 70 years of professional trading, the company decided to launch an Innovation Centre, which would allow customers to work with its packaging specialists to mock-up initial concepts and explore packaging ideas.
‘We quickly realised that having the ability to offer instant prototypes and samples was essential,’ explained Clive Stinchcombe, sales director. ‘We therefore needed to invest in a device that could produce accurate product samples quickly and easily.’
In October 2015, to facilitate the impending launch of the Innovation Centre, the company purchased a Roland DG VersaUV LEC-540 UV inkjet printer/cutter from authorised dealer Revolution Digital.
‘The LEC-540 gave us the ability to instantly respond to a customer’s need with its integrated print, crease and cut functionality, meaning we could deliver the end-to-end prototype without time-consuming manual intervention,’ said Mr Stinchcombe. ‘In conjunction with our in-house graphic artist, we were able to work up an initial concept with a customer and then provide them with an accurate sample there and then. This really was essential for the success of this project; without the LEC-540 the entire ethos of the Innovation Centre would have failed.’
Prior to investing in the Roland machine, the company had to print samples onto standard paper, which often did not truly represent the substrate and the print colours of the packaging that the customer would eventually receive. In addition to this, Mr Stinchcombe and his team had to go offsite or require a full machine proofing to proof additional finishes and coatings.
The Innovation Centre, designed by Paramount Interiors, was opened last year to mark Beatus’ 75th anniversary
‘Customers and potential customers alike are blown away by the ability to spend a few hours in the Innovation Centre working directly with our team and to leave with fully printed and cut prototypes,’ revealed Mr Stinchcombe. ‘From the customer’s perspective, these samples can then be used for marketing purposes or exhibitions without the additional costs of full manufacture. From my perspective as a sales director, by printing samples on the exact substrate that we can manufacture in larger volumes, the Roland DG LEC-540 enables us to showcase our services to customers to help secure new business leads.
‘First class response, high quality products and great customer service is what has been the driving force behind the company for over 75 years and we hope that the addition of the Innovation Centre will see us grow and expand even further,’ summed up Mr Stinchcombe.
