Dutch print, packaging and fulfilment services provider Handling Company Mijdrecht (HCM) has invested in a Ricoh Pro T7210 UV flatbed printer, expanding its offering and allowing the company to take on a wide range of new, creative packaging projects.
Founded in 2003, HCM initially focused on manually processing and packaging printed materials for the graphics industry, but over the years has broadened its activities and moved up the supply chain, establishing itself as an all-round supplier of print, packaging and fulfilment services.
Seeking to further expand its services, HCM recently identified opportunities for growth in customisation of packaging. This led it to seek a flatbed printer capable of processing materials such as corrugated cardboard to begin offering this type of work. Having viewed a number of machines that were similar in terms of performance and output quality, HCM owners Ellen Liesveld and Jurgen Blom were introduced to the Ricoh Pro T7210 UV flatbed printer and identified the machine as the ideal option for its new venture.
Sylvester Fuijk, project manager at HCM, said, ‘The Ricoh Pro T7210 allows us to print on all kinds of materials, from cardboard to glass and metal, in a format of 2 x 3m and up to 110mm thick. This, of course, opens up a variety of creative applications.’
As an example, this has included a water drop effect applied using transparent ink on the Ricoh Pro T210, as well as printing white ink on coloured materials to create eye-catching products. The flatbed printer is running alongside a new flatbed cutting system, furthering the capability of the technology.
‘We are constantly discovering new possibilities,’ continued Mr Fuijk. ‘We can now switch very quickly, and because Ricoh UV inks dry instantly, printed products can be processed immediately.
‘For example, we can design, produce and deliver 50 counter displays in an afternoon. We have even had a customer come in with an idea and, at the end of the conversation, take away a complete set of prototypes.’
