Leicester-based luxury packaging provider Keenpac has completed the installation of a new SignRacer 1610 UV flatbed. The flatbed was supplied and supported by NDi, the Northampton-based UK Distributor.
An upgrade from its Roland UV printer, previously supplied by NDi, the SignRacer brings Keenpac forward in technology and provides features that the company is keen to utilise for packaging mock-up production.
Using Ricoh’s Gen6 five-picolitre printheads, the SignRacer achieves 1200dpi resolution for fine detail while still benefitting from a 1 x 1.6m bed and 100mm maximum media thickness. The machine is installed with CMYK plus white and varnish inks and is field-upgradeable so that additional violet and orange inks can be added in the future for a 23% increase in achievable gamut. SignRacer’s low viscosity inks allow the printheads to run at lower temperatures, requiring less cleaning during operation and extending printhead life.
NDi managing director Phil Dowson commented, ‘We are delighted to have been part of the journey with Keenpac. It has been a valued customer for many years now and we have installed and supported previous wide format printing and cutting table options as well as an Epson contract proofing solution.’
Keenpac’s creative and marketing director, Darren Seymour, said, ‘The ability to create conceptual luxury packaging mock-ups in-house has reached another level. Easily printing onto varied substrates ranging from tissue paper to fabrics, box liners to corrugate is realised with the SignRacer. Our clients demand trend-led sector-specific packaging which often means exploration, innovation and design is key – to realise these innovations quickly and at the highest quality is key for us.’
