Falconer takes expands for productivity

Packaging Solutions

Yorkshire based Falconer Print & Packaging has installed a Mimaki UJF-7151 plus LED UV flatbed printer from specialist digital packaging solution supplier, Production Print Direct Limited.

Initially looking for a direct to substrate printer to improve production of mock ups for customer proofs, it became clear the Mimaki had a lot more to offer.

Richard Martin, Falconer managing director, was involved from the outset and saw potential to utilise the kit for short run jobs, too small and time consuming for their Heidelberg press. He said, ‘Not only was the bed size of 710 x 510 mm ideal for the Iggesund board size we use, having the ability to print on to a thickness of up to 153 mm offers us a lot of future flexibility. The inks are flexible too, which means that no cracking in the finishing process occurs, so another plus for the Mimaki.

He added, ‘Our customers’ needs and expectations on turnaround and what we can print on are constantly keeping us on our toes. The Mimaki has stunning print quality with ink drop placement at 1200 dpi which is a massive improvement on the toner based kit it replaces. We specified it with white and clear inks to give us the full effect for proofs that require spot UV varnish with a very tactile finish.’

Pre-production manager Phil Knight who also runs the new flatbed printer added, ‘Customer feedback has been great. It is rare to get comments for proofs but there’s been a lot of praise for what we send out which has improved both job approvals and increased orders.’

He added, ‘We a’e working with Production Print Direct to link the Mimaki in to our production workflow so we get similar results to the Speedmaster CD74-6LX, enabling us to offer a short run solution on demand. We get asked for this service more and more so it’s great to now have the capability.’

Falconer managing director Richard Martin (right), pre-production manager Phil Knight (left) and Production Print Direct sales manager for wide format products Steve Beswick (centre).