Screentec’s new Jetrix LXi6 duo speed up projects

Wide Format Solutions

Since taking ownership of two Jetrix LXi6 LED-UV flatbed printers, Screentec, based in Wales, has discovered that its consumption of jobs has significantly accelerated. This increase of three times the speed, compares directly to the time it used to take previously for its old kit to fulfil a multitude of typical customised and branded products.

As director Darren James said, ‘We are known for putting colour on almost anything! And that is exactly what these printers do. Some regular jobs such as printing on glass to then be backlit used to take 40 minutes, now this sort of project is taking just nine minutes. In fact, a recent job printing on Corex, which we were proud to have managed to get down to 10 minutes, is now slashed to two and a half minutes with these new Jetrix printers.’

In fact, Screentec looked at Jetrix printers way back in 2010, but was concerned they were a relatively new brand to the large format printer sector. So, while recognising the calibre of the machines, the company decided to opt for a more well known brand. Fast forward and the company was on the lookout for replacements and keen to re-visit the printer series. Working with Ben Woodruff, head of Jetrix UK sales, the company was keen to push the printer’s capabilities before committing to purchasing. It used the opportunity to challenge InkTec Europe to find a customer that was using as many different substrates as Screentec frequently tackles in a day – as this can be up to 15 or more various materials in a 24 hour period. One defining moment was when Screentec’s leading operator was visiting InkTec Europe’s demonstration suite and after just a few moments was able to instantly run the machines. This was largely down to the new interface being completely intuitive and easy to manage.

This extensive and comprehensive testing saw the printer being put through its paces, with the result that Screentec purchased not one, but two Jetrix LXi6 printers. Now the printers can be found producing pieces diverse as point of sale, splashbacks, signage, overlays, industrial graphics, ring binders, clipboards and a range of promotional products.

Darren continued, ‘Our lead technician is good; and these machines enable him to manage a suite of equipment at the same time including cutter, folders and finishers too which is almost like watching a conductor with an orchestra. It is astounding how much quicker the white print is on these printers compared to what we had before. This is largely down to the inks, which while cheaper than our previous ones, all have a similar viscosity and therefore when printing white it allows for quicker printing without compromising on the opacity. Whereas before we may have had to put down several layers, we can now put 400% density and create a far better finish. This is a great benefit, as we have found other manufacturers have to thicken their white to achieve a more opaque finish.’

‘Another element that we are appreciating more and more is the statistics side,’ he continued. ‘This is giving us greater insight into the actual time and cost of producing jobs. Practically this means we can review every aspect and therefore in a way these printers are enabling us to transform the business and how we approach costings. This includes now being able to offer ‘mix and match’ cost for our regular customers. This is based on quotes by the sheet and then per unit produced depending on the amount of cutting and finishing required. This makes quoting so much more simple and accurate.’