Wallcoverings specialist Muraspec has invested in a second Karibu roll to roll printer from swissQprint thanks to rise in demand and a need for further capacity.
The business, based in Tonbridge, Kent, installed the UK’s first roll to roll Karibu in late 2021 and has been impressed with its high print quality and solid reliability. With demand growing in everything from bespoke prints for customers to individual samples, a new machine was essential.
An obvious choice
The reliability and performance of the Karibu since its installation made a second swissQprint machine the clear winner. John Langfield, Muraspec’s Design Process and Digital Manager, said: “The print quality from the Karibu has been absolutely brilliant. We have printed 250,000 m² with the first machine and it has proved to be very reliable.”
“I’ve never experienced a digital printer like this before. I have complete faith in its reliability and that’s why the second machine was by far the best option.”
Interchangeable production
Installed at the start of August, Muraspec’s second Karibu followed the exact specification of the first one. The Karibu’s nine colour channels can be configured with a wide range of speciality inks including bright orange, neon yellow and neon pink, white and varnish. With both machines matched, interchangeable production and consistent sampling is ensured with even faster turnaround now available across production.
For John, the ability to print unattended was a key factor. “The Karibu has reduced the need for night shifts,” he said. “However, we’re able to put on complex jobs overnight and come back in the morning with a perfect print. It’s de-risked unattended running and enables us to focus our resources on other areas of the business.”
Sustainability continues
Able to handle jobs up to 3.4 m wide, the Karibu is a roll to roll machine that has the capability to produce smaller samples on its narrow vacuum table. This can be used to print on pre-cut sheets. The feature removes the need to load a roll of material and enables Muraspec to minimise waste, and it saves a lot of time.
“We have used the Karibu to produce 10 to 30 samples a day,” said John. “The machine has allowed us to do that with minimal waste. By investing in two, we will be able to do more. Our second Karibu dovetails perfectly with our work.”
New materials, including sustainable alternatives, provide clients with a variety of options that balance environmental responsibility with performance and longevity. Besides, swissQprint’s large format printers consume an average of 2.2 kilowatt-hours of electricity, exactly the same as an average kettle.
Team support
Alongside the quality and reliability of the Karibu, swissQprint’s support from the teams at both its UK and Swiss headquarters has been key to Muraspec. “The teams are incredibly supportive,” added John. “They really want to understand your business. They ask, ‘What do you need from us? How can we help you grow as a partner?’ They’re amazing.”
Erskine Stewart, Managing Director of swissQprint UK, celebrated the installation of the second Karibu: “Muraspec’s decision to invest with us once again is testament to our machine’s superior quality and outstanding reliability. We are delighted to provide Muraspec the opportunity to grow its business and reach out into new markets through the continued benefits of digital print in the production of sustainable and innovative wallcoverings.”
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