Newport-based Ottimo Digital has installed an EFI VUTEk M3h hybrid wide-format printer to increase production speeds on rigid substrates
Ottimo Digital has upgraded its large-format print capacity by installing a new EFI VUTEk M3h hybrid UV LED printer at its facility in Newport, South Wales. Supplied by wide-format hardware distributor CMYUK, the 3.2-metre-wide system directly replaces an older EFI VUTEk LX3 Pro platform that had reached the end of its operational lifespan.
The business, which specialises in graphics production for the fast-paced exhibition and events sector, selected the hybrid system to manage an increasing volume of rigid and flexible substrate work. A primary operational objective for the upgrade was accelerating turnaround times for Foamex boards without losing the high print definition required for close-up event displays.
Craig Boxley, Commercial Director at Ottimo Digital, said, ‘We’ve seen a large increase in work on both rigid and flexible substrates, all requiring quick turnaround times. We wanted to increase our speed, particularly when printing onto Foamex, without compromising on quality’. Boxley added that the machine’s expanded vacuum bed and multi-layer print capabilities have allowed the firm to broaden its in-house application range into specialist segments, including digital floor lino and layered acrylic installations.
The physical machinery transition was scheduled during a strict December production window to prevent disruption to active client contracts. Because of the technical continuity between the software interfaces of the outgoing LX3 and the incoming M3h platform, print room operators required minimal transitional training to reach full manufacturing speed.
Andrew Thomas, Production Director at Ottimo Digital, noted, ‘Everyone was quickly competent as a lot of the features are not too different to the LX3. It has fitted in seamlessly’. Thomas explained that the improved print speed and reliable colour consistency have given the workshop greater scheduling flexibility when managing repeat, high-visibility event branding assets under compressed deadlines.
The installation marks the continuation of a ten-year supply relationship between the South Wales print house and Shrewsbury-based CMYUK, which began when Ottimo Digital first transitioned into super-wide-format production.
Reflecting on the long-term strategy behind the hardware upgrade, Boxley concluded, ‘This investment reflects a clear commitment to growth and staying at the forefront of the industry. We’re positioning ourselves to handle greater volumes, take on more complex work, and maintain consistently high standards as we scale. Ultimately, it’s about future-proofing the business’.
