Blue Sky Signs has grown its range of applications following the installation of a Mimaki UCJV330-160 print-and-cut UV-LED inkjet printer, supplied by Soyang Europe.
Based in Gloucester, Blue Sky Signs provides a range of signage and graphics services, including interior and exterior signage, vehicle graphics, exhibition graphics and printed promotional products. The company said the investment forms part of its wider strategy to increase capabilities, improve efficiency and support future growth.
According to managing director Dave Oldfield, the business was looking to increase the amount of work produced in-house while broadening the range of materials and finishes it could offer customers.
“As demand for high-quality, fast-turnaround printed applications continued to grow, we wanted to expand our capabilities and improve production efficiency,” said Mr Oldfield. “We were particularly looking to bring more work in-house, broaden the range of materials we could print onto, and offer clients more creative options, including layered, textured, and specialist finishes that weren’t as easily achievable with our existing setup.”
Following a review of several options, the company selected the Mimaki UCJV330-160, a roll-to-roll UV printer capable of printing onto a wide variety of substrates. Blue Sky Signs said the technology enables it to produce applications including window graphics, wallpaper, floor graphics, banners and flags, while also allowing immediate post-processing thanks to UV curing.
“We liked the printer because of its versatility, print quality, and ability to handle a wide variety of applications,” Mr Oldfield added. “The UV technology allows us to print onto more materials, produce vibrant colours, and create layered effects that really elevate the finished product.”
The printer is now being used alongside the company’s existing Mimaki CJV150-160 solvent printer, Mimaki laminator and BubbleFree Application Table.
Blue Sky Signs is using the machine for window graphics, display graphics, labels, promotional graphics and interior branding work. The company said the ability to laminate immediately after printing has opened up opportunities in creative display and premium point-of-sale applications, while also enabling it to handle more short-run work internally.
“We can now handle more varied applications in-house, which has increased efficiency and reduced reliance on external suppliers,” said Mr Oldfield. “It has also enabled us to offer new premium print finishes and specialist graphics, helping us win work that we may not have secured previously.”
The company believes the investment will support further expansion into retail, interior branding, exhibition graphics and bespoke wall graphics, while strengthening its in-house production capabilities.
