Midcomp has installed the first HP Latex R530 in South Africa at Mpumalanga-based company, SignMax. The new HP Latex R530 offers significant capabilities in a smaller footprint and enables print service providers (PSPs) to overcome the hurdles associated with rigid printing while taking advantage of new commercial opportunities.
Midcomp sales agent, Gavin Lee, said one of the unique benefits of the HP Latex R530 is its ability to offer roll to roll, as well as rigid prints, up to 1.6m wide. Other benefits include faster turnaround times with direct to rigid substrate printing and instantly dry prints that are ready for installation. He said that the HP Latex R530 features the most opaque white ink in the industry. ‘Five layer sandwich printing is possible, as well as Spot White, white underflood and white overflood, using the white ink that comes standard with the printer.’
The HP R530 printer also uses Generation 4 Latex ink, which is inline, and an upgrade on what SignMax were offering on their two HP Latex 335 printers, which used Generation 3 ink.
SignMax offers a wide range of products to its clients, and is always willing to go the extra mile to make their vision come to life. The business has a wide variety of products on offer, and is working hard to offer a turnkey solution, from business cards and posters, to all types of signage, window branding, vehicle wraps and wallpapers – all manufactured in-house. With two experienced installation teams, SignMax is able to assist with almost all printing and signage needs.
The company’s Managing Director, NJ Vermaak, said, ‘Within the first week of having the R530 installed, we have already seen the benefits. It delivers very good speeds with an amazing and consistent colour gamut. Orders were going to print from the moment the printer was commissioned. We have delivered some rigid boards that would normally require us to mount vinyl. These orders were completed with a faster turnaround than normal. Labels were also printed using white ink for the first time at SignMax, and both were met with great praise from our customers with return orders.’
Short run packaging is one of the markets SignMax is looking at expanding into, and thanks to the white ink capabilities of the R530, packaging items and bespoke product labels will give the business an edge in the local market. They are now also able to assist other signage companies with their rigid and white ink printing needs.
‘Clients want unique and tailored graphics for their event branding and packaging, with quick turnaround times,’ said Vermaak. ‘The R530 is fast, and the fact that we can change from rigid to roll-to-roll within minutes helps us meet these demands. Clients prefer a one-stop partner for all their printing needs, and the R530 helps us achieve this. Corporate clients are also increasingly demanding a greener print solution. The R530 puts us ahead in this regard, especially in areas like schools and hospitals.’
‘Our new R530 does not just allow us to expand our product offering, but also increase production and offer a higher print quality. We can now print directly onto rigid substrates. This allows us to diversify into new revenue streams, such as short run packaging as an example, which we’ve always had to outsource, but can now do in-house. Digital printing also makes it more cost-effective for once-off or customised items. Event or promotional signage is now more cost-effective for our customers.’
Vermaak was impressed by the service from Midcomp. ‘Midcomp is truly a great company to work with. It’s always a pleasure dealing with anyone from their team.’
SignMax has used HP Latex printers since 2019. ‘The print quality is exceptional, the maintenance is low and cost-effective, and HP printers are true workhorses, with consistent results. When it came to choosing the R530, it was a no-brainer for me – it just made sense.’
Vermaak said that SignMax has been around since 1987. ‘We pride ourselves on delivering outstanding products and service, at competitive pricing. We also build long-lasting relationships with clients and suppliers, almost offering a complete turnkey solution, which makes it so much easier for a customer to choose SignMax.’
‘Vermaak invested in his first HP Latex 335 printer and cutter in November 2019,’ said Lee. ‘His demand grew so rapidly due to HP Latex ink technology, that he invested in his second HP Latex 335 in April 2020.’
Lee also said that SignMax has been part of Midcomp’s Pay per Use (PPU) Programme since its inception. With this comprehensive and customised programme, users can enjoy peace of mind with no unexpected costs and subscribe to a fixed monthly cost per square metre based on their location. There is no minimum print volume required. PPU covers a user’s ink supplies, printheads, cleaning cartridges, service maintenance kits, labour and spare parts, and is an ideal solution for cost-efficient printing.
‘We believe the HP R530 printer will take SignMax to the next level and generate exiting new revenue streams for the business,’ concluded Lee.
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LOCAL DISTRIBUTOR |
SIGNMAX
+27 13 692 8684
info@signmax.co.za
https://signmax.co.za
