Family-built signage and visual solutions business, Lavastar, has recently enhanced its production capabilities with the acquisition of a new Canon Colorado M5W printer from CMYUK.
The flagship model in the M series, it offers speeds up to 159 sq. per hour, white ink, versatile matt and gloss finishes, double-sided printing, and more. It is the Surrey-based business’ second Canon UVgel printer – the first, a Colorado 1650 was purchased from CMYUK three years ago.
“Our increasing print volumes meant we needed more print capacity. We were very happy with the speed and quality of our existing Colorado, and a second one not only gives us more volume, but back-up too; if one goes down, we can still deliver,” says Ed Kelsing, Lavastar director.
Prior to investing in the M5W, the senior team at Lavastar had considered a flatbed printer, however, the impressive unattended printing facility of the Colorado, which is highly popular with users, persuaded them otherwise.
“The Colorado doesn’t need anyone standing over it. We can print 5 x 50m rolls in the day, and then before we leave just load up another one,” says Kelsing.
White ink
The Colorado white ink option helps to expand the range of applications that users can offer, enabling output to a range of materials – heavy, structured, transparent, coloured, reflective, and magnetic. It also extends image possibilities as the white ink expands the colour gamut.
The addition of white ink to Lavastar’s production arsenal has been transformative for the business, particularly for its internal office fits outs where glass manifestation applications figure highly. Previously, these types of jobs would be outsourced to facilities with white ink capabilities, adding time and cost to the workflow.
Color fidelity
The Colorado M series is known for its vibrancy and high-quality colour output due to its UVgel ink technology. This ensures precise ink droplet placement to produce prints that display fine detail, smooth gradations, and saturated colour consistency. This is ideal for Lavastar as it prints extensive amounts of vinyl in solid colours.
“Having a printer that doesn’t band is crucial, and the Colorado just comes out on top,” says Kelsing.
Canon sustainability
As a company, Lavastar is committed to a net-zero future. It has transitioned from mounting Dibond to timber panels for its construction hoardings to PVC-free textile.
The Colorado’s eco credentials too, further support the business’ commitment to increased environmental responsibility. Reduced energy consumption with its cool energy efficient UV LED curing system, instant ‘on’ operation, plus significantly reduced ink usage, all add up to improved operational sustainability.
The efficiency of the printer, along with its ability to deliver repeatable durable colour quality, ensures wastage is kept to the bare minimum, while automatic roll feeding, easily refillable ink, and a highly automated maintenance system, further reduce operating costs.
CMYUK guidance
The business initially connected with CMYUK in 2015, and Ed has a trusted relationship with CMYUK’s equipment sales director, Chris Martin. Kelsing is a big fan of CMYUK’s demonstration and training centre, “It’s got everything you need in one place,” he says. He is also appreciative of the company’s knowledge and expertise, not just with print production equipment but with roll materials too.
Lavastar is now entering its second decade of trading. With a background in marketing and graphic design, it offers everything from design through to installation.
It has 14 full time staff, and while its main focus remains delivering high volume, large format print solutions for building wraps, hoarding signage, and office fit outs, it services numerous sectors including housing development, events, construction, sports stadiums, and retail. It has recently expanded into a new 7,000 sq. ft facility that says Kelsing, will provide ample space for its growing equipment line-up and ambitious future plans.
“We’re very much a volume based, large format print company, and the Canon Colorado M series has helped us really grow our capacity and increase our throughput,” concludes Keling. “It’s an exciting time for us and we look forward to delivering even more outstanding results for our clients.”
