Large format print provider Willow Graphics has been challenging its customers to find unusual surfaces to print on. Thanks to its investment last year − when it bought one of only six Jetrix KX7 UV flatbed printers currently in the UK − Willow Graphics now claims it can print “on any substrate up to 100mm in depth”. Any substrate? Really?
Apparently, yes. Last year, the London, E1-based firm won the “Creative use of a substrate” award at The Print, Design and Marketing Awards for printing directly onto Ice for ICEBAR in London, as previously reported by Large Format Review.
Since then, various unorthodox substrates have been successfully printed, including: metallic aluminium fibre mesh, bespoke furniture, Corian, Choice Eco-Tran Backlit Film, blocks of wood and textiles. Were you a fan of Lego when you were younger? Many people still are, and Willow Graphics has printed directly onto Lego blocks and characters for an attention grabbing effect.
Willow Graphics’ General Manager, Jane Kelly, said, “Willow was a start-up business within the CityDocs group, so we knew we would have instant work from the existing architectural and legal customer base. Trials were made on many presses, but the Jetrix machine quickly demonstrated why it was to be our winner: the crispness of type, density of the white ink, colour clarity, sharpness and ability to print on anything were all the attributes we needed to attract the client base we had earmarked.
“It was also faster and had very low maintenance, which kept down costs. Another plus was the fact that it looks great, which fits in nicely with our Bermondsey-based studios. To stay ahead of our competitors and really let loose our creative juices became our value proposition. From ice to shower glass, bespoke metallic glass to 10cm pieces of wood, office furniture to re-board, we really have started printing on anything.”
Jane concluded, “The flexibility the Jetrix brings − coupled with our 24/5 opening hours − has meant clients like Arcadia, Red Bull and News UK rely on us again and again, which culminated with us winning a national award during the machine’s first year of inception. We work on some amazing projects and are currently pushing the boundaries and limitations of the Jetrix printer. In short the Jetrix makes our working life more interesting − watch this space.”
For more information visit www.willowgraphics.co.uk or call 0203 764 1662.
