Machine Spotlight - FabriVu 340i

The arrival of Ottimo Digital's EFi Vutek FabriVu 340i dye-sub printer marked a significant increase in Ottimo's capacity and versatility in exhibition print, as co-director Nick Lindwall explained, "Printed fabrics are a common sight at events and exhibitions, and we had reached the limit of what we could achieve with fabrics on our 5m UV printer."

Dye-sublimation printing differs from other methods in that the 'ink' is vaporised as it is applied to the fabric, and forms a tight chemical bond with the fibres as it condenses. The results are as good as any dyed fabric, but with all the detail of a modern digital print, and the output can be easily transported, folded, washed, and even ironed without any degradation to the printed image or pattern.

"We did a lot of research, as this was going to be a significant investment for the company," said co-director Lee Crew, "and we chose the EFi Vutek 340i for its versatility and speed. Under certain conditions, the FabriVu can output 250m2/hr, but even when printing high detail, full-colour print at 2400dpi, it can still reach speeds of 150m2/hr, and the colour saturation and accuracy are outstanding. We have a range of fabrics in varying opacity to print on, allowing us to create some really imaginative and eye-catching lightbox and rear-lit exhibition graphics."

The FabriVu 340i is a complex machine, requiring detailed training to manage and operate. It is sensitive to humidity and temperature variations, so Ottimo has expanded its premises with a 230m2 FabriVu facility with air conditioning and air exchange systems to keep everything at an optimal temperature and humidity.

With the growing demand for modular exhibition systems clad in printed fabrics, flags, lightbox systems and hanging structures, Ottimo is keeping the FabriVu 340i busy. With the recent addition of a new belt calendering machine, Ottimo has further expanded the scope of the 340i to include a much wider range of substrates including stretch fabrics.