Ottimo Digital boosts wide format production with Vutek M3h investment from CMYUK

CMYUK has installed an EFI Vutek M3h hybrid UV-LED printer at Ottimo Digital in Newport, South Wales. It replaces an existing Vutek LX3 Pro printer, which had served the business well over many years, but had reached the end of its working life.

The new 3.2 metre wide printer has strengthened the company’s production workflow with increased speed, versatility, and capacity for its exhibition and events clients.

‘We have seen a large increase in work on both rigid and flexible substrates, all requiring quick turnaround times. We wanted to increase our speed, particularly when printing onto Foamex, without compromising on quality,’ said Ottimo Digital’s commercial director, Craig Boxley.

The company has a long history with EFI technology, having already invested in four of the manufacturer’s printers from CMYUK. While the company continues to keep a close eye on the wider market, EFI remained the natural starting point for this latest investment.

The Vutek M3h was selected for its combination of speed, quality and price point, as well as its ability to extend Ottimo Digital’s production capability. The larger vacuum bed has increased the range and volume of substrates the company can handle, while multi-layer printing has opened up additional application opportunities, including digital floor lino and layered acrylic work.

‘Nothing is ever a given when investing in new machinery, but considering our successful history with EFI technology, it is always the first place we look,’ said Craig. ‘We were extremely impressed by the M3h. It gives us speed, quality, durability and ease of use.’

The installation was a smooth transition. Operators were up to speed quickly, greatly helped by the familiarity of the workflow and the continuity between the LX3 and the new M3h hybrid.

‘Everyone was quickly competent as a lot of the features are not too different to the LX3. It has fitted in seamlessly,’ noted Andrew Thomas, production director, Ottimo.  

In a fast paced exhibition and events market, where deadlines are often tight and production windows compressed, the M3h has given Ottimo Digital greater flexibility and capacity.

‘The biggest gain for us is speed, which in turn gives us more time to focus on other jobs in a fast paced, quick turnaround industry,’ explained Andrew. ‘Speed has been the most noticeable improvement, allowing us to handle more work within tighter deadlines and improve overall turnaround times.’

The company has also seen strong results in print quality, colour consistency and substrate versatility. These gains are helping Ottimo Digital take on a wider range of work in-house, including higher volume and more complex applications.

‘Quality and colour consistency has proven to be very strong and reliable, which gives us confidence across repeat and high visibility jobs,’ said Andrew. ‘The added versatility has expanded the range of substrates and applications we can print in-house. Overall, it has made our workflow far more efficient and responsive.’

Ottimo Digital has worked with CMYUK for more than 10 years, a relationship that began when the company first contacted the supplier while looking to move into super wide format production with a five metre machine. Since then, the partnership has continued to develop through multiple technology investments.

For Ottimo Digital, the value of the relationship lies in CMYUK’s consistency, responsiveness and understanding of the business.

‘We know what to expect, and CMYUK continue to meet those expectations without fuss,’ said Craig. ‘The quality of service, responsiveness when it matters, and understanding of our needs have all made a genuine difference. It feels less like a supplier relationship and more like working with a team that is invested in our success.’

Due to Ottimo Digital’s demanding workload, there were only limited windows in the year when the company could replace the outgoing LX3. Completing the installation and initial training during December was therefore essential.

CMYUK worked closely with Ottimo Digital to ensure the printer was delivered, installed and operational within the required timeframe.

‘CMYUK has consistently advised and supported us throughout the decision making process,’ said Craig. ‘Its understanding of our business and requirements made it much easier to move forward with confidence.’

The team received initial machine training from CMYUK, followed by more in-depth operation and maintenance training from EFI. After sales support has also remained an important part of the relationship.

‘There are always knowledgeable members of the CMYUK team available at the end of the phone, ready to help resolve any questions or minor issues quickly, which reinforces the strength of the partnership,’ said Andrew.

Looking ahead, the EFI Vutek M3h is helping Ottimo Digital respond more effectively to changing customer expectations, shorter lead times and increasing demand for more complex, high quality wide format applications.

‘The M3h has given us far greater flexibility in how we respond to customer demands,’ said Craig. ‘Its speed and reliability that ensures we can turn work around more quickly, even on tighter deadlines, without compromising.’

The investment also reflects Ottimo Digital’s commitment to growth and future capability.

‘This investment reflects a clear commitment to growth and staying at the forefront of the industry,’ said Craig. ‘We are positioning ourselves to handle greater volumes, take on more complex work, and maintain consistently high standards as we scale. Ultimately, it is about futureproofing the business.’