EFI Hits 800 New Generation Roll-to-Roll Printer Milestone

Electronics For Imaging, Inc. (EFI) reported that Paris-based print business DécoAder has installed the 800th new generation EFI industrial roll-to-roll printer. DécoAder selected the 5.2-meter-wide EFI VUTEk Q5r roll-to-roll LED printer to grow its existing fleet’s capabilities, ensure high quality, increase output, and maintain a competitive edge over other SME digital print providers.

“We have never seen a printer with such technological development on the market before, and it far exceeds the capabilities of those already in use,” said Thierry Borrat, DécoAder’s CEO. The VUTEk Q5r will help to meet the company’s customers’ needs in a variety of markets, but espe-cially those within the event and vehicular print sectors.

Founded in 1972, DécoAder gradually adopted digital printing to become a leading large-format print business in France. It employs 75 people and already houses four EFI VUTEk UV LED printers on its shop floor.

Managed since 2009 by Borrat and Christelle Meyer, DécoAder offers its clients a comprehensive range of services, and supports them throughout their projects right up to installation. In recent years, the business has experienced increased demand for faster turnaround times and higher-volume orders, while aiming to improve efficiency, minimise waste and increase their focus on sustainability.

“The selection of the Q5r guarantees us high productivity and a capacity to print significant vol-umes quickly,” said Borrat. “It allows us to meet the expectations of our customers, who approach us with very tight deadlines, especially in the events sector. The Q5r provides the necessary flexi-bility and comfort to respond to higher-volume markets.”

The EFI VUTEk Q5r printer is capable of running at speeds of up to 672 square meters per hour. It is available with four colors plus optional light colors, white, and a new UltraClear Coat for even more design and application possibilities.
   
The printer features EFI UltraDropTM Technology with native 7-picolitre printheads and multi-drop addressability for high-definition quality. Benefits include smoothness in shadows, gradients, and transitions, as well as precise and sharp four-point sized text with a true resolution of up to 1,200 dots per inch.

“The economic model of our trade is changing,” said Borrat. “There are lots of challenges, but they are essentially based on pricing and the environment. The option of coating and cutting in-line ena-bles us to once again compete in markets where there is a lot of fierce competition.”

DécoAder’s new printer is capable of printing both white and clear together inline. White printing with a variety of multi-layer modes – plus the UltraClear Coat in glossy and matte modes with se-lective or full flood application for protection or design enhancement – enable DécoAder to expand creative possibilities in construction, interior design and personalixed jobs.

“This printer has opened new horizons for us and will enable us to offer our services with a crea-tive bonus and distinct added value at an extremely competitive price,” said Borrat.

In 2021, the EFI VUTEk Q5r roll-to-roll LED printer was recognized for its standout capabilities in the European Digital Press (EDP) Awards, beating out its competitors to receive the award in the large/wide-format printing systems category for printers above 350 centimeters wide.