Prestige Signs Enhances Productivity With Investment In Mimaki JFX500 Flatbed Printer
Prestige Signs, Ireland's leading provider of corporate branding and signage solutions, has made a significant leap in production capabilities with the installation of a state-of-the-art Mimaki JFX500-2131 grand format flatbed UV printer.
Supplied and supported by Dublin-based Spectrum Digital, the advanced printer has already delivered remarkable efficiency gains, enabling the ISO 9001-accredited company to complete a high-volume contract in half the anticipated time.
With a legacy dating back to 1970, Prestige Signs has established itself as the trusted partner for national signage and branding programmes across Ireland.
Renowned for its end-to-end service that spans site surveys, design, manufacturing, installation, and ongoing maintenance, the Dublin-based company boasts longstanding relationships with its diverse clientele, with over half of its customers relying on Prestige Signs for more than 20 years.
When a major contract opportunity arose in 2024, Production Director John Nolan recognised the need to enhance production capacity. “We were relying on an older Mimaki flatbed printer, which had delivered great quality, but we had an influx of work and required something faster,” Nolan explains. “We thoroughly evaluated the options, and it quickly became clear that Mimaki still had the edge. Spectrum Digital’s ability to locally supply and support the Mimaki range made the decision much easier.”
The team at Spectrum Digital demonstrated the performance of the Mimaki JFX500-2131 with live samples, and the results were convincing. “This machine is considerably quicker, with excellent output quality, and it hit the right price point for us,” reports Nolan. “We placed the order, and the results have been outstanding since day one.”
The new flatbed technology was immediately tasked with producing large batches of polycarbonate panels for light boxes, a process that highlighted the printer’s capabilities.
Previously, printing the 3m x 2m panels required overnight runs of up to eight hours. With the new Mimaki JFX500-2131, production times have been dramatically reduced, enabling Prestige Signs to complete jobs during regular working hours.
“Printing time has been slashed without compromising quality,” says Nolan. “Panels that took eight hours can now be completed in a fraction of the time. This time-saving efficiency enables us to concentrate more resources on other projects, creating a significant competitive advantage.”
The Mimaki JFX500-2131’s efficient handling of white ink, essential for high-impact backlit applications, has been another standout feature. “The opaque white is perfect for what we do,” Nolan notes. “Mimaki’s innovative approach to speed and quality with white ink has transformed our overall productivity.”
Spectrum Digital, as an authorised Mimaki partner, and Hybrid Services, the UK and Ireland Mimaki distributor, have provided strong local support to Prestige Signs throughout the transition. “Whenever we needed assistance, the teams at Spectrum Digital and Hybrid Services were prompt and effective,” says Nolan. “It’s reassuring to have reliable support when adopting new technologies.”
The introduction of the Mimaki JFX500-2131 has not only enabled Prestige Signs to deliver on key contracts with efficiency and precision but has also positioned the company for future growth.
“We’re already seeing the immense value this printer brings to our business,” concludes Nolan. “It’s the right machine for the work we’re doing, and its impact on our productivity has been nothing short of transformational.”
About Hybrid Services
Hybrid Services Ltd is the exclusive UK & Ireland distributors for Mimaki’s award winning range of wide format solvent, LED UV curing, textile, 3D and aqueous inkjet printers, flatbed and pinch roll cutting plotters, suite of software solutions and genuine Mimaki consumables.
Established since 1996, Hybrid’s commitment to providing the very highest standards of customer service is coupled to a market-leading product portfolio of cutting-edge solutions for the sign and graphics, industrial and printed textile markets.
About Mimaki
Mimaki is a global leader in developing cutting-edge digital printing and imaging solutions.
Recognised for its innovation in the industry, Mimaki continues to prioritise sustainability and operational excellence in its advanced technologies for industrial, textile, and 3D printing.
