Colour Graphics, a UK based printing specialist, is expanding its long-standing relationship with textiles and interior design, with an investment in a new MTEX 5032Pro direct-to-textile printer by MTEX Technologies.

“We’ve added extra space onto our unit to house the new MTEX in an area that will be dedicated to fabric and finishing. We wanted to make the move into textiles as we always try to be ahead of the wave, and the market is clearly changing and getting much bigger,” explained James Birch, Director at Colour Graphics.

“As well as allowing us to expand the offering for our existing sign and display customers, we’ll also now be able to look at expanding into new areas.”

Digital textile printing

Colour Graphics was founded as a copy-shop, when Steve and Vicki Birch, owners of Vicki Interiors, realised the potential of the new colour copiers coming onto the market in the 90s. They decided to invest in a Canon copier and a heat press, and began offering colour copies and transfer printing onto T-shirts from their interior furnishings shop.

The printing facility developed from there to include poster and banner printing, plus flatbed UV solvent. Digital textile printing is the most recent addition, with the purchase of the new MTEX 5032Pro. In addition to the MTEX 5032Pro, the company has also recently purchased a 10ft by 5ft Multicam CNC router.

MTEX 5032Pro

The MTEX 5032Pro is a 3.2m wide, high-quality direct sublimation printer that delivers brilliant and vivid colours. It has integrated fixation, and runs at 58sqm per hour. The Pro is the second-generation version of the 3.2m wide MTEX 5032, which has a proven track record in the industry as the market leading direct-to-textile printer in Europe, the manufacturer reports.

There is a new integrated platform on this Pro model, as well as a new feeding and take up system, which uses compressed air. It also features a new continuous ink feeding system. “We are delighted that Colour Graphics have chosen MTEX as their partner for Digital Textile Production,” commented Stewart Bell, MTEX Technologies Managing Director.

“At MTEX we manufacture quality production printers that produce stunning results for textile in the exhibition, sign and display markets, but which also allow customers to diversify into other business areas.”

New technology

Original company owners Steve and Vicki have had 35 years’ experience in textiles, and the new printer will be an excellent addition to its resources, allowing custom printing of bespoke fabrics for truly personalised interior design, the company reports.

Colour Graphics will also be providing commercial customers with products such as POS interiors, wall and window coverings, and lightboxes. “Our existing customer base is 80% trade, and they’ll be able to offer this great new technology to their customers without having to make an investment themselves. With the support of MTEX, we’re also looking at moving into areas outside of sign, display and interiors, into markets such as fashion,” said James Birch.

“The capabilities of the MTEX printers and the supporting workflow, plus the introduction of new inks for printing onto a wider range fabric outside of polyester makes this a very exciting time.”

www.mtex.eu