the strength of the distributor’s support infrastructure. Technical expertise, parts availability, and structured training will have a direct impact on uptime and return on investment.” Building on this, Southworth offers words of advice to avoid some of the common mistakes when investing in this type of kit. These include underestimating future production needs and ignoring software and workflow compatibility. He also issues a warning on overlooking maintenance requirements, adding that as some printers demand high levels of day-to-day attention, it is important to ensure your team has the time and training to maintain peak performance or choose systems designed for easier upkeep. With this, he draws attention to some of the machines available from Hybrid Services and Mimaki. He says the most established platform remains the Mimaki JFX200-2513EX, an 8ft x 4ft UV flatbed printer. “Its combination of dependable build quality, strong white ink performance, and consistent output has made it a mainstay for sign-makers producing retail graphics, display boards, and bespoke interior applications,” Southworth comments, adding: “It offers an excellent balance of productivity, creativity, and accessibility, which goes a long way to explaining its enduring popularity.” Meanwhile, a recent addition is the Mimaki JFX600-2513, along with the larger double-bed Mimaki JFX600-2531. These models, Southworth says, represent a “significant” step forward in throughput and application scope. “The JFX600-2513 provides a natural progression in productivity on the traditional 8 x 4 format, while the ‘double bed’ JFX600-2531 extends capacity to 2.5 x 3.1m, reducing handling and enabling oversized or multi-board production in a single setup. Together, they offer a scalable pathway from established production through to high-volume industrial output. “Ultimately, a flatbed investment should be viewed as part of a wider production strategy. When hardware, finishing equipment, and support infrastructure are aligned, the result is greater efficiency, broader application capability, and stronger long-term profitability.” Not All About Speed Also stepping up to offer advice is Dieter Jancart, segment manager of High-End Inkjet Printing Systems at Agfa. Jancart explains that while it is often tempting to focus purely on speed when investing in a flatbed, doing so misses the bigger picture, with quality, consistency, versatility, and cost efficiency also playing a part in defining a “truly valuable machine”. “A high-quality flatbed printer needs to deliver on image precision and colour management across a wide range of substrates and support reliable uptime even under heavy workloads,” he says, continuing: “Workflow integration is equally important; software-driven automation, remote diagnostics, and intelligent maintenance features can all help to maximise productivity and minimise the amount of operator time wasted.” “A common misstep can be underestimating the importance of workflow. Companies that lack smart software integration may stumble with costly bottlenecks during particularly busy production cycles. “Some users also overestimate short-term demand and overspecify their equipment, leading to underused capacity. Working closely with a knowledgeable supplier to correctly scale equipment to your real production profile is key to achieving the right balance between flexibility and return on investment.” Turning to Agfa’s solutions, Jancart picks out the Onset Panthera FB3216, the manufacturer’s flagship flatbed device. Jancart says that the machine combines advanced LED curing with industrial-scale productivUltimately, a flatbed investment should be viewed as part of a wider production strategy The potential value of the global flatbed digital printer segment by 2032 is £1.3bn £1.3bn ▲Fujifilm bills its Acuity Prime L as an effective solution for industrial applications, large signage, and highvolume display production ◄ Hybrid Services says the new Mimaki JFX600-2513 provides a “natural progression” in productivity on the traditional 8 x 4 format 52 email: editor@signlink.co.uk Issue 264 - April | May 2026 FLATBED PRINTERS | ROB FLETCHER
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjM0NDIxOA==