The range of large-format printing systems at Thiela is not a process of trial and
error, nor is there any accident to the selection of the machines it uses. Every
machine has been specifically selected to meet a specific set of production
requirements, whether for printing onto vinyl or banner material, backlit or
double-sided printing, point-of-sale or billboards.
Thiela was founded in 2000 by a group of people with many years of
experience in the large-format market. As a group they have more than
30 years of experience in the market but collectively they can amass
more than 400 years of knowledge and expertise. It is on this strong
and dedicated base that the company builds its relationships with
clients. It is also the foundation for its understanding of the
requirements for achieving specific production results.
One of the first machines installed at Thiela Image was the Durst Lambda
photographic printer. This machine produces photographic quality prints and
is primarily used for the printing of cosmetics point-of-sale and advertising
purposes. This introduction to Durst laid the basis for the company’s latest
acquisition of a new Durst RHO P10 320R UV printer. According to the team at
Thiela the Durst Lambda is a high-efficient, high-quality and reliable printer.
When it was considering its latest purchase, Durst was the obvious choice.
The Durst RHO P10 320R UV printer is a highly versatile machine capable of
extensive configuration allowing it to meet the specific needs and requirements
of the customer. It is a 10 picolitre device featuring the latest Durst Quadro Array
10 printhead technology capable of a maximum output resolution of 1000dpi.
The roll-to-roll printer can handle rolls of media up to 2mm thick and 3.2 metres
wide or two rolls of media 1.6 metres wide with different image data for each
side. This allows for maximum production flexibility. Thiela Image worked closely
with local Durst distributor Kemtek to configure the machine to meet its exacting
production requirements. The timing of the order and subsequent delivery of the
P10 320R allowed Kemtek to use the device as one of the focal points of its stand
at the inaugural Fespa Africa at Gallagher Estate. Once the show was concluded,
the device was moved the few hundred metres down the road to its new 10
000sqm home at Thiela Image in Richards Drive, Midrand.
The arrival of the new machine on 5 July was the ideal opportunity for a
celebration and was heralded with a full party for all staff members, as well as
representatives from Kemtek. Given its expertise in the large-format market,
very little training was required for the operators at Thiela and production
began almost immediately. Despite this, a lot of time has been spent trying new
things, practising and learning the capabilities of the machine. According to one
company representative this is the only way to see what the true capabilities of
the machine really are.
Thiela Image has configured the machine as a full six-colour device with an
additional white printing head allowing for printing onto clear substrates for
backlit applications. In order to achieve a wider colour gamut the device prints
standard CMYK inks as well as Light Cyan and Light Magenta. It can also use
selected spot colours but with the expanded gamut this is usually not necessarily.
While colour and quality are obvious strengths of the Durst RHO P10 320R
another feature of the machine is its high production speed. At a maximum
print speed of 190sqm per hour, the Durst allows Thiela to meet its delivery
promises to its customers. All work printed by Thiela is finished in-house
whether laminating, encapsulating, welding or sewing. In fact, Thiela also
offers an installation and rigging service in order to ensure that customers’
needs are met, timeously and correctly.
Looking at the vibrant and high-quality prints it produces, it is little wonder
that Thiela has managed to attract such a spread of leading and iconic clients.
These clients demand the highest quality and the Durst P10 320R is one of the
many weapons in its arsenal which allows it to address those demands.
The Durst RHO P10 320R UV printer
David Fenn (right) of Kemtek with the operator at Thiela Image
Printed on supplied by
I
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