Delta in £1m Durst double investment

The Delta Group has installed two new Durst wide-format machines, significantly boosting it’s roll-to-roll capacity and enabling it to bring soft-signage production inhouse for the first time.

The firm has invested circa £1m in a Durst Rho 312R roll-to-roll printer and Rhotex 322 soft-signage printer.

The two machines were installed last week, and are currently in the process of being commissioned, with full production expected to begin shortly.

"This latest investment in our print infrastructure enables us to offer existing clients and potential partners an unrivalled level of in-house production capability,” said Delta chief executive Mike Phillips.

“We anticipate that at least 50% of our client base will benefit from the investment.”

The Rhotex 322 represents the east London-based business’s first move into inhouse soft-signage production, following a 50% year-on-year increase in demand.

“It opens up fresh commercial opportunities within the soft signage market – an important step in enabling us to strengthen our position as the supply partner of choice for the retail, brand and entertainment markets,” said Phillips.

The 3.2m wide Rhotex offers a 1,200 dpi resolution and can print on a wide-range of predominately polyester-based fabrics using Durst’s water-based, VOC-free, dispersed dye inks. It has a top speed of 140 sqm/hr.

According to Phillips, the Rho 312R, the second part of its Durst spend, will boost the firm's roll-to-roll capacity by 25%.

Durst describes the Rho 312R as “the most productive 3.2m roll-to-roll printer in its class”.

It features Durst’s Quadro Array 12M printheads, which offer 900dpi resolution through its 12 picolitre Variodrop technology, and is capable of up to 240sqm/hr in high speed mode or 122 sqm/hr in POP mode.

It also comes with the option of printing two individually queued 1.6m wide rolls simultaneously.

The two new printers bring the firm's tally of print and post-press machines in operation at its east London facility to 89.