Launching its VersaUV S-Series presses in September last year, the Clevedon-based UK arm of the manufacturer noted that many printers were unfamiliar with how to operate the new flatbed and belt LED-UV machines, and that other customers were not print professionals.

The academy’s first webinar took place on Tuesday (13 February) and demonstrated the attributes of the machines to customers. It begins an ongoing series that will continue with a session titled Designing for UV in March.

“With the academy, our idea is that this is based around the industry and what information it wants to know,” said academy and creative centre manager Joe Wigzell. “Some of our customers for the new machines don't typically buy printers too, such as estate agents.

“As the webinars continue, we want to look not just at products, but at applications, design, or linked products that we don’t necessarily manufacture but work with our machines. We have a programme in mind, but we will keep an ear to the ground about what customers want to learn about and set up sessions accordingly.

“Not everyone has the time to take a day out and come to us for a seminar, so these webinars are a great opportunity to learn, and ask questions, in a comfortable environment that may only need an hour or two of your time.”

Wigzell is currently hosting the webinar sessions himself, though he said he would look for guest speakers and experts to join him to talk through specialist topics as the programme continues. Sessions will take various forms, including web conferences, screen sharing, and presentations.

He described the new S-Series as a “jump up” from previous models, able to print onto practically any rigid or flexible substrate up to 200mm in height and 100kg/sqm in weight.

The hour-long Designing for UV webinar is scheduled for 3pm on 22 March, including a 10-minute Q&A section. Registration is free.