The new service uses raised embossed varnish on printed materials to create tactile ‘sensory’ products that the company aims to target particularly at the marketing and publishing sectors.
”This is a new brand for 1st Byte that encompasses a number of new technologies. It takes up where CMYK finishes and we use all sorts of combinations,” said managing director Lawrence Dalton.
Using the Scodix S75, which was installed by UK distributor Conversion at the company’s east London facility in December, the company can now offer high-quality print enhanced with high-gloss finishes, metallic effects and clear printing.
“We have been running tests and we are extremely excited about it – it takes print to a new level,” said Dalton. "As well as the embossed varnish we can produce metallic effects, silvers and golds on any paper stock. It covers a huge spectrum of potential clients and applications. It can be applied to bags, boxes, packaging and marketing materials, like brochures or stationery, to produce a piece that is so much more effective than standard stuff. Invitations are also an obvious application, because being a digital process we can create embossed varnish personalised invites.”
Lawrence said that the Scodix’s ability to lay down polymer to a depth of 250-microns, meant the company could also offer Braille.
“Although the cost of the polymer is more expensive than UV varnish, the beauty of this is that we can produce very short runs,” he added. “We believe that with our knowledge of digital print and our situation here in London, we will make a great impact with this.”
Production on the new machine, which cost close to £250,000 including "all the bells and whistles" such personalisation and Braille capability, began last Friday, according to Dalton.
1st Byte will demonstrate its new service at Fedrigoni’s nearby showroom in Clerkenwell on 16 January (Thursday). The company will run two workshops at 1pm and 5pm for around 100 selected guests including including designers, publishers and luxury brand owners.
Scodix global marketing manager Ziki Kuly will speak at the event, during which guests will receive samples of the new print enhancements on offer from 1st Byte.
For details of the event contact Julie on 020 7841 4300 or email invitation@1stbyte.co.uk
