The Fareham, Hampshire-based signmaker has signed for the machine – a “true flatbed” printer available as either a dedicated flatbed or as a hybrid with roll-to-roll capability – on the Durst stand (27-B35) at Fespa in Berlin.

The new machine, which is due for installation around late summer, will join an existing Durst P5 350 at the business along with finishing kit from Zünd and a Cronos Matic sewing machine for fabric.

Lee Devitt, managing director of Innovate Signs, told Printweek: “We needed extra capacity for a little while. We’ve always flirted with the thought of a flatbed and this one’s come out so it would be crazy not to stick with Durst because we trust in Durst technology and it’s got the same printheads and the same ink.

“So for us, the output is identical, although the market we’re going into is totally different.”

Adam Broomfield, operations director at the business, added: “I think you need something slightly different to be more cutting edge than others so hopefully that’s what the P5 X will give us.”

The P5 X offers 10 colour channels that can be configured to meet specific requirements and can print at speeds of up to 120sqm/hr with resolutions of either 700x1,200dpi or 900x1,200dpi. It uses Ricoh Gen 5 printheads with a 7pl drop size.

It also runs new software from Durst featuring a new user-friendly interface – another key attraction for Innovate Signs, whose customer base is largely retail clients.

The maximum printing width for boards is 3.25x2.15m. With a single roll it can print 3.5m wide, or dual 1.6m-wide rolls can be printed side by side.

Peter Bray, managing director of Durst UK and Ireland, told Printweek: “This is the first installation for us in the UK. We’ve had a longstanding good working relationship with Innovate and there’s support mechanisms in place that they’re happy to support us with demonstrations and sampling as well.”

Innovate Signs employs just over 50 staff and has a turnover of around £8m, working from a site of circa-2,300sqm in size.