The Coventry-based company, which works with high-profile clients including Peugeot and the Royal Shakespeare Company, as well as major local customers such as Coventry Building Society and Coventry University, purchased the device in December and it was installed a few weeks later in January.

One of four machines in the VeloBlade Nexus range of machines that are manufactured by Vivid Laminating Technologies and distributed by Soyang Hardware, the 2516 has a bed size of 2.5x1.6m. Combined with a CNC router, the system enables users to work with stocks up to 25mm in thickness such as Dibond, MDF, and acrylic.

The Big Ink Tank said that, since its installation, the machine has already become an integral part of its production setup and made life easier for its staff.

“The VeloBlade Nexus fits in with our existing workflow by allowing files for cutting, routing and creasing to be automatically uploaded with minimal input from our team,” said company founder Ty Power.

“We are really benefitting from the speed of the machine; we no longer have to change the tools as they are automatic.

“The quality of the cutting is also excellent, while the fact that the vacuum keeps the cuts so clean results in a huge time saving. We are still learning about new processes that we can then launch into the market.”

Power said the focus now is on how the business can use the new machine to expand its offering and serve customers in new markets.

This, he said, would involve speaking with its clients and working with specialist staff at both Soyang and Vivid Laminating Technologies to ensure the company gets the most out of the new device.

“Soyang is a long-term supplier for us; they are a great company to work with and really knowledgeable,” Power said.

“Vivid are also very interested in looking after you as a customer. So far, the training and interaction has been excellent.

“We are keen to demo the machine to our existing customers, showing them all the new materials and options we can offer. It will open up more varied work and hopefully win us new customers.

“We are really excited by all the new product types we can offer and getting to learn what we can do with the machine.”

The Big Ink Tank offers a range of print services but specialises in exhibition graphics and large-format work for galleries and museums.