The popularity of UV technology in wide format printing is gradually increasing and this trend will continue in the future as well and cost will become affordable, according to Sandeep Thanawala of Neat Graphics.
Neat Graphics has made a name in the wide format printing segment ever since it came in existence in 2015. Before venturing into the wide format space, Neat Graphics was a pre-press bureau supplying CtP plates to printers like Jak Printers. “We decided to shift away from pre-press because the market was saturated,” says Thanawala.
Thanawala relocated to Thane and bought a brand-new Fujifilm Acuity Advance Select HD4006 with roll-to-roll option and a Gbos laser unit which were placed at the new plant. Neat Graphics prints on substrates such as wood, acrylic, ceramic and glass among others. Lenticular printing is also something the Neat Graphics specializes in.
UV technology gaining currency
According to Thanawala, the popularity of UV technology in wide format printing in India is becoming popular due to factors such as the environmentally friendly nature of the technology.
“The installations base in India of UV printers in wide format segment is increasing because many big brand owners now demand this. This is seen in a lot of smaller towns as well. Although costs are still high compared to traditional technologies, I feel cost will come down as we go forward,” he says.
What attests Thanawala arguments is the fact that Fujifilm recently announced that it has managed to have an installation base of 70 Acuity flatbed printers in India. The installation base is spread across more than 26 cities in India with impressive number of installation in tier-2 cities such as Allahabad, Trichy, Surat and Sangli, to name a few. In April, Fujifilm unveiled a dedicated website (www.powerofinkjet.in) for customers in the inkjet printing segment. The unveiling was done by Thanawala who is one of Fujifilm’s most important customers in the presence of SM Ramprasad, head of department – Graphics Arts division, Fujifilm India.
Increasing competition – a challenge
Rising installation base means popularity of a technology, but it also means greater competition, says Thanawala.
“Fujifilm has notched up 70 installations of Acuity flatbed printers and there are other brands as well in the market. So, it means there are already good number of UV printers in India. There is a shift happening towards UV and therefore this installation will only grow as costs decline. However, this will lead to greater competition. But that is just the part of business,” Thanawala concludes.
