Bluetree Group scales its digital-wide format production capabilities

UK – Bluetree Group, a UK-based commercial printer, has expanded its wide-format production capabilities with the addition of a second JWEI JCUT-3230 digital cutting table.

This latest initiative follows a significant investment phase for the company, which included the acquisition of its first JWEI JCUT-3230 cutting table, a High Roller Carousel roll storage system, and a Neolt XY Matic Trim Plus 165 from CMYUK.

The machine was supplied by CMYUK and installed at the Rotherham, South Yorkshire-based business in early May.

The company’s journey into wide-format investment began in early 2024, with the decision to move into this new sector made back in 2018 to capitalise on a sustained period of growth with its existing small-format print business.

Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Bluetree Group’s commitment to its wide-format venture remained unwavering. The acquisition of the next-door unit, which was to kickstart the wide-format proceedings, was delayed but not deterred and finally commenced last year.

“We decided we needed to throw everything at it to make it work and went to Drupa with that in mind,” remarked Mark Young, managing director of Bluetree Group.

The JWEI JCUT-3230 features a 3.2m by 3m bed, aligning perfectly with the width of Bluetree’s EFI printers to minimise waste and enhance production.

With the addition of a cutting line, Bluetree is now capable of processing polyvinyl chloride materials and soft textiles concurrently, complementing the multiple EFI printers for a more streamlined and efficient workflow across a variety of materials and applications.

Young emphasised, “CMYUK trained a few guys when they first came in, and then a couple more, and we’ve had no reported problems.”

The High Roller Carousel, an automated roll storage system, was installed last year and can hold up to sixteen rolls, each up to 3m wide, and is conveniently located behind the EFI printers.

Bluetree Group has also invested in a Neolt XY Matic Plus 165 for the slitting of posters. As a ‘plug-and-play’ trimmer, it offers a standard roll load capacity of up to 70 kg, adjustable X and Y axis speeds, and an adjustable waste collection system.

Additionally, last year, Blutree’s facilities installed four EFI printers, namely the roll-fed EFI VUTEk Q3r, the hybrid VUTEk h5 and VUTEk h5+, and the VUTEk FABRIVU 340i+, a roll-to-roll dye sublimation printer with in-line fixation.

With upgraded cutting, finishing, and storage capabilities, Bluetree is now optimally equipped to expand its wide format operations across a variety of applications.

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