Fremont, CA (May 19, 2017) — GCI Graphics, a subsidiary of Atlanta-based Exploring Inc., has installed a state-of-the-art soft signage dye sublimation production line, featuring an EFI VUTEk FabriVU 340 printer and Fiery proServer digital front end (DFE) from Electronics For Imaging Inc. (Nasdaq:EFII), along with a Klieverik heat press. The new equipment gives GCI Graphics the ability to help customers save money and resources with reusable, high-end soft signage graphics that are easy to ship, store and re-use in point-of-purchase retail display, arena and exhibition graphics, and other applications.
“The new EFI soft signage equipment is part of our major growth investment in GCI Graphics to bring clients the best digital print solutions, and it extends GCI Graphics’ presence as the premier grand-format printer in the Southeast,” said Exploring President Dave Walens.
Innovation and value in high-end soft signage graphics
The new inkjet production line also follows Exploring’s commitment to using the highest-quality production equipment available to deliver truly innovative solutions and value. The 3.4-meter VUTEk FabriVU printer is an aqueous dye-sublimation soft signage textile product developed using the advanced technology knowledge base that EFI Reggiani, a global leader in industrial textile imaging, has established over the past 70 years. The printer offers superior quality with high-resolution imaging up to 2,400 dots per inch (dpi) and four-level grayscale printing with 4 to 18 picoliter drop sizes.
GCI Graphics gains versatility and time-saving benefits with the printer, which offers the distinct advantage of printing on transfer paper or direct-to-fabric with the same inkset. That capability saves considerable labor and machine downtime compared to other printers when changing from transfer to direct applications, on top of the expense of discarded ink that is wasted when clearing ink lines.
The latest version EFI Fiery proServer installed with the printer provides accurate, superior color management on a wide range of substrates, including textiles and transfer paper for soft signage production. It features a highly advanced FAST (Fiery Accelerated System Technology) RIP engine for quick file processing on EFI superwide-format hybrid and roll-to-roll printers, RIPing VUTEk print jobs up to 60 percent faster than previous proServer versions.
The new printer installation expands a versatile signage and graphics production operation at GCI Graphics that also includes EFI VUTEk roll-to-roll inkjet printers for production on traditional banner substrates. A 3.2-meter VUTEk GS series LED printer at GCI Graphics produces high-end point-of-purchase quality display graphics in resolutions up 2,400 dpi on roll and rigid media. EFI’s market-leading, environmentally friendly “cool-cure” LED inkjet technology on the printer gives GCI Graphics the ability to print on thin or delicate substrates that cannot withstand the heat required with latex inkjet or traditional UV drying and curing, all while using up to 82 percent less energy than latex or UV.
EFI’s complete printer portfolio, which in addition to aqueous textile printers also includes industry-leading LED and UV inkjet narrow-, wide- and superwide-format technologies and ceramic decoration printers, gives customers profitable opportunities for the “Imaging of Things,” delivering greater product customization and appeal in everything from signage and packaging to décor, apparel and industrial manufacturing.
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About GCI Graphics
GCI Graphics, an Exploring Inc. company, offers extensive experience and a wide scope of capabilities to meet clients’ grand format printing needs for retail and point of purchase advertising, marketing tours, live events, architectural signage, trade shows, and museums. The company’s total digital print solutions include wallcoverings, vehicle wraps, custom-printed fabric projects, printable flooring, and banners, as well as retail environments, billboards, signs, and more. GCI Graphics offers printing, finishing, product installation, and fulfillment.
About Exploring Inc.
Exploring Inc. is the parent company of several rapidly growing Atlanta-based companies, including GCI Graphics, Brumark, Shelmarc Carpets, ID3 GROUP, Chisel 3D and Atlantis Waterjet. These companies offer services for exhibits, events and environments — including tradeshow flooring and full-service custom fabrication — as well as commercial and hospitality flooring. Exploring’s operations include facilities in Atlanta and Dalton, Georgia and a distribution facility in Las Vegas. Founded in 1999, Exploring was named to the Inc. 500|5000, Inc. magazine’s annual list of the fastest-growing private companies in America, in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2014 and 2016.
About EFI
EFI is a global technology company, based in Silicon Valley, and is leading the worldwide transformation from analog to digital imaging. We are passionate about fueling customer success with products that increase competitiveness and boost productivity. To do that, we develop breakthrough technologies for the manufacturing of signage, packaging, textiles, ceramic tiles, and personalized documents, with a wide range of printers, inks, digital front ends, and a comprehensive business and production workflow suite that transforms and streamlines the entire production process.
