OUTPUT

The Virtu range of wide-format printers has been around for some years, and their history might appear to have been somewhat chequered as its overall ownership has changed. A recent visit to see the production of these machines provided an excellent opportunity to see how these sturdy UV-curable systems dovetail neatly into the Polytype portfolio, and complement the Swiss manufacturer's existing range of equipment.

Formerly known in ink-jet circles as WP Digital, Polytype was formed 50 years ago as a subsidiary of Wifag which was founded back in 1904. Concentrating on the manufacture of machines for printing cans, the company has grown to the position it is in today by producing bespoke high-end specialist machines for the converting and finishing industries.

As the company has never been involved in run-of-the-mill production, its extensive production facility in Fribourg, Switzerland is designed to manufacture equipment to order for very specific applications. This attention to individual requirements and precision detail makes it an ideal environment to develop and manufacture wide-format ink-jet systems. Thus, today's Virtu machines now have an assured future, having moved forward steadily since the original Leggett and Platt systems which first made an appearance a decade ago.

Since 2001 we've also seen the Virtu range marketed under the Spühl banner before Wifag Polytype acquired L&P Digital Technologies and Spühl Digital Printing from Leggett and Platt in America. The Swiss roots of Spühl made this a logical investment for the Fribourg-based specialist manufacturer but, of more importance and relevance, it gives the Virtu range of wide-format printers a secure home where precision engineering is guaranteed.

Subsequently, WP Digital dropped the Wifag element of its branding, and the wide-format ink-jet machines are now known under the Polytype name. But, throughout the changes in nomenclature and ownership, there have been no alterations or compromises to the Virtu machines or their precision engineering and build. So what this means is that, whilst never intending to be largest manufacturer in the world, the company's presence in the wide-format ink-jet market continues based on the solidly built, highly engineered and undeniably reliable equipment as is expected from Switzerland.

As ink-jet processes continue to move into more specialist production areas, taking on board the technological expertise which goes into the Virtu range makes the acquisition by Polytype greater than an altruistic manoeuvre. Wide-format development will continue, of course, but I wouldn't be surprised to see the integration of pooled expertise finding its way into converting solutions in the future.

Part of the appeal of the Virtu family is that it offers a core, somewhat select choice of units which is able to tackle specialist applications as well as the wide-format display jobs we expect today. Certainly the flat-bed printers are making their presence felt in the market for printing direct to glass; moves into more eclectic areas for ink-jet production must surely be easier when your parent company has built up its own reputation for developing and manufacturing high-investment, tough machines which are able to carry out an essential, bespoke range of functions.

From its existing 2.5 and 3.5m wide-format UV-curable machines, a 5m superwide option was added to the Virtu stable, which follows the trend for multi-purpose units that can print three rolls simultaneously without compromising either speed or quality. The design of the flat-bed units is such that its true hybrid nature allows ultra-fast changeover from rigid to roll-fed production, and for longer boards there's an add-on table. A large number of vacuum zones is complemented by a heavy-duty transport mechanism.

This summer sees the arrival of the Virtu Quantum which, with its 10pl print-heads, should see the machine become popular for industrial applications as well as for fine-quality display output. This unit will incorporate the sturdy, long-lasting components of its siblings and extend the types of work which can be produced using a solid and robust ink-jet platform. Typical markets include industrial glass, décor, back-lits and critical close viewed jobs where fine dot quality and strong solid colours are the order of the day.

In the UK, the Polytype Virtu range is available from Derbyshire-based Digital Print Innovations (DPI), bringing a local and knowledgeable source of information for people wanting to learn more about this platform. Today's markets need tough and reliable products, so these wide-format solutions should be worthy of consideration by anyone needing industrial-strength production requirements.