GRAPH EXPO CHICAGO -- September 07, 2007 --  EFI, the world leader in customer-focused digital printing innovation, reports that Brazilian firm Studio Alfa has revolutionized its business with EFI's VUTEk superwide format printing.
Studio Alfa Brazil
"We started our business in Rio de Janeiro eight years ago as a prepress house," says Evando Abreu, Director, Studio Alfa. "As the industry changed around us, we were looking for new business opportunities, and flatbed printing struck us as an innovative and exciting technology. Since we were one of the first firms to implement direct-to-rigid-substrate printing in Rio, it has taken time to educate the market, but now it is really taking off."
Today, Studio Alfa has 70 employees and revenues of about $5 million. The firm counts among its clients high-end jeweler H. Stern and fashion designer Casa Alessa. "One of the most unique and exciting things we do is print custom fabrics for Alessa," adds Abreu. "She came to us looking for an alternative to producing her new fabric designs for fashion shows.  We have been able to offer her same day turnaround in many cases, as opposed to weeks with the conventional process she was using."
Studio Alfa receives electronic files with Alessa's custom designs for fabrics featuring Brazilian scenes, monuments, flora, fauna and architecture. The VUTEk PV200 prints directly on the fabric and then Casa Alessa cuts and sews this custom fabric into a wide range of fashion items for use at fashion shows prior to going into full production. "We can even print on leather so that she can create custom shoes, purses and other items," comments Abreu.
EFI VUTEk Quote
"We never cease to be amazed at the creativity of our customers as they deploy VUTEk solutions," says Chuck Dourlet, vice president of marketing, EFI VUTEk. "Studio Alfa is an exceptionally creative firm, and they are producing work across the gamut of materials that can be used with the PV200, including wood, glass, stone, marble, PVC and acrylic, in addition to the textiles.  They even produce custom Formica using a dye sublimation process for small quantity custom or sample interior coverings for retail outlets, businesses and homes."
VUTEk PV200 Applications
The VUTEk PV200 is an affordable flatbed production printer that produces the highest image quality up to 80 inches (two meters) wide, the most versatile printer available today.  The PV200 is compatible with EFI's new UV Series 50 specialty ink, the next generation of UV curable ink that widens the range of rigid materials that can be printed on directly without the need for a UV glass primer or other special pre-coating method, including acrylic and glass.
Studio Alfa is taking advantage of the flexibility of the PV200 to produce point of sale materials for upscale jeweler H. Stern. "We produced H. Stern's worldwide Christmas campaign," says Abreu, "customizing everything from PVC window blinds and point-of-sale signage to printing in gold and silver tones on fabric for decorating display windows.  It was a huge success for a very quality conscious customer."
Studio Alfa is rapidly decorating Brazil using the VUTEk PV200, from cruise ships and catamarans to restaurants, retail, offices and homes.  The firm has also brought a new level of creativity to trade shows and expositions beyond conventional signage by customizing floors, walls, windows and more. "We are rapidly approaching the point of needing to increase capacity," says Abreu. "We will definitely be turning to our partners at EFI to do so. The VUTEk printers are the absolute best in the market."