Following its appointment as the sole UK distributor for Berger wide-format textiles for the soft sign and display markets, CMYUK Digital has launched an innovative and foolproof method for helping users choose compatible materials. A complementary micro-site to the company’s main web presence, http://cmyukdigital.com/berger, makes it a simple four-step process to select printer model, ink formulation, application type and specific requirements, such as levels of fire retardance.

The idea of producing a dedicated site for print companies wanting to select textile products came about because of the complexities faced by many display producers who were confused about which fabrics could be used with their existing engines. Berger’s vast and comprehensive catalogue of materials covers all ink types, including dye sublimation, solvent-based, UV-curable, latex and aqueous-based but never before has there been such a simple method of matching media to machine.

CMYUK Digital’s appointment by Berger immediately saw a rapid uptake in orders for the German manufacturer’s high quality range of textiles, made available from a leading distributor for the first time in the UK. However, many users of new and older machine technologies quickly proved that they needed a quick and easy way to determine which fabric could be used with their existing technologies for different applications.

Once they had signed the sole distribution agreement with Berger, Jon Price and Robin East of CMYUK Digital were quick to acknowledge that a logical and easy-to-use Fabric Specifier would remove most of the queries associated with digital production of different applications using textiles. The resulting micro-site offers comprehensive information with all the options needed to ensure that the material chosen will match the selected printer’s capabilities and be suitable for the end application.

Dispelling the myth that only dedicated engines, such as dye sublimation, can be used with digital textiles, the web site takes users through all the different types of available media, with drop-down lists also providing applications as well as printer references. As compatibility with more printers becomes available, these machines will be added as a reference point.

“The world of soft signs, flags and banners is now increasingly being joined by applications used in home décor and commercial and domestic furnishings, as well as general display jobs,” states Price. “But there has been a reluctance for many display producers to move into the sector for digital textiles simply because of the perceived learning curve about machine and material compatibility. We have now rectified this by offering the widest range of fabrics available on the wide-format ink-jet market along with a practical and efficient method of selection.”

East confirms: “We have a broad customer base using different types of ink technology and none of these is excluded from printing direct to textile. Now, for the first time, we have optimised the route to production of a vast range of applications which are well suited to the versatility of fabrics in preference to being output on conventional sign-making and display materials.

“Our new micro-site also encompasses the environmental drive towards more polyester-based materials and these also offer easier handling and potential for recycling,” East concludes. “It complements our printer offerings perfectly and provides the perfect platform to everyone who wants to benefit from Berger’s range of high quality materials.”

Based in Germany, A Berger has been involved in the manufacture of textiles for more than a century. Its constantly growing portfolio of digital printing products caters for a broad range of widths and weights, making them ideal for signs, displays and specialist interiors and furnishings.

CMYUK Digital is also the UK authorised distributor for EFI VUTEk UV-curable printers, Mutoh’s Viper TX direct-to-textile systems and Zünd’s G3 contour cutting solutions. The company’s nationwide customer base encompasses businesses of all sizes using a variety of machine technologies, all of whom need fast and efficient turn-round from a knowledgeable source.

The new micro-site is designed to be used with all browsers, including Google Chrome, Camino, Opera, Shiira, OmniWeb and Flock as well as the more commonly used Internet Explorer and Safari. The selection options are also compatible with the Apple iPad.