Sample Pack Prep

What we pack for your trial run

Sample pack prep is built for printers that need useful test material, not random swatches. We put together small, practical packs of UV-curable ink samples matched to your usual rigid or flexible media mix, so you can check how each option behaves on your own press and in your own finishing line. That means better decisions on adhesion, colour response and curing speed before a full order is placed.

In most cases, we prepare packs for flatbed and roll-to-roll testing across common substrates such as PVC board, foam PVC, acrylic, coated board, self-adhesive vinyl and other print surfaces used in signage, display and packaging work. If your job list includes outdoor exposure, indoor retail graphics, or high-touch packaging, we can include notes on the expected use case and the handling points to watch.

Each pack is arranged to suit your production setup and printer type. We keep the contents practical, clearly marked and easy to hand over to an operator, supervisor or quality checker. A quick test pack often saves a lot of back-and-forth later, especially when the job mix changes from week to week or the weather shifts with coastal humidity in Cape Town or winter dry air inland.

How the sample pack is prepared

We start by asking what printer you run, what media you use, and which result matters most. That might be bond to a rigid board, scratch resistance on display panels, or clean curing on a fast moving roll line. Our team then prepares the sample set with those requirements in mind, and we include a simple reference for handling during the trial.

• Ink selection based on your media mix and print width
• Compatibility check notes for flatbed or roll-to-roll use
• Adhesion testing guidance for smooth, coated or textured surfaces
• Curing notes for LED or mercury UV systems where relevant
• Labelled sample containers for clear internal testing
• Basic safe handling briefing with glove use and SDS reminders

We also check whether your operation needs more support on colour matching, overprint behaviour or production speed. Small details matter here, and a missed setting can affect the whole job. We keep the process practical, not complicated.

Trial process from enquiry to dispatch

Once you send your enquiry through the contact page, we confirm the printer model, media types and the purpose of the test. From there, Hennie and the technical side work through compatibility notes, while operations and logistics line up the pack and courier method. If you are in Epping, Cape Town, we can arrange supply from our base, and we courier nationwide to Johannesburg, Durban, Pretoria and Gqeberha.

• Step 1: Tell us your printer type and target substrate
• Step 2: We suggest the sample pack format and test points
• Step 3: Sample pack prep and labelling are completed
• Step 4: Pack is dispatched by courier or arranged for local collection where suitable
• Step 5: You run the trial and send back results or photos if needed

If you need a second pass, we can adjust the sample set based on what you saw on press. That may include a different ink option, a revised curing note, or another media sample for a fair comparison. In practice this back-and-forth is what turns a loose test into a proper production decision, especially when you are comparing rigid boards against flexible roll stock.

Turnaround, pricing approach and ordering notes

Turnaround depends on what needs to be included, but standard sample pack prep is usually handled quickly once the details are confirmed. If the request is straightforward, we aim to get the pack ready without holding up your trial schedule. More detailed packs, or those that need extra compatibility review, may take a bit longer. If there is a rush job for a client presentation or an upcoming municipal tender deadline, tell us upfront so we can plan accordingly.

Our pricing approach is simple and task based. We look at the number of samples, the amount of technical input required, and the courier destination. That way you only pay for the preparation needed for your test, not for extras you will never use. Repeat order management is also available if you run regular production batches and want the same sample format each time.

For customers in Bellville, Paarl and the wider Cape Town area, delivery can often be arranged with short lead time. For Johannesburg, Durban, Pretoria and Gqeberha, we use courier stock support to keep the pack moving. Lead times can shift during peak periods and public holidays, so it helps to book sample prep before your stock runs too low. A small amount of planning can prevent a stoppage on press.

What to check during your own test

Once the sample pack arrives, your team should test it the same way you would handle a real production order. Print your usual file, use the normal curing settings and check the media under your standard finishing routine. If you change too many variables at once, it becomes hard to tell what actually worked. Keep the test clean and documented.

• Check adhesion after curing and after 24 hours where possible
• Look for scratching, flaking or edge lift on cut pieces
• Assess colour on both light and dark backgrounds
• Confirm cure quality under your actual production speed
• Record any change in smell, surface tack or finish feel

For outdoor work, we suggest checking the sample after exposure to sun, dust and handling, especially in coastal conditions where humidity can affect drying behaviour. For packaging or point-of-sale work, make sure the print stands up to folding, stacking and transit. If the result is close but not quite right, we can help with colour trial support and a second sample set. That usually gives a clearer answer than guessing from one test sheet.

Loading and handling the ink

Sample pack prep is most useful when it is repeated at the right intervals. If your shop changes media often, or if you switch between rigid and flexible work through the month, it makes sense to revisit samples whenever the substrate list changes. That keeps your testing aligned with the machine you are actually running.

Safe handling matters every time. Follow the safety data sheet, wear gloves when handling inks or test materials, and keep the lids closed when samples are not in use. Store packs away from direct sun, dust and heat, and do not leave them near open curing units or hot plant areas. If your team needs a refresher, we can include a short safe handling briefing as part of the pack prep process.

Michael van Wyk oversees the service side from our Epping base, with support from Lindiwe Maseko, Hennie Opperman, Shanaaz Allie, Moagi Shirinda, Nadine Motaung and Thabo Steyn. That gives you one contact point for the order and a practical team behind it, whether the pack is going to Cape Town or across the country.