Evans Graphics Fusion turns Avolites Diamond 4 into high-tech gem

In the world of show business good looks can make all the difference. So, when asked to manufacture panels for the new Avolites Diamond 4 theatrical lighting console, Evans Graphics - the product identification specialists - used their Fusion service to produce a stylish bonded fascia panel of star quality.

The Maidenhead-based Evans Graphics were called in when lighting systems developer Avolites were looking to apply a reverse printed laminate to their innovative Diamond 4 console but were unable to justify the high cost of tooling. In addition, Avolites were concerned that the size of the panel was liable to create tooling difficulties. A frank discussion with Evans Graphics soon provided the perfect solution.

"We often use Evans Graphics for our printing requirements and find the people there are very proactive when we discuss future possibilities with them," commented Avolites Managing Director Richard Salzedo. "When we learned of Evans Graphic's plotter cutting and bonded fascia capabilities we knew immediately that we could use Fusion for the Diamond 4."

Evans Graphic's Fusion offers both precision cutting and irregular shaping of durable printed surfaces of 125-1000 micron in thickness while maintaining a high quality finish. Using polycarbonate or polyester sheet, the end product is a tough, good-looking bonded fascia, which is ideally suited for communication equipment and electronic displays.

Steve Tilbury, Managing Director of Evans Graphics, believes that the Fusion service puts his company ahead as an UK market leader. "Some manufacturers may be reluctant to take on bonded fascia work owing to the high risk factor when assembling the final product. One slip and the entire assembly is spoilt. At Evans Graphics we are not afraid to address problems which arise in the early stages of the development process, and we have the flexibility as well as the expertise to think these through."

For Avolites, Fusion was a solution tailor-made for the complex Diamond 4 console with its sophisticated layout of LCD screens, and which is built to cope with a wide range of operating environments as well as enduring life on the road.

Working from supplied CDR files and sample punched panels, Evans Graphics produced several test cuts using Zund plotters without needing to print finished material. This resulted in a trialling period that was not only less expensive but virtually free from problems, as Richard Salzedo testified.

"The Diamond 4 panel layouts were designed using Corel Draw. Sometimes this can be an issue but we knew Evans Graphics aren't put off by which software or file formats you use. I believe Evans Graphics are one of the few manufacturers who do not pull a long face when Corel is mentioned."

This willingness to work with a variety of source material is confirmed by Steve Tilbury. "With our Fusion service we will usually accept almost any graphic file type as a starting point. For a complex graphic we will ensure the file contains all the information we require before proceeding."

The Diamond 4 design was finalised just as Avolites Sales Director Steve Warren departed on holiday with, he confesses, his fingers crossed. On his return a fortnight later, Steve was delighted to find that Evans Graphics had already produced a completed panel. The alignment was perfect, the finish was excellent. So successful was this "trial run" that the panel is now in actual use. The entire process - from Avolites deciding on a reverse printed laminate to Evans Graphics producing a working sample - took less than six weeks.

"The Avolites project took over a month to finalise, but if needed we can go from an initial idea to a finished product in a remarkably short time" said Steve Tilbury.

Now commercially available, the Diamond 4 lighting control console is designed to provide access to hundreds of individual lighting fixtures, lighting looks and pre-recorded sequences at the touch of a button. Powerful and versatile, the console can be used in a variety of locations, from multi-purpose public venues to television studios and open-air festivals.

London-based Avolites lighting and dimming systems are used throughout the world for every type of live event, including theme parks, opera houses and shop window displays. Asked why Avolites approached Evans Graphics for their specialised requirement, Richard Salzedo replied: "We use Evans Graphics time and again because they share the same philosophy as ourselves. They always work with the customer, not against them, which means that everyone is satisfied with the end result."