CELEBRATING 40 YEARS of PRECISION BADGING

Marine Data

When the marine navigation pioneers needed a solution for a new project, they knew they could trust Diametric to rise to the challenge.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

When the marine navigation pioneers needed a solution for a new project, they knew they could trust Diametric to rise to the challenge.

As a longstanding customer to Diametric, Marine Data have developed confidence and reassurance in the level of expertise and quality service they receive with every interaction. Throughout a successful working relationship, which has spanned over a decade, Diametric have established a proven track record as an innovative branding specialist by consistently delivering high-end components. These have included membrane overlays, digital print anti-tamper labels, and direct to product printing.

As developers of marine navigation and control systems, used in the civil, defence, and government sectors, precision and accuracy are crucial for every aspect of the products manufactured by Marine Data. With a reputation for attention to detail, Diametric was their first port of call with a new product brief for a compass dial. As the project involved design innovation and an exploration of process choices, it was essential to have full collaboration for a successful outcome.

During the initial stages of the project, the focus was on the most appropriate process and material for the component. Both factors needed to enable total print accuracy due to the high-level functions of the equipment. Marine Data requested to use glass, based on the need for rigidity, stability, and clarity, with their initial intention to supply these as free-issue panels for printing. For durability, it was decided the design would be reverse printed onto the glass panels.

The task of printing onto glass with precision led the product branding specialists to explore their digital print range. A recent investment for Diametric, the Mimaki 6042 flatbed printer was the obvious choice due to its ability for full colour direct printing onto a range of materials and products.

First sample runs were positive, and these provided the opportunity to test against strict durability criteria as well as for accuracy and precision. As the dial is part of a compass used in both commercial and defence vessels, a specific inspection criterion was also introduced to ensure parts continually met the stringent quality standards.

In line with Diametric’s commitment to high quality customer service, they also explored opportunities to support and simplify the purchasing procedure for Marine Data. As part of the production process, the procurement of the glass panels was fully incorporated to take responsibility for this away from the customer as well as helping to reduce their overall purchase cost.

The success of this project encompasses the benefits in having continued collaboration between Diametric and Marine Data. Graham Steele, Managing Director, comments, “We really value our pro-active working relationship with the team at Marine Data. They are island based, along with a number of other businesses who work in partnership with Diametric, and this highlights the advantages for our customers in having the manufacturing team at their disposal.”