Panthera S4: Revolutionizing Dye-Sublimation

Just Vision It (JVI), Lone Jack, MO, is a dye-sublimation manufacturer specializing in custom fabrication of apparel, home interiors, trade show displays, event marketing, and SEG framing systems. In addition to being a G7 certified master printer and achieving G7 Master Qualification with color space compliance in dye-sublimation, it offers full in-house finishing capabilities and private label drop shipping. 

John Whitt, CEO, discusses how one dye-sublimation printing system was initially responsible for increasing JVI’s production and profits by 64%. The Panthera S4 from Swiss Performance Chemicals (Booth C7343) is a dye-sublimation printer that combines the latest in printhead technology with custom-formulated inks.

What led you to buy the Panthera S4? 

Whitt: In fall 2018, I was in the market for a new dye-sublimation printer and turned to my partner for equipment and wide-format media, Randy Peters, president and CEO of The Mosaica Group, to recommend a high-speed printer. Peters claimed the Panthera S4-3.2m printer achieved speeds up to 4,000 sqft/hr. Like all salespeople, he had built it up so much that my expectations were quite low. I thought there’s no way this machine can do what he says. 

To our amazement, the machine has been an incredible asset. As of today, we run 100% of our current dye-sublimation production needs on Panthera printers. Since investing in the first Panthera S4-3.2m printer in 2018, we now own three S4-3.2m models and three Panthera JRs.

What benefits have you witnessed?

Whitt: Our production throughput rates have been off the charts. What used to take hours to print now takes just minutes. One program we do for a client takes a little more than nine hours of run time on our other printers. We run this same program on the Panthera, and it takes one hour — and the results are stunning! We previously managed our workflow based on timelines and type of quality needed for the job, and now we have no concerns about running any type of job. Our basic payback or ROI has been accelerated by almost a full year.

Can you share a recent successful project?

Whitt: A client was desperate to get a project done for a weekend event. Not only were we able to print the fabric they needed, we delivered the same day. We wouldn’t have been able to do it if we didn’t have the Panthera. Plus, we gained a new customer for life!

Another successful project was creating an 8x8' free-standing floor graphic using an SEG modular system and a 9x10' hanging banner of an Anime graphic. This project enabled us to receive Best in Category in Wide-Format Inkjet Printing – Dye-Sublimation from the PRINTING United Alliance Premier PRINT Awards in 2021.

Has the Panthera increased production and profits?

Whitt: Yes. Production and profits have both significantly increased, and one of the main reasons for this growth is our ability to shorten lead times to our clients. Panthera printing systems have helped us better execute on the operations side, and allowed us to grow our business at a very strong pace. We are very excited to be part of the Panthera S4 family.