Company continues to succeed
with the new Roland VersaCAMM.
The Roland VersaCAMM VS-640i, 540i, 300iFollowing on from its success at selling the first Roland VersaUV LEF-20 within the first hour of the new printers release on Tuesday, 24th September last, printMAX has done it again.
At the start of October, in a surprise announcement from Roland, the follow on to the popular VersaCAMM VS models, the flagship VS-i was released. By the end of the day printMAX had once again secured the first worldwide sale.
New scheme designed to help
SMEs, start-ups & wide format entrepreneurs.
Roland Rental logoIn an interesting and unusual marketing move, Roland DG UK has announced it is officially launching a wide format machine rental programme. The new programme has been specifically designed to enable SMEs, start-ups and businesses to move into wide format technology without the need for up-front investment or financing, by renting a Roland printer or printer/cutter for a one, two or three year period. Some of Roland’s most popular machines will be available to rent, including the VersaCAMM SP-i and new VS-i series of printer/cutters and the VersaART RE-640 printer. The recently launched VersaUV LEF-20 is also available within the scheme.
New SOLJET PRO4 XF-640 is its fastest wide-format Printer to date.
New Roland SolJet Pro4 XF-640 printerRoland DG UK has just released details of its latest inkjet printer, the 64-inch (1625 mm) SolJet Pro4 XF-640 – billed as the company’s fastest wide-format printer to date. Incorporating next generation dual print heads and redesigned take-up and pinch roller systems, it boasts a host of other advanced features for high quality imaging at a maximum print speed of 102m2/hr.
“Today, more than ever, high-speed large format printers are in demand across our industry,” said Brett Newman, Technical Director, Roland DG (UK). “While high volume production is the goal for many of these businesses, quality imaging is equally important. The XF-640 answers this need in the marketplace by combining exceptional print quality with reliable, high-speed performance.”
With the ability to handle both outdoor and indoor applications, Roland DG maintain that the XF-640 is the ideal production tool for signs, banners, vehicle wraps, window graphics, POP displays, exhibition show graphics, posters and more. It features new, advanced print control technology that incorporates advanced print heads in a staggered design for maximum productivity. The XF-640 also comes with Roland’s newest eco-solvent inks, Eco-Sol Max 2.
The company said that like the rest of the Roland printer line, the XF-640 is easy to operate. A redesigned front-loading ink cartridge unit provides easy ink access and media loading levers are positioned in both the front and back for maximum convenience. Special media brackets have been incorporated to support even the heaviest media rolls as they are loaded into place.
The XF-640 joins the SolJet Pro 4 XR-640, Roland’s widest and fastest printer/cutter to date which was launched last September. The XR-640 also features advanced print head technology, mirrored print head configuration and Roland’s Eco-Sol Max 2 inks. It has an integrated print/cutter to streamline production by automatically printing and contour cutting printed graphics with extreme precision.
For more information, visit the Roland DG website www.rolanddg.co.uk/beast
Follow us on Twitter - @DigiPrintNews
Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/DPNLive - (click the ‘LIKED’ button/top of page as well)
Copyright © 2013, DPNLIVE – All Rights Reserved.
Stunning Interior Decor
Created for Cafe Eataliano.
OPG produced eye-catching décor for new restaurant business, Cafe Eataliano, including vibrant digitally-printed wallpaper, textile prints, roller blinds and illuminated glass panel graphicsScottish based print service provider, OPG, has used its HP Latex Printer line-up to create a veritable feast-sized range of stunning décor for new restaurant business, Cafe Eataliano.
The brief to OPG from The Cafe Eataliano pizzeria, located in Hamilton, was to furnish its premises with a full interior décor design package. This was to encompass not only vibrant digitally-printed wallpaper, but also textile prints, roller blinds and illuminated glass panel graphics.
“As a brand new restaurant business, we were looking to create an instant hit with customers, and realised that a vibrant and visually-impactful eating environment was equally important as the quality of the menu itself,” said Cafe Eataliano’s owner, Manio Loia.
Themed on Loia’s family vineyard estate in Tuscany, Italy, OPG used its HP Designjet L26500 Printer to produce an array of eye-catching graphics to illustrate the history of the 30-year old wine-making business.
OPG has a battery of three HP Latex Printers and the print project involved producing a total of over 40 m2 of wall coverings using HP PVC-free Wall Paper. To compliment this, eight double-sided roller blinds printed with a block-out membrane were also produced, which adorn the restaurant’s windows.
In addition, four 900 x 2440mm glass panel backlit graphics were printed directly onto 3M Frosted Crystal and 3M self-adhesive clear film and applied to glass partitioning and backlit Perspex panels. 3M self-adhesive front-lit film was applied to an aluminium composite panel and affixed to the wall. Five 800 x 550mm textile-printed graphics produced on DigiEco 100 per cent PE 210g knitted fabric completed the décor appearance of the new Cafe Eataliano.
Alan Watson, general manager of OPG commented that a key benefit of the HP Designjet L26500 Printer was its ability to run water-based HP Latex Inks that contain no hazardous air pollutants. In his view, this makes the inks ideal for any location where odour is a concern – such as schools, hospitals and restaurants.
“We finished installing the entire graphics package for Cafe Eataliano on a Friday and by the Sunday, the restaurant was full of customers,” he explained. “This could not have been achieved with our solvent printers, because the smell would have still been unbearable, as would the ensuing conversation with my customer. Insofar as interior graphics are concerned, it’s a case of being seen and not smelt.”
So Cafe Eataliano’s owner, Manio Loia’s interior décor project, that only a few weeks ago remained a vision, is now fully realised.
“The results are stunning and look totally different to any other restaurant; not my words but those of our customers!” he explained. “The graphics not only decorate the 110-seat dining area itself, but cover the whole interior, including the entrance and hallway. We’ve been fully-booked since opening our doors, and our customers always remark on the graphics, scoring them highly in the feedback forms we provide them.”
OPG was recently awarded the highly-coveted ISO14001 environmental management system certification for its energy-conscious ethos and its stance to deliver print via sustainable means. This independently audited accreditation is used by organisations seeking to improve resource efficiency, reduce waste and drive down costs.
“It goes without saying that our utilisation of HP Latex Printing Technologies proved pivotal in our achievement of being awarded ISO14001, which is a nice badge of honour, and demonstrates our environmental commitment to customers,” added Watson.
More information about HP large-format sign and display solutions is available at www.hp.com/go/signanddisplay
Follow us on Twitter - @DigiPrintNews
Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/dpnlive - (click the ‘LIKED’ button/top of page as well)
Copyright © 2013, DPNLIVE – All Rights Reserved.
Company announced a 40 per cent
business growth since installing first FB7600.
B Print & Display Limited installed a second HP Scitex FB7600 Industrial Press following 40 per cent growth since installing the first oneUK based B Print & Display Limited has installed a second HP Scitex FB7600 Industrial Press to increase capacity after reporting rising demand and 40 per cent growth since installing the first just eight months ago.
The company is a retail brands-focused business established in 1981 that delivers an extensive design, merchandising and retail POS/print offering to clients across a variety of markets. B Print & Display said its first HP Scitex FB7600 is running nearly 24/7 to keep up with the increased workload. The decision to install a second press so quickly was driven by the company's need to maintain its competitive edge and ensure high customer satisfaction levels.
"We experienced such an increase in demand from our retail customers that we had to install the second press HP Scitex FB7600 to keep up," said Will Skelchy, managing director, B Print & Display. "The first press had been running round the clock, so the purchase of the second was imperative to meeting our customer's needs. In fact, the rise in workload and productivity has led to a 40 per cent increase in turnover in the first eight months we had the press, which has been an appreciated return on investment!"
The HP Scitex FB7600 is able to print up to 95 full sheets an hour with production speed, and up to 55 full sheets an hour with POP quality. The press has a sheet size capability of up to 165 x 320cm and can handle substrates of up to 25mm thick. B Print and Display maintain both these features have enabled it to open up to new markets.
"The HP Scitex FB7600s have allowed us to offer cost-effective short runs, which our customers have been requesting more and more, and to take on more varied jobs," added Skelchy.
HP commented that the HP Scitex FB7600s have allowed B Print & Display to offer a more diverse range of applications, and the company has been experimenting with substrates.
"The HP Scitex FB7600 provides our customers with more possibilities as we have the ability to offer a wide range of applications on more varied substrates, including carpets, rubber flooring and glass. The capability to print straight onto corrugated board has been a great benefit to us - this is perfect for display signs and POP. The new press has really allowed us to reach out to new markets and our customers old and new have been very impressed with the results, especially with rubber flooring!" said Dan Skelchy, business development manager, B Print & Display.
B Print & Display believe that the short run capability and no set up costs have helped to reduce its costs, which in turn has enabled the company to expand. It pointed out that the company can now run even more efficiently with the two HP Scitex FB7600s working alongside each other.
"We can react faster to our customers' requests as we are able to begin printing immediately, rather than wait for plates to be made, for example. This is a huge advantage to us as there is less down time, so we are more productive. The checking time has also been reduced due to the consistent colour quality. In addition, we have been impressed with the exceptional levels of service we've received from HP. We couldn't be more pleased with how the HP Scitex FB7600s have helped our business to grow," concluded Will Skelchy.
http://www.b-printanddisplay.co.uk/
More information is available at www.youtube.com/hpgraphicarts
Follow us on Twitter - @DigiPrintNews
Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/dpnlive - (click the ‘LIKED’ button/top of page as well)
Copyright © 2013, DPNLIVE – All Rights Reserved.
Company walks away with an
unexpected surprise from the event.
Colourprint’s Shelley Pilson with her new iPad co the Wide Format WaveUK based Colourprint – the wide format arm of long-standing North Liverpool litho printer and regional magazine supplier Keep it Local - walked away with an unexpected surprise after attending the inaugural Wide Format Wave event at Mimaki distributor, Hybrid Services Ltd's premises in February.
The free, two day event which offered training and hands on experience to print companies saw Colourprint proprietors Steve and Shelley Pilson and their designer, Daniel Jenkins leave with a head full of great ideas – along with an iPad from the prize draw that was open to all attendees.
"We've been trading for 15 years, but our move into wide format was only made last year," Steve said. "The Wide Format Wave event taught us so much and to receive the iPad is the icing on the cake."
The company originally started litho printing two-colour local magazines – hence the Keep it Local brand – and this still forms a big part of the company’s business today, with some 40,000 printed and distributed each month. Colourprint invested in its first wide format printer at PaperLinx's 2012 Discover Digital event in Manchester, and consistently produce a large self adhesive vinyl contract that almost fills its Mimaki CJV30-130.
"We're looking to push digital print forward from what we learnt at the Wide Format Wave" adds Shelley. "We're doing lots of photographic work, garments and banners but we've realised there's potential to create so much more on the Mimaki than we currently offer our customers."
High quality digital output is the order of the day at ColourprintThe reason for the investment in the CJV30-130 printer/cutter was to ensure they could dispense with buying in trade print, thereby retaining better control, improving margins and being able to add new products to their line-up. "This side of the business is growing very fast," says Steve. "But whilst there's a lot that's quite new to us, we're experienced printers and know our customers well."
Having owned a vinyl cutting plotter for most of the life of the business, the Pilsons thought they knew which direction they were going with their wide format print investment. However it was after meeting members of Hybrid's team at the PaperlinX event which impressed them with the opportunities the Mimaki offered over alternatives that convinced the couple to invest on the spot.
"We get so much pleasure from seeing the finished jobs," enthuses Steve. "The first impression we got of the Mimaki at the open event is something that carries through day-to-day. Producing quality prints that look great and that we know are going to last, pleases our customers - so it makes us happy too!"
The Colourprint team with their Mimaki CJV30-130Colourprint’s growth is such that it is already considering another Mimaki printer to provide capacity. The company’s well planned office and workshop comprises a large work area containing a laminator, heat press, Mac & PC design and RIP stations, a selection of colour copiers – as well as a separate litho room and trade counter. Consistently delivering contract work keeps business stable, but the addition of the wide format capability is something Steve is relishing. "There's a new website coming to show the company off better, but the Mimaki is the best piece of equipment I've ever invested in. It's brought in so much new business and allowed us to do so much more for our customers – and that's what it’s all about."
Colourprint can be contacted on 0044 (0) 151 526 7773. Further details can be found by visiting www.colourprintmaghull.co.uk.
Follow us on Twitter - @DigiPrintNews
Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/dpnlive - click the ‘LIKED’ button/top of page as well
Copyright © 2013, DPNLIVE – All Rights Reserved
Investment leads to more
work opportunities for the company.
Arizona 360 GTOcé, part of the Canon Group, has released details of how a £250,000 investment by UK based Phoenix Colour plc in an Océ Arizona 360 GT and ZÜND cutting systems has increased the ability for the Leicester-based company to develop more work opportunities.
The long-established business employing 13 people has specialised in digital printing for the last 17 years. With the purchase of the Océ Arizona 360 GT and a ZÜND G3 L2500 cutter it has now expanded its digital portfolio to include flatbed printing.
Business owner Peter Davis said:” The Océ Arizona and ZÜND are head and shoulders above the opposition in terms of quality. The investment, which will have paid for itself within three years, has given me a new lease in printing and has already brought more business to the company.”
Océ commented that new business is growing rapidly for Phoenix Colour with approximately 25 per cent of work previously done on other printers and mounted manually to substrate had already been transferred to the Arizona. It added that new outlets had been developed which include various size boxes that are being printed and cut for bespoke promotional products such as game boards. Another example cited was for kitchen companies who require display boards for international business shows and others who require print samples direct on to wood.
Océ pointed out another benefit which is that 75 per cent of die-cutting work previously outsourced is now done in-house at Phoenix Colour, a company providing an all-round business service from initial concepts and personalised marketing campaigns through to a fully equipped design studio, print operation and distribution channels.
Colour Phoenix plc owner Peter Davis with the company's Océ Arizona 360 GT“The reason for buying Océ and ZÜND systems was based purely on quality against the competition,” continued Mr Davis. “Government funding also helped reduce the price by £25,000. It’s been so successful that I am now having a big sales drive in the POS (Point of Sale) market and expect to grow my business in that area by 25 per cent in the next year alone.”
Dominic Fahy, Océ UK’s Business Group Director, Display Graphics and Imaging Supplies, said: “The feedback from Phoenix Colour is typical of companies that are improving their bottom line by investing for the future. The Océ Arizonas are impressive digital systems that set the standard in the market for quality. They can help create new innovative applications to drive new business and realise cost savings and productivity improvements.”
For further information about Canon UK/Ireland please visit
Phoenix Colour plc
http://www.phoenix-colour.com/
Follow us on Twitter - @DigiPrintNews
Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/dpnlive - click the ‘LIKED’ button/top of page as well
Copyright © 2013, DPNLIVE – All Rights Reserved
Agreement signed to purchase an
HP T230 Color Inkjet Web Press.
(L to R) Rob Hutcheson (director, Ashford Colour Press), Graham Dove (Direct Mail & Publishing Specialist for Indigo & Inkjet, HP) and Allan Gray (director, Ashford Colour Press) at Hunkeler 2013UK based Ashford Colour Press, of Gosport, Hampshire, has signed an agreement with HP to purchase an HP T230 Color Inkjet Web Press. It’s believed the new press will be used to print short-run books in mono and colour and to provide additional services to publishers.
HP said that the addition of the HP T230 Color Inkjet Web Press will not only benefit Ashford Colour Press, but also its sister company, Jellyfish Solutions, a marketing, creative services and print production management company which has full access to Ashford Colour Press's printing and finishing resources.
"We were experiencing increased demand for production of multi-page books in mono, two and four-colours in quantities between 50 and 2,000 copies," explained Rob Hutcheson, managing director, Ashford Colour Press. "We were impressed with the HP T230 press's ability to run full colour at 400ft/min while maintaining excellent, consistent quality."
Ashford Colour Press offers EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) ordering, as well as digital web and sheet-fed printing. In a fast moving market the company has seen the needs of its publishing customers change with the rise of digital media and increased requests for shorter runs and fast-turnarounds. As with similar enterprises, it reflects businesses needs to save on logistics and warehousing costs, as well as waste.
With key customers in the academic and educational publishing sectors, quality and cost are significant factors - and print is not the only thing they require. Ashford Colour Press also offers a range of binding options, CD/DVD duplication, global procurement and pack make up. With the new press and existing equipment, it is the intension of the company to create a flexible structure, enabling it to respond better to current market conditions and changes brought about from e-books, online information, downloads and other digital media.
"With the HP T230 press, publishers can now benefit from cost-effective shorter runs, with unit costs comparable to rates only previously achievable through litho production," Hutcheson continued. "The press will be an excellent complementary technology to our conventional capabilities and will enable us to expand our business, provide a much broader service and have a real competitive advantage."
Ashford Colour Press and Jellyfish Solutions currently manage print production totalling more than £14 million for well-known international publishers producing books in the UK, Europe, the United States and the Far East.
"Adding the T230 press will enable us to work closely with publishers looking to move into ARP (Automatic Replenishment) models, where books are printed in shorter print runs ensuring sufficient supply while not over-stocking," said Hutcheson. "In this way, we can offer an affordable solution to publishers, improving their stock levels and cash flow whilst also bringing their backlists into print again."
HP said that the HP T230 Color Inkjet Web Press prints at up to 122m/min (400ft/min) in four colours on web widths from 203 to 558mm (8 to 22in). The press can print on coated and uncoated stocks (matt and gloss) from 60 to 215g/m2, providing the versatility to meet publisher’s specifications.
"The economic and time demands on publishers turn into similar challenges for book printers," said Aurelio Maruggi, vice president and general manager, Inkjet High-speed Production Solutions, HP. "The HP T230 web press gives Ashford Colour Press a versatile solution that can not only meet the needs of its existing customers but also help the company to grow."
Established in 1981, Ashford Colour Press offers, design, prepress, print, finishing, fulfilment and print management. The company has 128 employees and current printing services include sheet-fed digital and offset printing, digital web printing, colour inkjet and large format litho printing.
Installation of the HP T230 Inkjet Web Press is scheduled for completion in March.
More information is available at www.hp.com/go/gsb
http://www.ashford-colour-press.co.uk/
Follow us on Twitter - @DigiPrintNews
Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/dpnlive - click the ‘LIKED’ button/top of page as well
Copyright © 2013, DPNLIVE – All Rights Reserved
Company says reliability is crucial and HP provides that.
Gerry Poulton and Ian Pidgeon of Sign Wise with the new HP Scitex FB500 supplied by CWES.CWE Solutions Ltd has supplied Reading based sign-makers, Sign Wise (UK) Ltd with a new HP Scitex FB500 flatbed printer.
This latest device is the fourth HP machine that Sign Wise has purchased from CWE Solutions and adds to an already impressive line-up that includes a HP L26500 and two HP Z6200s, all installed since June 2012.
Gerry Poulton who runs Sign Wise with his wife Pauline talked about his dealings with CWE Solutions.
“CWES were keen to understand my company and what we wanted from our machines,” he said. “Nothing has been too much trouble for them and I always feel that they are there for me on the other end of the phone should I need them. “
Poulton confirms that business is booming at the company, reporting that turnover increased in the last year by 25 per cent. He has been in the printing business since 1962, and established Sign Wise in 1990.
The company has built a strong business reputation in their local area and have concentrated efforts on providing a fast and reliable service to trade customers who account for 80 per cent of their business. Poulton explained the Sign Wise approach.
“Other printers outsource their more complicated and larger jobs to us and we have created a niche by being helpful, adaptable and willing to try new things and find solutions.”
Investment in new technology is key to meeting the demands of Sign Wise customers who expect a great finish in a short timescale.
“There isn’t much margin for error as we are all working at speed to deliver on time every time,” continued Poulton. “It’s what our customers need to satisfy their customers. We need reliability from our machines and HP provides that.”
Sign Wise decided to invest in the new HP Scitex FB500 despite already owning an OCE Flatbed. Poulton considered a number of other models when making this latest investment and was attracted to the HP machine for its reputed reliability and superior board handling it provides at larger sizes.
“We have been getting requests for larger and more complex signs being printed on a diverse range of materials and needed to upgrade to the HP Scitex FB500 as it easily handles 3m lengths and unusual substrates,” he added.
The HP Scitex FB500 can print on a range of substrates including imperfect boards making it a good choice for the more unusual bespoke requests that Sign Wise receive, like a recent request for printing onto reflective highways material.
When volume throughput is important, the HP Scitex FB500 can be set to a multi-board simultaneous printing mode to further increase the capacity of the machine and improve productivity.
Another feature which impressed Sign Wise was the high ink quality available for the press. HP ink has been designed to adhere to a wide range of substrates and materials, and the quality of the white ink is highly regarded. The price for installing the HP Scitex FB500 was also a major consideration for the company too as Poulton commented:
“I couldn’t ignore the fact that the HP Scitex FB500 cost considerably less than the equivalent OCE machine.”
Part of that saving has been re-invested, into standardising the software used to operate the machines at the Sign Wise plant. After looking at various suppliers Poulton has again opted for CWE Solutions who are supplying the software and providing operator training and an unlimited support package.
http://www.cwesolutions.co.uk/