Hardware - Wide Format Print

Technology is changing just as rapidly in the field of commercial printing as it is in every other type of business. For the most progressive printing businesses, an intelligent investment in new technologies can have rapid returns as it allows them to offer a wider and improved range of services to customers.   

For two decades, Berwick-upon-Tweed based Fantasy Prints has been offering customers across the North East a wide range of printing, signage and marketing services to produce outstanding printed materials, advertising artwork, embroidery clothing, signage, exhibition displays and stands and so on. The firm’s commitment to service is evident in that it not only has a state of the art production facility, but also a retail outlet in the town centre.

Although Fantasy Prints was already one of the UK’s most cutting edge printing firms, it was aware through its partnership with Robert Horne Group, a PaperlinX company, that it had access to even faster and higher quality printing technology.

Discussions with customers also confirmed that Fantasy Prints had an opportunity to extend the range of its services as well as offer significant improvements in its ability to deliver existing products. It was clearly time for the business to invest in new technology.

“The opportunities and challenges thrown up by new technology are evident in every aspect of our lives. This is as true in the printing business as it is anywhere else, so we understand the importance of continuous investment in new technology if we are not only to meet emerging customer demands but, in many cases, offer them products and services before they even know they are available,” says Sarah McMorn, Managing Director, Fantasy Prints.

Following an extensive period of consultation with Robert Horne and key clients, Fantasy Prints established the ideal requirements for the new printer. The specifications were to include increased capacity and speed, improved print quality and the ability to print onto new and larger surfaces. Any new machinery should also be future proofed by offering the most cutting edge technology as well as being upgradeable and backed by exceptional service levels.

The ideal solution came in the shape of a HP Scitex FB500 with a white ink upgrade. The HP Scitex FB 500 is one of the most sophisticated printers available and allows work to be loaded, printed, and collected simultaneously, thus improving workflow. It offers exceptional results at up to 1200x600dpi and can print on virtually any rigid or flexible substrate including doors and other panels. It also offers world class results using white ink, thanks to the white ink upgrade.

The investment in the HP Scitex FB 500 has already started to offer a return to Fantasy Prints. It has enabled the firm to cement its reputation as one of the most innovative and cutting edge suppliers of print services in the North East by offering a new and improved range of solutions and services to both existing and new clients. 

“One of the key factors in our decision to invest was our longstanding relationship with Robert Horne. Not only did they understand our needs and those of our customers, they were able to back up their know-how with the best products and support services available to us,” says Sarah.

The application of the new technology has resulted in quicker turnaround times for jobs, increased capacity and higher quality printing. Customers have been particularly impressed with the ability to print onto such a wide choice of surfaces and substrates, including double sided and full bleed prints.

It has enhanced Fantasy Prints’ longstanding consultative approach to working with clients, not least by allowing the firm to demonstrate new possibilities to customers including how to use white ink and enrich results with matte and gloss finishes.

For more information, please visit www.roberthorne.co.uk

Paradigm Imaging Group, a leading distributor of large- format scanning and printing solutions, tradeshow displays and graphics, has signed an agreement with Mutoh America, Inc. to distribute the Mutoh ValueJet line of large format printers.

Paradigm will focus on expanding Mutoh’s presence on the west coast of the USA, applying its value-added distribution philosophy to Mutoh’s ValueJet printers.

Randy Geesman, president of Paradigm Imaging Group, comments, “Partnering with Mutoh enables us to enhance our product offering, becoming a single source for multiple solutions in the large format market - from input to output. Mutoh’s impressive portfolio of technologically advanced, user-friendly, reliable products perfectly complements our existing line of scanners, printers and software solutions.”

“I’m pleased to announce our new partnership with Paradigm Imaging Group,” adds Brian Phipps, General Manager of Mutoh America, Inc. “I’ve known Randy for a long time and I know he will be a great reseller partner for us in his market.”

Canon has upgraded its large format printer range with the launch of two new imagePROGRAF devices with optional MFP capabilities which will deliver more efficient printing and scanning of large format technical documents for design and engineering professionals.

The two new 36-inch devices - the imagePROGRAF iPF760 and iPF765 – introduce a number of features designed to save time and streamline workflow, including a horizontal stacking basket for A1 plots to ensure prints stay organised and flat once they have been printed, and improved printing management. Specifically for the imagePROGRAF iPF765, which replaces the imagePROGRAF iPF755, a 250 GB hard drive (of which 32 GB is dedicated file-processing memory) streamlines workflow in a networked environment, or where large-sized documents with complex imagery are required.

Developed for use by professionals in a variety of different markets including Computer-Aided Design (CAD); Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC); Geographical Information System (GIS) and other technical document professional areas, the imagePROGRAF iPF760 and iPF765 produce large technical documents and posters in colour. Both machines include software utilities for users in the retail signage industry, as well as general office environments. It can print technical documents at up to 2400 x 1200 dots-per-inch (dpi).

“Building on the success of the imagePROGRAF range, Canon has upgraded and enhanced the features of its current models to enable customers to continue to grow in the CAD, GIS and AEC markets,” said Yuichi Miyano, Director of Large Format Solutions, Canon Europe. “By listening to the feedback from customers, Canon has fine-tuned its systems – by increasing memory and integrating the flatbed stacker - to enhance user productivity and efficiency. High quality, large format prints can now be simply, quickly and continuously produced in an office of any size, without interruption and without occupying substantial office space.”

A simple interface and advanced administrative mode makes the ENERGY STAR-certified imagePROGRAF iPF760 and iPF765 easy to use and secure, while the small footprint enables them to fit inconspicuously into the office. Audio notification of low ink and cartridge replacement simplifies maintenance, while a reserve ink supply in sub-ink tanks enables replacement without stopping a print job. An enhanced accounting function logs all printer activity, recording the client ID, ink and media consumption, media type, output size, and provides close control over all operating costs.

In addition, customers can seamlessly integrate scanning technology into their operations with the imagePROGRAF MFP solution, made possible by Canon’s new scanner stand, designed for simple installation and supported by improved software for enhanced usability.

The Canon imagePROGRAF models are available in the UK and Ireland from 1st September through Authorised Canon Partners.

For more information, please visit www.canon.co.uk/largeformat.

[photo shows Canon imagePROGRAF iPF765]

Since breaking into the full colour solvent-based ink printing market with its first Seiko II ColorPainter 64S around ten years ago, ASAP UK has remained loyal to the brand. Earlier this year, the company installed three new Seiko II ColorPainter W-64s at its offices in Southampton, citing speed, quality and reliability as the key features.

ASAP UK has been supplying signs, print and many other branded items to satisfied customers since 1997. In that time the company has established a reputation for being efficient, professional and competitive whilst delivering a friendly, personal and proactive service, taking on complex projects and unfazed by challenges.

ASAP’s reputation is built on its ability to deliver top quality graphics very, very quickly. Jason Terry, the company's managing director, explains, “Customers know they can ring us any time during the day and we will usually get their order to them the same day. Even orders taken after 5pm can often be delivered by first thing the next morning. It is this commitment to meeting short term requirements with top-quality output that has led to excellent long-term customer relationships. In turn, much of our new business results from personal recommendation from our customers.”

ASAP UK works for large and small organisations, nationwide and locally, in both the private and public sectors, also offering services to trade customers. “We produce a huge variety of work on our solvent printers, including vehicle graphics, outdoor displays, contra visions and a lot of work on canvass and blue back media. We have also purchased a couple of aqueous printers for more of the point of sale, pop-up and other indoor signage that we are being asked to produce,” says Jason.

The original decision to purchase the Seiko II ColorPainter 64S printers was made in 2005. Jason comments, “We had recently moved into full colour printing with a machine that really didn’t offer us very much at all. The ColorPainter 64S printers had been around for about a year and according to several independent sources, they were the best option from a price, performance and reliability perspective. We purchased three of these printers and they were fantastic for us, essentially revolutionising our business by allowing us to produce vast amounts of excellent quality graphics very, very quickly.”

When it became time to replace the printers, ASAP went for the HP9000  and four years later on, with the arrival on the market of the new W-Series printers from SII, ASAP looked to change again.

“We did look around at some other solvent printer options,” says Jason, adding, “There are several other options out there, but we didn’t feel any of them offered what we already had with the Seikos. We were used to the way the machines operate, their menu systems, their capabilities and their general operation. We decided that what isn’t broken doesn’t need fixing and we were delighted to take on another three ColorPainter W-64S machines from City and West Solutions.”

He continues, “We did consider one of the larger ColorPainter H-104S printers, but felt that having smaller printers gave us more flexibility to react and respond rapidly to our customers, which is the cornerstone of our business. A lot of our work is printed overnight and having three printers all running gives us more scope than just the one, albeit a faster and wider one.”

When purchasing the new printers, ASAP UK also transferred its RIP software to Caldera. Darryl Swainston, senior print manager at ASAP UK, says, “The biggest strength of Caldera is the speed with which it RIPs the images. Files that were taking 40 minutes or more to RIP before take less than 10 minutes with Caldera. This means we can be much more productive, getting through more work and more jobs.”

Jason adds, “Overall, the new printers have already made a big difference to our operation. They are faster, which means we can get through more work. The quality is even better than before and they are a bit cheaper to run in terms of ink costs. Also, they are just as reliable as our previous Seikos. I am delighted to say that the W-Series continues the fine reputation that SII has built for performance, quality and reliability.”

ASAP has also benefited from excellent support from both Colourgen and City and West End Solutions. “The suppliers have been very responsive and helpful. Any new implementation generates some teething problems, but CWE and Colourgen have provided very knowledgeable people to resolve issues quickly and professionally.”

Jason Terry concludes, “Over the last ten years, we have looked at plenty of alternatives to the SII printers, but we simply haven’t seen anything that is better. The ColorPainters are great workhorses that churn through metres and metres of top quality graphics with excellent colour matching at amazing speeds. The reliability means we can often leave them to print on their own overnight, confident that when we arrive in the morning, we will have three full sets of perfect prints. Much of our business is built on the output of our Seikos and with the new W-Series, this will continue for many more years.”

Derwent Displays of Denby, Derbyshire, UK, has bought an HP Scitex FB7600 Industrial Press to increase productivity of POS display units and to extend its product portfolio.

Derwent Displays invested in the HP Scitex FB7600 Industrial Press to complement its existing screen and lithographic technologies, produce cost-effective short runs, offer versioned and personalised products and broaden its range of tailor-made retail POS products.

"We will now be able to meet our customers' bespoke requirements within a short timeframe thanks to the press' reduced turnaround times and its cost-efficient runs," says Neil Haywood, managing director at Derwent Displays. "We'll also be able to use the press for jobs that require special finishing with the spot or full-gloss varnish feature."

Derwent Displays employs 35 people and provides creative end-to-end solutions from design to fulfilment for in-store and outdoor displays, shelf units and cartons. The company serves retail suppliers in the food, pet care, pharmaceutical, do-it-yourself and leisure markets nationwide.

The HP Scitex FB7600 Industrial Press, launched in October 2011, is a high-volume production printer that delivers high-quality print on a wide range of rigid and flexible substrates in thicknesses up to 25mm. Using UV-curable ink, the press operates in eight print modes with speeds up to 95 full-size sheets per hour (500m2/hr, 5380ft2/hr) with a POP production mode producing up to 55 sheets per hour.

Other features include a spot gloss capability that helps the company deliver premium solutions in 2D and 3D format. The edge-to-edge printing feature means that final-size materials may be loaded (up to four at a time with optional Multi-sheet Loader Kit). This eliminates the need for trimming as well as reduces potential damage through additional handling. The new HP 225 Scitex Ink is crack and chip resistant, reducing damage during folding.

"All our objectives of quality, speed and cost-effectiveness are clearly met by this press' features," continues Haywood. "We wanted to enter the digital print market with HP as its technology offers the latest innovations from which our business will benefit."

The press can handle a wide range of media, including  paper, synthetic paper, self-adhesive vinyl, foam PVC, PVC sheets, polystyrene (HIPS), and both corrugated and compressed cardboard.

"Our improved flexibility will enable us to meet a wide range of application requirements and we expect that the HP technology will help us to maintain our competitiveness within the retail business," adds Paul White, design director.

More information is available at www.youtube.com/hpgraphicarts and www.facebook.com/HPdesigners or follow HP on www.twitter.com/hpgraphicarts.

[photo shows Derwent Displays' premises in Derbyshire]

Kent-based Press on Digital Imaging (PODI) has added a second HP Scitex LX850 Industrial Printer to its growing portfolio of HP large format digital printers.

PODI's wide service offering covers the full spectrum of indoor and outdoor graphics arts applications. It made the investment through HP dealer, CWE Solutions, of Chessington, Surrey and Sheffield, to boost production and maintain capacity across key vehicle-wrapping and window-film accounts.

According to Andrew Wilson, co-director, Press on Digital Imaging, the HP Scitex LX850 Industrial Printer's water-based HP Latex Inks, together with its 3.2m-width and dual-roll capability, deliver invaluable efficiency advantages.

"We undertake a tremendous amount of promotional work using self-adhesive vinyl, including a very large contract to produce high-quality livery for wrapping London taxis, which demands extremely fast turnarounds," said Wilson. "With printers that run solvent ink, the solvent remains in the vinyl and requires a 24-hour gassing-off period. This waiting time is completely eliminated with the latex printer, such that we can finish the vinyl the minute it comes off the machine.

"As CWE Solutions suggested, the wider width afforded by the HP Scitex LX850 is also a huge differentiator that dramatically drives up productivity - not because our work always requires huge widths, but by the ability to print more graphics across the roll," he continued. "Add to that the fact that we use two rolls side-by-side, instead of just one, and it's easy to see how the LX850 delivers such a hard punch in terms of the sheer volume of media it can output. We only installed our first LX850 in September, but since that time have already put over 70,000m2 of substrate through it."
Importantly for PODI, the fast speed of the HP Scitex LX850 doesn't come at the expense of quality, which Wilson views as paramount to continuing to serve the vehicle graphics needs of customers. This was also a key criterion for Wilson during initial discussions with CWE Solutions to determine the best device for the company.

"The LX850 delivers the best speed achievable at the high output quality we require," he explained. "Although some UV machines might be faster, they quickly fall down in terms of their suitably for vehicle applications, so it's about fulfilling all criteria - not just one."

Equally, the 1200dpi resolution achievable with the HP Scitex LX850 offers PODI the confidence to meet the exacting expectations demanded by the retail cosmetic brands the company serves.

"Projects undertaken on behalf of prestige brands involve an increased element of stringent, close-visual inspection," he explained. "The high expectation for quality means that we would rapidly lose business if we compromised for a second."

The additional HP Scitex LX850 Industrial Printer complements three other HP latex printers, including an HP Scitex LX600 Printer and enhances PODI's ability to meet clients' sustainability needs. According to Wilson, the company has won contracts as a direct result of its ability to meet environmental stipulations.

"The promotional wrapping work we do using London taxis would have gone elsewhere had it not been for our HP Latex Technologies, as the client sought tangible proof that the impact on the environment would be reduced," he continued. "The water-based inks and the fact that the media can be recycled once removed from vehicles ticked the right boxes."

The 3.2m (126in) HP Scitex LX850 Industrial Printer delivers increased versatility and productivity with multiple workflow features. These include dual-roll, roll-to-free fall and roll-to-collector handling, and an ink collector that enables printing on porous substrates and textiles, further extending application possibilities.

For more information, please visit www.youtube.com/hpgraphicarts and www.facebook.com/HPdesigners or follow HP on www.twitter.com/hpgraphicarts.