DS Repro Ltd, trading as The Print Centre, Warrington, has made a significant environmental statement by becoming the latest Apex Digital Graphics customer to adopt the new Brillia HD PRO-V low-chemistry plate from Fujifilm. The plates are being used in conjunction with a Screen Plate Rite 2055vi platesetter, and both plates and computer-to-plate device have been purchased through Apex Digital Graphics, Hemel Hempstead.
The installation was the first major step in The Print Centre's transition from B3 to B2 production workflow. The company is now in the process of installing a pre-owned Heidelberg Speedmaster 72 five-colour plus coater to complete the step-up.
The Warrington-based printer is run by Joint Managing Directors Darren Lloyd and Stephen Patrick. "As a key part of our expansion plan we are moving up from a B3 production format to B2. We had been using polyester plates on our Ryobi 524HX press for the last 18 months. The move to the Screen Plate Rite 2055vi will still allow us to produce plates for the B3 press, but means that we can create B2 sized plates for the SM72 as well," said Darren Lloyd.
"We discussed our options with Apex – a company that we knew well through their support for the Ryobi press. They were able to recommend the Fujifilm PRO-V plates, as these offer an extremely "green", environmentally friendly plate which fitted our needs. Our use of chemistry has now been virtually eliminated, which is a great environmental message to send to our customers."
Faster set-up times on the press are expected to further improve response times from The Print Centre. "Reducing lead times, whilst continuing to offer top quality print at competitive rates: that's just what the market demands," added Darren Lloyd. "Speed of make-ready is a critical factor in terms of both cost and time. The move to metal plates will help us to deliver the fastest make-ready possible."
The Brillia HD PRO-V plate combines the benefits of low-chemistry CtP with the proven low cost of ownership of violet imaging, bringing unmatched quality, consistency and productivity to plate production. On press the plate benefits from Fujifilm's patented MultiGrain technology, ensuring optimum ink/water balance and advanced handling performance.
"The environmental issue is an important one for customers. It's a selling point for us, and today's customers have to take notice of such factors," added Darren Lloyd. The move to B2-format production will enable The Print Centre to service a wider range of work for existing customers, and open the door to higher volume production.
Commenting on the installation on behalf of Apex Digital Graphics, Joint Managing Director Bob Usher, said: "The Print Centre is one of our first customers for the new Brillia HD PRO-V plates. The new Fujifilm plate offers significant benefits to the printer from both an environmental perspective and the convenience offered in day-to-day production. With significantly less chemistry involved in plate creation the printer has to order, store and dispose of less product. The processing device also has a smaller footprint, meaning less space is required for the whole platesetter unit." |
