The Dorchester-based litho and digital printer said it will use the digital finishing press to add value to the marketing communications print it produces for clients in the cosmetics and other industries.
“We are very excited about installing the Scodix and are looking forward to helping clients deliver extremely effective printed pieces within budget,” said managing director Mark Downey.
"There is growing differentiation within the industry between those business models that seek to produce high-volume print at increasingly efficient speeds and those that seek to build variety and creativity into their output."
He added that one of the key selling points of the S75 was the fact that the UV coating it applies makes printed colours look more vibrant. “It is a completely clear resin so it allows more clean daylight into the print,” he said.
The other key factor according to Downey was the range of tactile finishes the Scodix can produce, including different textured effects and coating thicknesses.
“The Scodix can lay up to a 250 micron dot, which means we can do things like braille, and will do a full gloss coat at 30 microns whereas traditional UV screen will only lay 15-20 microns,” he said. “It’s also quite difficult with screen UV varnish to create gradients whereas with this we can lay multiple facets to produce 3D effects.”
Scodix co-founder and chief executive Kobi Bar, said: “Securing this deal at Ipex is a fantastic endorsement of the business enhancing capabilities of this sensation-engaging digital enhancement technology.
“We are delighted that Epic Printing Services has joined the growing number of operations enthused by the system’s ability to offer interactive print that stands out from the crowd."
In addition to applying variable finishes to ultra short runs, Epic estimates that the Scodix will be economical on runs of up to 10,000 A4 sheets when applying a full coat on both sides.
“We could also run it as its own press for things like invites or notebook covers where the sheet is all one colour and the text or graphic is printed in the raised varnish,” said Downey.
Epic Printing Services, which is Scodix fourth UK customer, runs a B2 six-colour Mitsubishi and two-colour Heidelberg GTO as well as an HP Indigo 5000 digital press.
Mark Nixon, managing director of Scodix UK distributor Conversion, said: "Gaining this order from Epic is again confirmation that progressive UK printing companies are looking to differentiate.
"Excellent print and great service are no longer enough to set companies apart, but by adding another sense of depth and touch to one dimensional print, it offers their clients a way of standing out from their competition.
"Epic understand this opportunity and involved their top clients in the research by printing and applying the Scodix SENSE to the sheets. They gained a resounding approval."
Downey added that he expected the S75 to "deliver greater gross margin" and "act as a Trojan horse for new business development".
"It is not installed yet and it is already a good conversation starter and a door opener," he said.
