Q I am looking to source digital equipment similar to the Mimaki JV series and a standalone cut system. We currently produce our product using this equipment, but due to volume increases (5,000-10,000 unique products a day) we need a faster print system. Our product is always on the same 3M material, but there are around 200 different cutter guides we use, therefore semi-rotary is not really the answer as the amount of tooling required would make it unfeasible. The Mimaki cutter is perfect in terms of flexibility, but is too slow. Any help will be gratefully received.
Ben Davies, via www.printweek.com

A Interesting question Ben, assuming you have already looked at everything from Mimaki, have you investigated the Roland DG range? The firm claims its VersaCAMM range is the best-selling print and cut system in the world, and it comes in various formats and speeds. Its SolJet and Versa UV machines also print and cut. Visit www.rolanddg.co.uk for more information. Also look out for a Product of the Week on Esko Artwork’s SignUp software that will appear in PrintWeek on 26 June. My esteemed colleague Barney Cox reckons it could be just up your street as it has all sorts of clever features for optimising cutting layouts and speed. He also wondered if it would be quicker and give you more flexibility to separate printing from cutting? It’s definitely worth spending some time to investigate the pros and cons of the various options. In terms of cutting tables, Esko (www.esko.com) also sells the all-singing, all-dancing Kongsberg table. On the subject of tables, I remember being impressed by the speed and versatility of the nifty Zund G3 cutting table at Drupa (www.zund.co.uk).

Odd-size webs #2
Following last week’s query about a square format web offset job, Dave Williams at Pindar got in touch to say they can handle the 210x210mm format and required grammage up in Scarborough, where Pindar is an expert at being square (in the nicest possible sense). Contact: 01723 581581.

‘Printroductions’ #2
Further to last week’s query from Yan Beviss – fresh to print buying and looking for advice – the Marstan Press in Bexleyheath runs a monthly free print induction day. The firm’s Martin Letts says it gives attendees a crash course on the industry and covers everything from paper types to print processes and environmental considerations. Contact: www.themarstanpress.co.uk or call 020 8301 5900.