Installed in December 2023, the Tauro is now one of two fully digital production lines topped with Kongsberg flatbed cutters.
More than 20 years after CP Arts installed its first digital printer – a Fuji Spider – the install means the firm’s digital manufacturing facilities will finally render CP’s screen printing machinery obsolete, with decommissioning set for later in 2024.
“I had always thought I would retire before the screen process was decommissioned at CP Arts,” said John Skudder, sales director at CP Arts.
Founded in 1976 as a screen printing business, CP Arts took delivery of its first full-production digital engine arriving in 2012 with the Agfa M Press Leopard.
“It was an amazing machine, albeit over-engineered at that time, but it was the start of our long-term relationship with Agfa.”
The firm transitioned to Agfa’s Tauro line in 2017, when it bought one of the first available in the UK. The same machine has now been replaced by December’s Tauro installation, which has given a 30% increase in production speeds, added varnishing capability, and reduced both footprint and energy consumption.
December is traditionally a busy time at CP Arts,and the installation had to be carried out quickly: going in over the weekend, the Tauro was commissioned in four days.
Going for the Ultra High-Speed (UHS) model, CP Arts’ model is equipped with six colours with white and primer, with eight rows of printheads.
The Tauro also varnishes faster, and with lower power consumption, than the screen printer that CP Arts previously used for high-gloss work.
James Nicholls, the company’s production manager, said: “This was a substantial investment and with technology moving at pace, we have to depreciate the asset over a short period, so it’s a large commitment.
“It has been functional for three months and the reliability, speed and quality are impressive. For any investment, we look for a long-term relationship and are happy with Agfa and intend to stay with them.
“Since purchasing the new machine, we have gained additional business that we would not have won without it. When we clear the space used by our multi-colour screen line, we may well be looking to order a further Tauro machine.”
CP Arts employs 32 at its 2,200sqm facility in Exeter.
