The Wednesbury, West Midlands-based business took delivery of a Bobst 900 cut-and-crease machine around two months ago and followed that up with the installation of a Screen PT-R8000 CTP system two weeks ago.
Both purchased secondhand, the Screen platesetter with auto loader was bought from Tamworth-based supplier Intuprint and installed by Kings Langley-based Marlowe Digital.
Quantum said the device offers full automation and improved output capacity and is being run with Fujifilm’s Superia ZD processless plates.
“This means we will now be developing plates without the need for a plate processor, which brings environmental benefits and cost savings,” said Quantum joint managing director Giles Foden, who along with Peter Thomas took over the reins of the company in an MBO in May 2014.
The business had been using an ageing Heidelberg Prosetter, which it has retained as a back-up.
Foden said service costs are lower with the new Screen device and that the Superia ZD plates cost less than the previous plates it had been using.
“The newer machine’s reliability should also reduce system downtime due to breakdowns, which were inevitable with the aging system it has replaced,” he added.
Last year Quantum invested in a Foliant Vega 400A laminator with a Multi-functional Inprinting Unit and Sheet Delivery Jogger, and a Signature gluing line.
These followed a Ricoh Pro C9100 digital colour press, which was installed in 2016 and marked the launch of the firm's digital service, leading to the more recent need for the Bobst 900, which was supplied by Featherstone-based Care Graphic Machinery.
“Because we’re doing more digital work, we realised that we needed a bespoke small-format cut-and-crease machine,” said Foden.
“It’s been brilliant – we can now get sheets straight off the digital printer and put them straight through sheetfed, whereas before they were done either hand-fed or rotary, which isn’t ideal for getting decent creases.”
Established in 2005, Quantum produces a wide variety of bespoke litho and digitally printed packaging at its 2,800sqm site. As well as its Ricoh machine, it operates Heidelberg B1 litho presses and a large array of other finishing kit.
The 30-staff business turns over more than £3m and serves clients ranging from SMEs to blue chip companies in sectors including sports nutrition, beverages, technology and e-cigarettes.
