What does the machine do?
It combines slitting and creasing, or slitting and perforating, in a single pass.
Why did you make the purchase?
We were creasing with a manual machine and our volumes had increased, which meant we needed to invest in an automated version. The DC-445 was a machine that had dual purposes and was easy to use.
Did you look at any other similar machines?
Yes we did. However, we didn’t see anything on the market that was as versatile as the DC-445. We looked at other creasers, as well as other perforating machines, but the DC-445 appeared to be the best on the market.
What features do you particularly like?
The control panel is very user-friendly, so very little training was needed.
Is there anything that you dislike?
No. I think it is a great piece of kit and we are very pleased with it. It pretty much does everything that the salesman said it would.
How fast is it?
The speed of the DC-445 depends on the number of creases being performed. Typically, it is around 43 SRA3 sheets
per minute.
How reliable is it?
It’s very reliable. We have only had one call-out in 20 months and that was for something very minor. It took the engineer around 10 minutes to change a part. This is also a very engineer-friendly machine.
What’s the quality like?
Quality is perfect with no cracking. This is due to the three different depths of crease, even with heavy toner coverage.
How easy is it to use?
It’s extremely easy to operate. We only needed 15 minutes of training and we were then using it on live work.
How much time or money has it saved?
It’s definitely saved us hours of time and this has equated to plenty of money saved. We can leave it to its own devices allowing us to get on with other jobs.
Has it won you any new work?
I don’t think the DC-445 will win you new business, but it will definitely help you meet tight deadlines with a professional finish. As a result, we hope it helps in gaining repeat business.
Would you say that it offers value for money?
Yes. It is great value for money as it has saved us hours of time and made us a lot more productive.
Were there any difficulties experienced during the installation or after?
No. It all went very smoothly. The machine is on wheels so it is easy to move into a new position if needed.
What about the pre- and after-sale service?
I have dealt with the same Duplo salesman for around seven years now. I trust him as I’ve always found him very helpful. I’m very happy with Duplo’s service.
Who do you think the machine is right for?
I think all digital print companies should invest in one and I reckon that they won’t look back – we certainly haven’t.
Under what circumstances would you buy another?
We wouldn’t because one is more than adequate for a small to medium-sized business like us.
Conclusion
User’s verdict
Speed 5/5
Quality 5/5
Reliability 5/5
Value for money 5/5
Supplier’s response
Peter Jolly, Duplo International UK marketing manager, says: The DC-445 has really taken off in the past 12-18 months in the small-to-medium digital enterprise sector. Typically, in this type of environment there are multiple jobs running through the workflow and set-up times need to be short to ensure quick turnaround times – this is where the 445 comes into its own. The top-feed ensures smooth delivery into the creaser, so there is no need to babysit the machine. You can press the green button and get on with other jobs on the press and return to find accurately creased sheets.
Price £8,295 (fully loaded)
Contact Duplo International 01372 478279
