Describe your business
We are a relatively new company, coming towards the end of our second year in business. We offer a full service of design, management, print, stock control and distribution. Our web-to-print facility and variable data solutions have also been a large factor in our success.
What does the machine do?
It combines slitting, cutting and creasing in a single pass.
Why did you choose this particular machine?
We didn't see anything on the market that was as versatile as the DC-615. We looked at other creasers, as well as other business card trimmers, but the DC-615 appeared to be the only multifunction device of this type on the market.
Why did you make the purchase?
Our web-to-print system and workflow is very well automated, but finishing still required a lot of manual intervention. I was keen to streamline the workflow and we wanted a device that had a high level of automation and accuracy. It also appealed to my technical nature.
What features do you particularly like?
It reads the barcode printed on the sheet and automatically selects the correct program. It also adjusts automatically to compensate for any drift on the printed sheets.
Is there anything that you dislike?
There is nothing to dislike operationally. The only thing is that the Perspex cover, used to measure a printed sheet while setting up a new program, does scratch very easily.
Is there anything that you wish it had that it doesn't?
No. It is not the quickest machine in the world, but for short-run work this is not a problem.
How fast is it?
The speed of the DC-615 depends on the number of cuts and creases being performed. Typically, it's around 10 SRA3 sheets per minute.
How reliable is it?
It is very reliable - we haven't had any problems.
What's the quality like?
It has been excellent. It is a very accurate machine and trimming one sheet at a time ensures no burred edges, even with heavy toner coverage.
How easy is it to use?
The control panel is user-friendly.
How much time or money has it saved?
It's difficult to quantify how much money it's saved. It has saved on operator costs, as it is possible to start a job running and then be free for other tasks. It's all about the set-up times.
Would you say that it offers value for money?
Yes it does. It's less labour intensive.
Were there any difficulties experienced during the installation or after?
The machine had been set up before delivery, so installation was quick and problem-free. The creaser later required a slight adjustment, but that's all.
Who do you think the machine is right for?
It's best for companies specialising in short-run or on-demand printing. For example, I could not see this machine working for a litho operation.
Under what circumstances would you buy another?
If workload dictated it, we would consider upgrading to the DC-645, which is faster and can also perforate.
Conclusion
User’s verdict
Speed ****
Quality *****
Reliability *****
Value for money *****
Supplier’s response
Peter Jolly, Duplo UK marketing manager, says: Developed specifically to meet the increasing demands of shorter-run digital colour print, the DC-615 provides a multifunctional finishing solution in one compact, easy-to-use package. Creasing, cutting and slitting digitally printed sheets in a single pass, the DC-615 is perfect for Zoom. Zoom’s business ethos is to approach every client briefing meeting with a ‘blank sheet’ and do whatever it takes to guarantee the client gets their exact solution. Therefore, they require a machine that is flexible and can cope with thousands of applications without compromising the turnaround time of a job.
Price £16,344
Contact Duplo 01372 478279
