Me & My... Foliant Gemini C400A
Mike Corran, director at Colourxpress in Plymouth, tells <i>Jon Severs</i> how this machine answered a growing demand for an in-house laminating system
Describe your business
Colourxpress is a digital and litho printer with in-house finishing. We have two branches offering design services to suit all budgets.
What does the machine do?
It is a fully automated laminating system.
Why did you purchase the machine?
We had been sending work out to a finishing house, but as demand for our services has risen, that it is no longer a cost-effective option.
Why did you choose this particular model?
This model is fully automated and runs well at high speed.
Did you look at any other similar machines – if so which?
We looked at the Autobond machines, but although they are very well made, the price was too much for us.
What features do you particularly like about the machine?
The full automation, the auto-stop feature – it’s a one-operator machine.
Is there anything that you dislike?
The colour.
Is there anything that you wish it had that it doesn’t have?
No.
How fast is it?
11m per minute.
How reliable is it?
We have had no problems yet.
What’s the quality like?
Fantastic.
Would you say that it has saved you any time or money?
I would say it has saved us around £2,000 so far.
Would you say that it offers value for money?
Undoubtedly.
Did the installation run to plan?
The installation was very quick and went as smoothly as it possibly could have done.
How was the pre- and after-sale service?
It was excellent, they are friendly people to work with.
Who do you think the machine is right for?
A digital printer or a medium-sized litho printer.
Based on your own experience of using it would you recommend it to somebody else?
Yes.
Under what circumstances would you buy another?
If our workload increased.
CONCLUSION
User’s verdict
Speed 5/5
Quality 5/5
Reliability 5/5
Value for money 5/5
Supplier’s response
Foliant UK director Keith Shone says: "Over the past 10 years Foliant machines have been installed at many digital and litho print houses, such as Colourxpress, providing them with in-house laminating facilities at a cost-effective price. The Gemini 400GCA is one of the more popular models providing a fully automated system with vaccuum-fed auto-feed and will operate at speeds of up to 15m/min. Don’t let the colour put you off – to meet customer demand we can also supply these machines in grey. Foliant supplies a full range of laminators together with film supplies and after sales service."
Price £18,995
Contact Foliant 0845 2607377
