What is it?
It’s a 2pp, four-colour, 34cm portrait format, highly automated direct imaging (DI) press. All four plates are simultaneously imaged on press in perfect register. The Presstek 34DI-E is the entry-level machine, which does not have some of the features of 34DI-X but does have exactly the same ProFire Excel Imaging technology and prints with exactly the same 300lpi quality and stochastic screens. Options, such as IR drier, plate saver, pre-pile feeder, high-grade powder device, motorised pile height adjustment
and densitometer, can bring it up to a similar level as the X when our budget allows.
Why did you choose this equipment?
I took over the company in 2002 after the sudden death of my uncle, Keith Abbiss, who set up the company 13 years ago. At the time, we had an AB Dick-branded 9810 two-colour press, which I retained to do carbonless work. I then bought an AB Dick 3995 press and a DPM34 polyester platemaker, which has served us well. However, as the requirement for four-colour process work grew, we ended up factoring 40% of our production. We replaced the conventional litho equipment with the Presstek 34DI-E specified with an IR dryer, so that we could bring all our process work in-house. Presstek also supplied the Compose workflow and an Epson 4800 proofer, so we have a complete production system. I looked at the return on investment before placing the order. We could pay for the press within five years simply by bringing in-house the 40% of our production that we were outsourcing. This was without taking account of all the new business that it could help us win.
Did you look at any other machines?
Yes we looked at two similar machines from other suppliers but the Presstek model was better value for money and we preferred the service on offer.
What features do you particularly like?
The modern technology, which is easy to use and easy to train staff to operate. It’s a quick turnaround press, which uses environmentally friendly chemistry-free plates and produces excellent quality waterless printing.
What features do you dislike?
None.
How fast is it?
It runs comfortably at 6,000sph. Including makeready, we can have a job ready to go within 20 minutes.
How much time has it saved?
In the past, it could take up to seven days to turn around and deliver a four-colour job, but now we can do it within three working days. If customers are desperate, we can turn jobs round much quicker than that. We are now running the DI press from 7.30am to 6pm and on Saturday morning. We will be able to extend this extra working day as we take on more four-colour printing.
Has it won you any new work?
It’s certainly brought in a lot more work from our existing customer base, now that they have realised that this press enables us to do so much more for them. We are quoting for work where its ‘green’ credentials should give us the edge. I think that in the future more and more customers, particularly larger organisations, will only place their work with environmentally friendly suppliers. In the last six months the bottom line has improved in excess of 30%, which is directly down to the press.
What about the service?
Since installation, we have not had any problems, so we have not had to call upon their service.
Who do you think the machine is right for?
Any printer taking the step from two- to four-colour, who wants a press that has a fast turnaround, good quality, is easy to operate and uses chemistry-free plates.
Would you buy another?
I would definitely buy another DI press from Presstek but I would like an SRA2 format.
CONCLUSION
User's verdict
Speed 4/5
Quality 4/5
Reliability 4/5
Value for money 5/5
Supplier's response
Ray Hillhouse, sales and marketing director, Presstek Europe responds: “Newton Press has been a great installation – their business has moved forward and I’m glad they did it with us. We hear so many companies echo Nick’s comments on better profitability after they install a DI press and we’re delighted it’s generated such a big increase for the company.”
Price around £170,000
Contact Presstek Europe 0845 0552277
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If you would like to appear in a Me & My... contact simon.creasey@haymarket.com
Presstek 34DI-E
Newton Press DI machine has not only increased output, its done it cost-effectively and with quality, says managing director Nick Ward.
