How does the Presstek 34DI-X work?
It’s a two-page, four-colour, 34cm portrait format, chemistry-free, waterless digital imaging (DI) press. It’s highly automated and easy to use, and it can image all four plates simultaneously on-press. It uses Presstek ProFire Excel 16 micron laser imaging and ProFire Digital Media, which delivers 120 lines per cm (at 300dpi) and FM/stochastic screening. Also, the press automatically adjusts the amount of ink according to the image on each plate. The automation extends into the cleaning of blanket and rollers. The result is a very high-quality printed sheet and a significantly faster makeready time. Sellable colour is achieved in less than 10 minutes and in fewer than 20 sheets.
Why did you choose a DI press?
I wanted the quality of a four-colour litho press without all the hassle, time and investment required with a conventional offset machine, in terms of makeready and distribution. We specialise in digital printing. Operating alongside our Indigo 3000, Xeikon 50 and large-format digital printers, it gives us the flexibility to print longer runs with a very fast turnaround. We don’t have a sales team, instead we prefer to rely entirely on repeat business and referrals, so every job has to meet our exacting standards of quality and delivery.
Did you look at any other similar machines?
I looked at two other presses, but what appealed to me about the DI press was its waterless printing and chemistry-free plates. Green issues are becoming increasingly important.
What features do you particularly like?
Quality is without doubt the most important factor. Our customer base demands very high quality digital print – it can print at 300lpi, with stochastic screening should we require it. Another major benefit is that it can print on 450gsm stock, so it can handle items as diverse as heavyweight covers, dividers and greeting cards. It is also easy to use and changeover from one job to another is very quick. Speed and quality are often more important than price. If our customers want an urgent job turned around in the same afternoon they are prepared to pay for it.
What features do you dislike or wish it had?
There aren’t any features that we dislike, but when we bought the press we did agree an option to upgrade to a landscape 52DI machine when it becomes available.
How fast is it?
It runs at 7,000 A3 or 14,000 A4 sheets an hour. Not only is it quick but the register on first pull is superb.
How much time has it saved?
Comparing it with a conventional litho press it has saved us a lot of time. However, it’s mainly the fact that we can turn the jobs round to meet our customers’ expectations that has made the difference.
Has it won you any new work?
At this early stage we’ve been concentrating on our existing customer base, where we already have relationships, as we can now offer them short- to medium-run, fast turnaround, litho quality work. It also gives us the facility to be very proactive in the “print on demand” marketplace in generating new business.
Were there any difficulties during installation or after?
None at all, and the training was very good.
What about the service?
I can’t fault Presstek on sales or service. It has pulled out all the stops to make the sale, the installation and the training as efficient as possible.
In conclusion, who do you think the machine is right for?
The quick changeovers and fast turnaround that are possible with this machine will offer small- to medium-sized commercial printers and digital print providers the edge, to compete and grow their businesses.
Under what circumstances would you buy another?
If it proves as successful as we hope it will and we find we need the extra capacity.
CONCLUSION
User’s verdict
Speed 4/5
Quality 4/5
Reliability 4/5
Value for Money 4/5
Supplier’s response
Presstek Europe sales and marketing director Raymond Hillhouse says: “The installation at Phoenix Colour was one of our smoothest and their extensive knowledge of digital and pre-press applications made the installation and training very easy.”
Price From £180,000
Contact Presstek Europe 0845 0552277
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Presstek 34DI-X
Phoenix Colour managing director Peter Davis can achieve high-quality, fast turnaround print, with the option of stochastic screening.
