Describe your business
We are the largest independent supplier of wet-glue labels in the UK. We are based in Exeter and run both litho and flexo presses. We have two Heidelberg Speedmaster 102s – a six- and an eight-colour – and a six-colour Speedmaster 72.
What does the product do?
It’s a blanket that is suitable for UV and conventional inks.
Why did you choose this particular product?
The blanket’s supplier, BFS Pressroom Solutions, approached us with this combination product. UV inks are renowned for embossing the blanket and we were getting through a number of blankets. With the Rollin Libix we were getting extra life out of the blankets.
Did you look at any other similar machines?
We did run with around four or five different blankets prior to purchase. They were ok, but none offered the lifespan of the Rollin.
What features do you particularly like?
In the past, we were paying around £50 for each blanket and when they needed changing it was taking around 10 minutes. There was a lot of stopping and starting and it all adds up to considerable time loss. This product lasts a lot longer with UV inks and we’ve not noticed any detrimental effects on the quality of the print, regardless of the type of substrate we use, which can include metallised papers and plastic films.
Is there anything that you wish it had that it doesn’t?
There isn’t really anything. All we’re asking for is good quality and we’re getting that.
How fast is it?
It runs at the speed of our press.
How reliable is it?
We’ve not had any problems.
How much time or money has it saved?
We are certainly spending less than we have before on blankets.
Were there any difficulties experienced during the installation or after?
We didn’t have any problems with the installation or after. When we put the blankets on the press and around the cylinder, they hold very well.
What about the pre- and after-sale service?
The support we’ve had from BFS has been fine. They check the stock levels and we have given them plenty of feedback during the installation period.
Who do you think the product is right for?
It’s good for packaging printers who are using UV inks in their work.
Under what circumstances would you buy another?
We are happy with the product. If someone else came in and showed us a product that gave us more value for money then we may consider it. But the Rollin suits us very well.
Conclusion
User's verdict
Speed 4/5
Quality 4/5
Reliability 5/5
Value for money 5/5
Supplier's response
Robin Hope, managing director at BFS Pressroom Solutions, says: "The blanket is best suited for anyone with long blanket usage. It's a robust and durable product, but does cost more than other blankets on the market. However, our pricing for each customer is fixed per month regardless of the number of blankets they go through. Fewer blankets are used and you get a better return on investment. The Rollix Libix is also well suited to UV inks."
Price on application
Contact BFS Pressroom Solutions 0118 930 5999
