Describe your business
We are an on-demand digital printer based in Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex, and part of the Gemini Group. We do pretty much anything, from trade work to book samples for local publishers. The company has been around since 1952 and it started printing digitally in 1996, so we got in that market quite early. Our first machine was an old IBM, but today, apart from the Xeikon 500, we have two five-colour Kodak NexPress 2100s and a Kodak DigiMaster.
What does the machine do?
It's a digital press that enables us to produce work such as bigger book samples, A2 posters and 6pp landscape work. We do a little bit of landscape work with it and use it for a lot of black and white work.
Why did you choose this particular machine?
We moved into a new facility and found that we couldn't move our old Xeikon 32 machine. We didn't want to lose the work it allows us to do, so we made a decision to buy a 500. In effect, the 500 was the closest machine to the 32 that we could buy. If we didn't have that press, then we would have lost clients. We bought the 500 from Xeikon at the beginning of last year.
Did you look at any other similar machines?
We didn't because we had a long relationship with Xeikon and we knew what we were looking for.
What features do you particularly like?
It does a very good flat tint and is able to print on both sides. The press is also quite fast and isn't far off the speed of the Kodak NexPress 2100.
Is there anything that you dislike?
Our bugbear isn't actually related to the press, but the choice of materials available to us. We only get a range of Mondi multicolour materials and it would be nice to get more. We would also like it to be easier to laminate work.
How fast is it?
It operates at 130ppm on 60-70gsm and 100ppm on 170-225gsm stock.
How reliable is it?
It is quite reliable and you can pretty much repair it yourself - if you know what you are doing.
What's the quality like?
The print quality is good.
How easy is it to use?
We have two experienced operators, but I think you really need to have a printing background to get the best out of it.
Has it won you any new work?
Yes it has. We now have a regular quarterly contract with a client for the production of A2 posters. We've won work from another customer in Hampshire, so we're not just picking up local work.
Were there any difficulties experienced during the installation or after?
There were no problems at all and we were up and running within a couple of days.
What about the pre- and after-sale service?
We have known Xeikon for several years and it's been fine.
Who do you think the machine is right for?
It's best suited to specialist printers, rather than copy shops or high-street outfits.
Under what circumstances would you buy another?
If we had a bit more space, then we might consider buying another. The Xeikon 500 is a machine that we would not want to be without.
CONCLUSION
User’s verdict
Speed 4/5
Quality 4/5
Reliability 4/5
Value for money 4/5
Supplier’s response
Chris Matthews, UK managing director at Punch Graphix, says: The Gemini Group wanted a digital solution that delivered B2 results and Beard Digital already had an existing relationship with Xeikon. The 500 has given them an added dimension. It is an older machine, but we still sell and service the classic models. The speed does depend on the stock you run through it and the price of the machine still holds up well. It can run through a range of materials, so if Beard is having any problems on that front we can help them.
Price from £100,000, depending on configuration
Contact Punch Graphix 01904 520555 www.punchgraphix.com
