Wotton Printers has announced its “all change” at Newton Abbot, Devon! The company has invested in new, freehold premises; a new Ryobi 525GX with IR dryer; and new computer-to-plate technology in the form of a Screen 4300 processless system.
The new five-colour landscape B3-format Ryobi press replaces a Ryobi 524HXX, and joins an existing 522HE-NP with numbering and perforating capabilities. The new addition is the fourth press that the company has purchased from Apex Digital Graphics, the Hemel Hempstead based Ryobi distributor for the UK.
“The addition of the fifth colour, in conjunction with the IR dryer, means that we can seal work in-line, so that it is virtually dry to the touch when it comes off the press. That means that we can speed work through to the finishing department, and out to the customer. That is what the market is demanding, and that is what we are now able to provide,” said Roger Mann, Managing Director of Wotton Printers. The company had previously been adding a sealer off-line, having printed the work on the four-colour Ryobi.
With regard to the move to new premises, Roger said: “We had been searching for the right building for about two years. Our lease was coming to an end, and we were keen to obtain a freehold property that would offer us some additional space in order that we could continue to expand the business. Our production area at the new site is some 50% bigger, and we have significantly more office space. It’s ideal.” The company has been at the new facility for some four weeks now.
Wotton Printers was also keen to expand on its environmental approach to printing, and the purchase of the new Screen 4300 CtP system was seen as an ideal way to further push its “green” credentials. “The 4300 offers us processless plate production, meaning that we can do away with the chemistry. We have also switched over to vegetable oil based inks on the press, and run the new machine alongside a Technotrans unit to assist us in running alcohol free on the 525GX as well,” added Roger Mann.
Ryobi 525GX
Ease of operation on the Ryobi 525GX is enhanced by the use of the Ryobi Printing Control System, PCS-H – which is provided as standard. Colour adjustments, dampening supply, and registration adjustments can all be made by the operator at the control desk using the touch sensitive LCD display. The operator can also input paper size and thickness via the screen to set the impression pressure and pull side guide to the optimal position.
An advanced version of Program Inking is also built into the PCS-H, automatically setting the conversion curve for each colour according to image area ratio. The Print Density Control system PDS-E uses a densitometer to measure the colour bar on a printed sheet, and feed corrective data back to the press via PCS-H for totally consistent print production. CIP3 and CIP4 data is loading into the machine from pre-press via the Ink Volume Setter software.
The maximum paper size that can be handled by the Ryobi GX Series is 520 x 375mm, whilst the machines will take sheets as small as 100 x 105mm. The press will handle sheet thicknesses from 0.04mm through to 0.6mm, and will print at up to 15,000 sheets per hour.
Commenting on the additional capabilities of the new press, Roger Mann said: “The ability to move up to 0.6mm stock is of great interest to some of our customers. We produce packaging work for one client who is very enthused about the new capabilities of our 525GX machine, and is likely to be placing more work with us because of that ability to handle heavier weight stocks. The increase in production speed to 15,000 sheets per hour will also be a great benefit for all of our customers.”
Commenting on the installation for Apex Digital Graphics, Sales and Marketing Director, Neil Handforth, said: “We are always delighted when long term customers continue to grow and re-invest in new Ryobi equipment, and new CtP equipment from Apex. The further investment in new premises illustrates that Wotton Printers is a company that has grown very successfully in recent years, due in part, we are sure, to the quality of printing provided by its Ryobi machinery.”
Apex Digital Graphics – The Solutions Provider
Apex Digital Graphics Limited is a specialist in the supply and service of pre-press and press equipment. Apex is the official UK distributor of Ryobi presses, Screen metal plate CtP systems, and the ECRM range of polyester platemaking units. The company offer national service coverage, and a one-stop shop for print consumables featuring next day delivery. Apex Digital Graphics can be contacted on 01442 235 236 or via the www.apexdigital.co.uk web site.
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