Mono Web Press To Grow Digital Work By 80%

Security printer Smith and Ouzman expects to increase the capacity of its digital output facilities by 80 per cent following the installation of a Delphax CR1300 monochrome digital web press.

Security printer Smith and Ouzman expects to increase the capacity of its digital output facilities by 80 per cent following the installation of a Delphax CR1300 monochrome digital web press.

The press is being commissioned at Smith and Ouzman's Eastbourne site.

Director Phil Ouzman first came across the CR1300 at Drupa 2004 and was so impressed that he returned to Germany to see the system with other company directors before the show ended said Delphax.

"Delphax was very professional and helpful.

We were immediately able to see the potential of the CR1300, which will dramatically speed up output for some existing products and enable us to compete for new markets.

Detailed discussions and proposals followed Drupa and an order was placed six weeks after the show," said Phil Ouzman.

"We've been operating digital printing equipment for many years but the Delphax CR1300 takes it into a different league and will open doors to new markets.

Our work is split between commercial, security, direct mail and educational applications, which is produced on a wide mix of narrow web and multi-colour sheet-fed presses.

Until now we have used Xerox and Océ systems to overprint information digitally on security work from gift vouchers and cheques to examination papers and certificates.

The CR1300 will significantly increase the volume of work we can handle and our digital print capacity and turnaround times will be greatly improved," he added.

Ouzman continued to say that the image quality of the CR1300 was excellent and the company was looking at the feasibility of using the printer to add E13B MICR numbering to high volume security work.

"We're currently working with Delphax towards APACS approval for the CR1300, which will give us a significant advantage in the security market," he added.

The commissioning of the CR1300 will result in a considerable change in working methods at Smith and Ouzman for jobs that are produced using both litho and digital equipment.

At present, work printed on its narrow web presses has to be sheeted before being fed through the Xerox or Océ equipment, whereas now the reel can be taken directly from the web press and fed through the CR1300 for high speed overprinting of data and then sheeted in-line said Delphax.

"We have the option to re-reel from the Delphax machine and were considering the purchase of a system to produce fan-folded work.

The CR1300 can print 1,300 8.5" x 11" pages a minute of duplex printing and we have the option to upgrade to the recently launched CR2000 if we wish.

We'll use the Delphax printer for uncoated and coated stock between 80gsm to 160gsm, with reel widths ranging from 254mm to 483mm.

The way in which the CR1300 fits into our workflow and processes work is extremely efficient.

A suite of PReS software was also purchased and this allows the CR1300 to process the digital job data that is supplied by our customers very effectively, enabling us to laser print variable data at high speeds," commented Ouzman." The CR1300 utilises electron beam imaging (EBI) technology, which offers several benefits compared to traditional laser imaging systems.

That includes fewer active components resulting in greater reliability, while the EBI technology ensures even and durable fusing, enhanced dot uniformity, less edge distortion and better image control claimed Delphax.

The company said the system is also easy to service, enabling users to carry out their own maintenance.

Smith and Ouzman has a history in printing that dates back to 1845.

The two family companies amalgamated in 1939 and the company today is run by the third generation of the two families.

Smith and Ouzman has invested over £1 million in the last 12 months.

The company offers complete print services from document design, printing, personalisation and fulfilment, as well as software for customers to use in line with documents supplied.

In 2000 the company was recognised for its achievements in export and awarded the Queens Award for Enterprise.

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