Extra Speed And Features Favours Man Roland Press

One of MAN Roland's Roland 500 press is to be installed by Wimbledon, Lonndon (UK) Aquatint BSC to replace for its existing Komori B2 machine and an older two-colour press.

The Aquatint machine will be installed with MAN Roland's Colorpilot system to help the press operator maintain colour consistency throughout the run.

Colorpilot is claimed to measure a complete print control strip from the printed sheet, as well as attending to automatic calibration, whilst displaying any deviations on the screen in less than 14 seconds.

Correction of the ink slide positions takes four seconds because all of the printing units are regulated simultaneously, added MAN Roland.

Aquatint BSC's managing director, Roger Severn, explained the background to the purchase of the five-colour plus coater MAN Roland press: "MAN Roland was not initially on our list of possible suppliers but its representative was so enthusiastic and keen to get us in front of a machine to see what it was capable of that we just couldn't refuse." He added: "We were immediately impressed by the quality of the print produced by the press and also by the versatility of the machine, which gave us additional reasons to consider MAN Roland as a viable option.

The ability of the press to handle board of up to 1mm in thickness means that we can meet the demands of a number of customers, whose work is currently going elsewhere." And Roger Severn continued: "The extra features of the press coupled with the extra speed were certainly important factors but we also liked the back-up and support provided by MAN Roland's Proserv maintenance programme.

Not only does this provide technical back-up for the machine but service personnel are also able to give our operators additional training and tips with regard to how to get the best from the machine." Colorpilot was another plus in favour of MAN Roland for Aquatint because the company is able to go in to a customer and guarantee colour consistency throughout a print run as a big reason for a print buyer to place their work with the firm.

According to MAN Roland, Aquatint takes environmental issues seriously and it has won an award from a local newspaper for its 'green' activities and a commendation for its entry for Merton Council's green business of the year award.

The arrival of the Roalnd 500 will allow the company to continue to improve its environmental friendliness.

Along with the adoption of processless plates, the company will run the new press without alcohol and with vegetable based inks, whilst benefiting from the lower power consumption of the Roland 500.

Faster make-ready also has a contribution to make to the firm with less waste being produced by the press.

Aquatint BSC combines graphic design services with its printing capabilities.

It draws on experience gained from working for a creative agency in London, for brands such as Schweppes, Golden Wonder and Disney by its head of design.

Aquatint BSC was formed three years ago following a merger between two existing print businesses.

The company now has a turnover of GBP3 million and employs 30 people.

Commenting, MAN Roland's sales director for sheetfed presses, Gary Doman, said: "The Roland 500 is currently proving to be a popular purchase.

The combination of fast make-ready, high running speed, environmental friendliness, extra features, and MAN Roland's top quality service and support, is proving to be a real winner in the quality B2 marketplace.".

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