New tech for new market

NEW technology can open up new markets, and that is certainly the case with the country’s first Duplo UV Coater digital embellishing system, now running in Sydney at new trade supplier Spot On Finishing. 
 
The Duplo UV Coater provides the ability to produce flat or raised spot varnishing, but in run lengths that open up a whole new market compared with traditional spot UV, which needs a certain run length to justify the make ready costs. 
 
Those run lengths in fact can be down to just one. 
 
At PacPrint earlier this year Victor Chan from digital printer Vink Press was given a demonstration of the Duplo UV Coater by Jimmy Nguyen from supplier Neopost. Chan says, “I could see the potential straight away. Clients could now have embellishment to set their work apart, but in a cost effective and on demand way. Whatever run length they wanted would be possible, and with same day turnaround if required. 
 
“We are all looking to deliver value, and to get away from competing on price for the same products. Special effects in printing takes you into a niche, which provides that extra value, both to the client and to the margin. It will also help a printer attract and retain clients.” 
 
The digital nature of the Duplo UV Coater means that files that are sent into the work queue can be printed instantly, there is no set-up time, and thanks to the registration marks there is no waste either. 
 
Chan says, “It is not like a traditional Spot UV system, where you need to put a few sheets through to get it right, and then maybe it goes out of alignment later and you waste some more sheets. The registration marks mean it is spot on first time every time, and it means that when it comes to repeat jobs, or runs based on a one-off sample the accuracy and repeatability is certain.” 
 
Chan decided that such was the potential of the Duplo UV Coater that it would best operate as a trade supplier, with Vink as one of its customers, along with any other print businesses that could see the value in spot UV combined with short runs on demand. 
 
Chan says, “We decided to set up Spot On Finishing as a new company, an exclusive trade supplier with the Duplo UV Coater as its main solution, so that all printers can benefit. 
 
“It has proved a great move, word has got around, and we have everyone from smaller print shops, offset printers and franchise stores now using the service.” 
Joanne Lok has moved over from Vink to take up the role as general manager at Spot On Finishing, she says, “Launching the new service to printers in Sydney has been exciting. Spot UV in short run on demand is a new concept, but once printers see the quality, and receive their work on time, and in any run length they want, then they have been really receptive, and business is growing.” 
Investing in any new piece of equipment requires careful consideration, especially one that is the first in the country. Chan says, “When I decided to look at digital embellishment we looked at all the systems available. However, first of all I know the Duplo brand, we have been using Duplo equipment for more than a decade now and it has always been trouble free. Secondly the quality was excellent. Third the ease of use is compelling, there is virtually no training required and it does not need a high level of skill, it is switch on and go. Fourth the self-maintaining system is really appealing, our operator does not have to spend time every time cleaning and resetting. Fifth the footprint is small, which is a consideration for us and many printers operating in city locations where rent is at a premium. And finally, it is a cost effective solution, the initial investment and the ongoing running costs are within our range.” 
 
The Duplo UV Coater at Spot On Finishing will handle sheets at up to 360x700mm, in other words the full SRA3 and the long sheet sizes that some digital print solutions now print onto. 
Jimmy Nguyen, print finishing manager at Neopost says, “Printers looking to add value and differentiate will be pleased with the Duplo UV Coater. Applications include spot UV for business cards, postcards, invitations, book covers, wedding stationary and the like. It has a low capex, and delivers a quality product.” 

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One thought on “New tech for new market

  1. It would be nice (for a change) to see some detailed photos of output insted of the same old chessey mug shots.

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