Describe your business
All Images was previously known as Aluimage and is well known in the trade as a screen printer and for its ability to print into anodised aluminium. We are a full-service sign shop with a large proportion of trade business. In recent years, we have been converting from screen to digital, hence the purchase.
What have you bought?
We have become the first print shop in Queensland to buy the largest of the Océ Arizona flatbed range, the Arizona 550 XT, with its extra large-format flatbed. It is equipped with a roll-media option that allows us to print roll jobs unattended overnight, and the white option to print on coloured substrates and add real white to transparent backlit substrates.
What does it do?
The flatbed is able to print at near photographic quality on panels as large as 2.5×3.05m and up to 50mm thick. Reproduction is so good it can print legible type as small as six-point. And it’s 24-hour rated so we can run it over three shifts – ideal for large rush jobs.
Why did you choose this product?
Quality was important but productivity was the single biggest reason. This is a genuine workhorse. We also believe it’s important to buy from a company with a strong investment in the market, with a product that will be around for a long time to come. The Arizona range fits that category. The only question in our minds was which version to buy. Océ were excellent in analysing our requirements and presenting a solid case for the additional productivity available with the Océ Arizona 550 XT and its larger table.
Did you consider any other products?
Because we’d had some difficulties with an earlier non-Océ product, we investigated the options for a considerable time before arriving at the Océ Arizona. We pretty much knew what we wanted but we spent a lot of time comparing.
What features do you particularly like?
The large table has given us the huge advantage to print 1,220×2,440mm boards 2-up. As the printer finishes printing the first board, you can take it off and set up the next board while the printer continues printing the second board. That is genuine productivity.
Is there anything else you wish it had?
Maybe a coffee maker…?
How fast is it?
In a single eight-hour shift, it can print 110 standard-sized 1,220×2,440mm boards, produced side by side. This is amazing productivity, given the high quality output.
How reliable is it?
Extremely reliable. We’ve had no problems with it at all.
How easy is it to use?
Océ provided us with training but, in truth, it’s not rocket science. This printer almost drives itself.
Has it saved time and money?
More time than I had imagined, and that means money too.
Has it won you any new business?
Because a large amount of our business is for the trade, they have been quick to see the advantages of the Océ Arizona 550 XT and the response has been highly encouraging. We are getting a lot more work now from these clients who, having seen the quality, are happy to use us as their signage supplier
Were there any difficulties surrounding the install?
There might well have been if we had ordered it before the Queensland floods! We had planned to install it on the ground floor but, as our premises had been flooded, we made a major decision to install it on our second floor instead. The equipment is assembled on the spot so there were no problems installing it, just making additional room up there.
How has the service been?
The Océ service has been sensational. From the beginning their approach
was to treat us as partners in the process, to ensure we got the most appropriate solution for our output. I think this
is a commendable approach and it also goes a long way to ensuring they have a happy customer.
Who do you think this product is right for?
Certainly for any sign company with high-volume throughput such as our own.
Would you buy another one?
Most certainly – if we had more room for one!
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