Described as “one of the biggest print tenders to come out of a UK University in 20 years”, the University of Leeds has chosen Konica Minolta UK as its print partner. The manufacturer will provide a fully managed print solution and a complete refresh of its Print and Mail facility. As well as investing in four new Konica Minolta presses, the University also purchased pre- and post-production workflow solutions and a full suite of Duplo finishing equipment. The investment comprises the AccurioPress C1200 (which is the first in this sector in the UK), the AccurioPress C7100, and two AccurioPress 6120’s all powered by Konica Minolta print controllers with AccurioPRO Flux Ultimate workflow. “The setup gives us flexibility as well as the capacity to keep up with extremely heavy periods of work,” explains Ollie Renshaw, business and systems manager at Print and Mail Service for the University of Leeds. “The students and professors all order a steady stream of print, however, we get a lot of ‘oddball requests’ as well as a lot of events. My aim is that whatever we can do for the kids is worth it and we will find solutions to every single problem.” From Duplo, the University has invested in the UK’s first installation of the DC-648 multifinisher, the flagship iSaddle 5.0, the PFi Blade B2, and the DuBINDER DPB-500 Binder. Commenting on this kit, Renshaw adds: “My operators think the automation and ease of use on the DC-648 is second to none.” University of Leeds makes a major print purchase [L to R) Paul Dexter of Konica Minolta (UK); Wendy Hogg of Duplo UK; Scott Fleming, Lee Mchugh, Mark Philips, and Oliver Renshaw all of the Print and Mail Centre, University of Leeds Vivid launches Hybrid laminator Vivid unveiled its new hybrid laminator at the FESPA Global Print Expo 2023 in Munich Vivid Laminating Technologies unveiled a brand new Easymount Hybrid flatbed laminator at FESPA Global Print Expo. The new launch is a multi-patented innovation with unique hover technology and roll-to-roll technology for long-run and roll-fed laminating. A modular system, the hybrid laminator can be configured according to specific production needs and incorporates both a traditional roll-fed laminator and a flatbed applicator. “This combines the benefits of both applications into one easy-to-use flatbed laminator and saves the need for two systems,” says Evans, adding: “The patented floating rollers on the Easymount Hybrid laminator save time and keep substrates in perfect condition.” Vivid’s extensive portfolio also includes the VeloBlade Nexus range for wide-format digital die-cutting and the Matrix systems for lamination, foiling, and special effects. Launched at FESPA Global Print Expo 2023, DecTek has become the first to invest in the Titanium 330-R reel-to-reel label cutter from International Graphic Supplies (IGS). Having experienced the launch demonstration at FESPA, Mike Beese, director of DecTek described the cutter as “a real game changer for the digital label market” and confirmed his order there and then. Already a strong supporter of IGS equipment, this marks the eighth cutter ordered through Peter Flynn, managing director of IGS with Beese commenting: “that’s it, I’ve now ordered eight cutters from you, enough is enough”. The Titanium 330-R is aimed at the label market and features an all-in-one digital label cutter. DecTek first to order new Titanium label cutter Plockmatic International has released its BLM5000 series production bookletmaker for in-line integration with Canon’s imagePRESS V1000 and V1350 digital toner presses. Designed to produce A4 and ‘letter’ landscape-format booklets as well as regular sized portrait-format booklets, the BLM5000 is ideal for mid- to high-production volumes. The new bookletmaker allows for squareback folding and full-bleed three-side trimming to remove feathering on the outside edge from folding multiple nested sheets. Customers can opt for staple or stitcher heads in 50- or 35-sheet versions with the stitcher unit including two to four ISP stitch heads. The BLM5000 can also be supplied as an optional Plockmatic VFX feeder for offline or near-line configuration. The BLM5000 is available in the EMEA for in-line configuration with an imagePRESS V1000 or V1350 After investing in eight cutters from IGS, Mike Beese, director of DecTek jokes that ‘enough is enough’ Plockmatic releases new bookletmaker for Canon press Koenig & Bauer Durst has revealed it is scaling up its VariJET 106 production due to high demands for digital solutions in the folding cartons market. The news comes as two beta sites have opened with the first commercial customer starting live production in the second half of 2023. Printing at the first beta site of the VariJET 106 B1 single-pass digital press for folding carton markets started recently in Europe with the second due to begin imminently. The VariJET 106 is described by Robert Stabler, managing director of Koenig & Bauer Durst as “combining the best of both worlds of Koenig & Bauer’s Rapida 106 technology and all the digital know-how and expertise of Durst”. High demand sees VariJET 106 production ramp up The VariJET is the first joint development between Durst and Koenig & Bauer By Carys Evans 20 email: news@printmonthly.co.uk Issue 342 - July / August 2023 KIT & MEDIA / NEWS PrintMonthly printmonthly PrintMonthlyMagazine
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