“It is even more important with the number of bottlenecks we see at the finishing end. Automation and good integration between machines are vital, as is testing on multiple substrates and stocks. Picking the right foil to go over spot UV and the right stock play a very important role too.” Train goes on to pick out some of the latest and most popular solutions available at Duplo. These include the DDC-810 and DDC-8000 spot UV coaters, both of which he says are easy to set up, use, and maintain. The two machines also use the same user interface, with only a few additions for the larger model due to all the extra features such as inline foiling. However, Train adds that Duplo has discovered PSPs need to truly understand what they are trying to achieve with spot UV and work with the designers. “Simply adding a UV layer solid to print isn’t using this tool to its potential, to create impactful print, spot UV needs to complement the artwork, creating textures to give tactile finishes to the products,” Train says. “This kind of joined-up thinking between designers, marketers, agencies, and their printers brings much higher interactions with end-users. And nothing needs special effects more than seasonal print campaigns during the festive seasons – where standing out from the array of similar products will mean a successful season or not.” As for other solutions, Duplo distributes the Bagel Systems range of laminators and foilers, from B3 to B2 sheet sizes, in the UK. Create Something Special Highlighting a third solutions provider in this market, Friedheim International works with a wide range of partners to deliver finishing products to customers. Marketing executive Seth Morgan says being a little different with the services you offer can go a long way. “Being noticed, remembered, and enjoyed is something the commercial printer has always tried to provide for clients and here in 2023 we have all the options and data to achieve it – so the and is available for less than £100,000. Evans adds that this machine can be combined with Vivid’s Veloblade solution, allowing customers to finish off work after the initial foiling process. Looking ahead, Evans says Vivid is working on a few ideas to further expand the capabilities of PSPs in special effects. With this, he invites anyone interested in learning more about the manufacturer’s latest solutions to visit Vivid at The Print Show 2023, where again it will have a significant presence. Elevating Brands Another major player within this market is Duplo, which offers a range of special effects kit to customers. Martyn Train, managing director of Duplo UK, says one of the easiest ways to make printed products look spectacular is through special effects and embellishments. However, he adds that what’s not so easy is getting the mix right to make it into a premium product and making the customers understand that adding a little extra will make the end products into an unforgettable experience. “Even on the packaging side, a less valuable item can be instantly turned into a premium one through spot UV, foil, 3D foil, or even a choice of materials,” Train says, adding: “Embellishing packaging elevates the brand instantly at minimal cost. “Being able to add special effects to printed products makes print suppliers stand out from those that do not or cannot offer it. With companies now offering online print, adding an option to add embellishment to a customer’s print will set them above the competition. “Having the option to do these effects means customers will return to them to see what else they can do for future projects. One of the biggest benefits of bringing embellishment in-house is that the printer has complete control over their processes. Control over costs, budget, and time scales adds flexibility to be able to provide a much wider portfolio to existing customers.” Train goes on to say that PSPs that have this sort of service as part of their offering, need to sell their specialist finishing to customers and the benefits that this will bring to them. “There are no two ways about it; UK printers have the talent, expertise, technology, and creativity,” Train explains, continuing: “However, if they don’t know how to sell their print, especially the specialist finishing to the buyers, then printers will lose out on the opportunity to add value with embellishment. “More awareness of the impact extra finishes that UV spot varnish and foiling can achieve needs to be made to marketers, brand owners, and designers. We want every sheet of paper, card, or board to reach its maximum potential.” With this, Train has words of advice for those PSPs looking to enhance their offering with the addition of new special effects kit. When investing in technology, Train says PSPs must keep in mind that ease of use and accuracy should be at the top of the list on embellishment equipment. He adds that there is no point in offering speciality finishing and the end product then be either inconsistent or unprofessional. “It’s usually the fine details that make the best items of printed products stand out – and that is where the best quality finish is needed,” Train says, adding: “Then in addition to this, with short runs and high order numbers, ease of use and automation play critical roles in any print production, not the least on the finishing side. ▲ The Matrix 370MP digital foiler is one of the most popular products in Vivid’s Matrix range Vivid’s Matrix Metallic is the only digital foiling machine that will foil on uncoated stock and is available for less than £100,000 £100,000 Even on the packaging side, a less valuable item can be instantly turned into a premium one through spot UV, foil, 3D foil, or even a choice of materials 74 email: news@printmonthly.co.uk September / October 2023 - Issue 344 TASTE FOR SUCCESS / SPECIAL EFFECTS
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