NEWS
DORSET DIGITAL INVESTS IN NEW MORGANA AUTOCREASER
Dorset Digital Print Ltd, based in Wimborne, has enhanced its print finishing capabilities with the addition of a Morgana AutoCreaser Pro 50. The creasing machine has replaced an ageing DigiFold, and is being used to crease both litho and digital work produced by the company. Commenting on the purchase, Debbie Summers, Joint Director of the company, said: “We put it to work as soon as it was installed, creasing a six page A4 brochure! A creaser is a critical tool in order to produce a clean well folded printed product.” Dorset Digital Print needed to carry on producing during the Covid-19 lockdowns of the crazy last year: “It’s been tough, but, as we needed to
produce print items for the local hospitals, it was essential. As directors, we have had to put a lot of hours in ourselves of course, whilst using the flexifurlough scheme to ensure that we had enough staff to handle the work as it came to us. “Like everyone else, we are looking forward to a return to something approaching normal in the near future. Up to last March things were going wonderfully for us as a company, and then, like many others, the work largely dried up. “Thankfully, we were able to help some customers by producing shorter runs of work via our digital printing service, rather than the long runs that they might have normally ordered. We are looking forward to the long runs returning very soon.” The AutoCreaser Pro 50 provides the complete solution to the problem of cracking that can occur when folding digitally printed output. It is equally effective in dealing with conventionally printed card, laminates or cross-grained stock. The machine employs Morgana’s unique creasing rule and matrix that eliminates tearing and, therefore, cracking of the printed image. The intuitive seven inch SmartScreen controls all the main functions of the AutoCreaser Pro 50. Using the screen is simplicity itself. Key in the sheet length
DOCUMENTING MODERN HISTORY ON ANTALIS PAPERS
A fascinating insight into children’s responses to the Covid-19 pandemic has been printed on a selection of papers from Antalis. Jonny Banger, designer and owner of subversive fashion label Sports Banger, invited young people under the age of 16 to express their feelings about the pandemic by designing a poster using the letter sent by Boris Johnson to the nation’s homes in March 2020, advising households to ‘stay at home’, as the medium. The overwhelming response received has led to an exhibition and production of a 352 page book; The Covid Letters – A Vital Update is a unique printed book documenting the artwork and sharing the remarkable insight into how children feel about this extraordinary moment in time. Originally, the book was to be printed in Eastern Europe, but Jonny Banger looked to source a reliable printer closer to home. A recommendation brought Banger to London based Gavin Martin
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Colournet. On receiving the brief, Gary Bird, Managing Director of Gavin Martin, consulted Antalis to source papers that were comparable to those originally specified, as he was confident their extensive range would include ideally suited products. For the book’s cover, Gary recommended Keaykolour Deep Black in 300gsm, a rich black with recycled content and carbon balanced by Antalis UK. This product offered the look and feel Jonny Banger was hoping for whilst also meeting environmental requirements. The inside pages were printed on Claro Bulk 130gsm. Gary commented on his selection, “Most of the children’s submissions were artwork with lots of colour and so it was important that we were able to reproduce these as faithfully as possible. We wanted a coated paper with a true matt texture and Claro Bulk fulfilled these criteria perfectly”. Alongside the artwork are index cut pages which feature some of the letters from parents that accompanied the entries. Printed on a lightweight pale pink paper, the look and format of these pages was designed to change the pace of the book. For this, Gary chose Image Coloraction in Tropic Pale Pink, an uncoated multifunctional paper. Produced in a limited run of 800 copies, The Covid Letters sold out quickly. Both Gary Bird and Jonny Banger were delighted with the result. www.antalis.co.uk
(popular sizes are pre-set), touch the fold type for the finished product, and press the green button. The AutoCreaser Pro 50 will then automatically calculate where the creases need to be and set them accordingly. The unit can produce up to 16 creases per sheet, on stock from 0.4mm, and can run at up to 8,500 sheets per hour. The AutoCreaser Pro 50 is part of a range of equipment at Dorset Digital for folding, trimming, die-cutting, padding, wire-o binding, drilling, stab stitching and saddle stitching. “High quality printing is important, but that then needs fast and efficient finishing to a high standard to complete the work,” added Debbie. The company also offers its postpress expertise as a trade service for other local print businesses. Other services offered by Dorset Digital Print include graphic design, from a new logo or corporate branding through to full colour brochures or catalogues; and large format printing, from shop signage through to promotional banners. The list price for the AutoCreaser Pro 50 is £13,490. www.dorsetdigitalprint.co.uk www.morgana.co.uk
PROFILE OF THE MONTH:
ELMSTOK
Digital Print Finishing, Document Presentation Equipment and Supplies. With over 40 years of experience, Elmstok are proud to be a main supplier of various types of document presentation, binding, laminating and other print finishing products. The extensive range of specialised products are suited to a range of industries, including quick print pros, schools, colleges, universities, marketing/design departments and public sector organisations. Elmstok offer brand new, ex-showroom and previously used machines, which change on a daily basis. Customer service available seven days a week. 01945 463434 • Out of hours 07876 201288 www.elmstok.co.uk
JUNE 2021 • QUICK PRINT PRO
