Describe your business.
We have a 100% focus on digital marketing print. For us, it's about putting out high-quality, high-end work.

What does the machine do?
The Indigo 5550 is a six-colour machine that prints high-end digital work. We can also print thicker substrates on this press. We were the beta test site for HP's thicker substrate and we are fairly unique in that we can run up to 505micron board through the press, which is beyond what HP recommends.

Why did you choose this particular machine?
It was all about the quality. We've been through the Indigo range so far, having started off with a four-colour device. We moved up to the 3050, but then skipped the 5000 and plumped for the 5500 when it was launched.

Did you look at any other similar machines?
We didn't. No matter what other digital press manufacturers might say, the quality of the 5500 is the best on the market.

What features do you particularly like?
HP has allowed us to take on the multi-paper tray option, which is better than previous models. It allows for a much more consistent flow of paper. There are also enhancements on the software that has boosted the quality.

Is there anything that you wish it had that it doesn't?
There are always areas that could be improved. It could do with a bigger sheet size - I know that HP Indigo was looking into SRA2 size a few years ago. Also, they can always look at improving the quality still further.

How fast is it?
It can run 2,000 four-colour SRA3 sheets through every hour. It runs at a very consistent speed. By our reckoning, the 5500 achieves up to a 30% increase in production on the 3050.

How reliable is it?
It is a very reliable machine.

What's the quality like?
Our production director is conversant with litho quality and is impressed with the quality.

How easy is it to use?
It takes some tweaking to get the best out of it, but the print examples are second to none and it is worth the effort to get that good quality.

Has it won you any new work?
It has not won us any new business yet, but, because of the machine's ability to run on thicker substrates, we are just dipping our toe in the personalised packaging market. We are talking to various packaging customers at the moment.

Were there any difficulties experienced during the installation or after?
Installation went very well indeed.

What about the pre- and after-sale service?
The service as a whole has been very good.

Who do you think the machine is right for?
Printers who are used to litho-quality output would benefit from this machine and others in the HP Indigo range. It isn't that different from what they already know and expect to see in a printed product. It's targeted at existing litho printers who want to offer digital and anyone who wants to start a digital print business. It's the machine for anyone who wants to move into an area where the quality of the printed page is paramount.

Under what circumstances would you buy another?
Our next purchase would be an upgrade, so we would look at the HP Indigo 7000.

Conclusion
User’s verdict    
Speed 4/5
Quality 5/5
Reliability 4/5
Value for money 4/5

Supplier’s response     
Robert Stabler, UK and Ireland country manager at HP Indigo, says: The HP Indigo 5500 delivers high levels of productivity and print quality and is ideal for key growing markets such as marketing collateral, direct mail, photo merchandise and book and manual publishing. Its renowned offset ‘look and feel’, as well as its genuine photographic quality, is a result of HP Indigo technology and HP ElectroInk. Choosing the thick substrate option, as Image Evolution has, enables the user to print on an even greater application range of up to 450 microns, making it a truly versatile printer and the ideal solution for companies looking to expand their product range.
Price £355,000
Contact HP Indigo 01344 363368