What does the machine do?
The NexPress is used for short-run digital printing of full-colour work and colour tests.
Why did you choose this particular machine?
We needed to invest in a machine that reflected our customers' needs and allowed us to produce variable-data work. We also wanted to cut our plate costs and produce high-quality digital prints.
Did you look at any other similar machines?
We did compare and contrast, but decided the NexPress was the best option for us.
Why did you make the purchase?
We needed to diversify our offering and remain competitive to win new work.
What features do you particularly like?
The image quality is excellent and jobs can be manipulated easily from the front-end. Turnaround is fairly quick on short-run jobs and prints are ready for finishing immediately as the press uses ‘dry ink'.
Is there anything that you dislike?
It takes a while to learn all the machine's components and it requires a lot of maintenance to keep it running at its full potential.
Is there anything that you wish it had that it doesn't?
An extra imaging unit would be ideal, as we can't add a protection or gloss coating when the fifth unit contains the red, green or blue unit.
How fast is it?
The running speed on the NexPress is actually quite slow when compared to litho. However, the high-quality work it turns out, along with quick makeready and low waste, easily make up for its lack of speed.
How reliable is it?
It is very reliable.
What's the quality like?
The quality of the images is excellent.
How easy is it to use?
The NexPress is different from other machines we have and I have had to learn and develop my skills as the main operator of the machine - so it has been a challenge.
How much time or money has it saved?
It has reduced the cost of plates and provides us with another option for clients when we are bidding for work.
Has it won you any new work?
Not specifically, but I expect that it will.
Would you say that it offers value for money?
The quality of the work that it produces is exceptional and as this seems to be the direction the market is moving into then yes, it is a good investment.
Were there any difficulties experienced during the installation or after?
I wasn't here during installation of the press, but I believe that everything went smoothly. It was great to come back and have it ready to go.
What about the pre- and after-sale service?
After-sales service has been very good and Kodak has been quick to resolve any problems.
Under what circumstances would you buy another?
I would buy another tomorrow as long as it wasn't me who was paying for it!
CONCLUSION
User’s verdict
Speed 3/5
Quality 5/5
Reliability 4/5
Value for money 4/5
Supplier’s response
Stephen Palmer, managing director at Kodak reseller Infotec UK, says: The NexPress 2100 has a good offset type quality and is an ideal application for Paragon. Previously, they had a roll-fed machine, but they’ve found that since they’ve installed the cut-sheet NexPress, they have made savings on paper. The press is suited to a number of markets where there is a demand for short- to medium-run work incorporating variable data.
Price From £300,000
Contact Infotec UK 01189 032000
