Konica Minolta bizhub Pro C5501
Geoff Hall, Dpi Print managing director, explains how the his Pro C5501 can efficiently produce short runs for its small-format work, finds Tim Sheahan
Describe your business
We are unusual in that we are a high-quality superwide printer, which has migrated into small-format.
What does the machine do?
It prints up to A3 and 500 copies remarkably well and economically.
Why did you choose this particular machine?
It’s a real workhorse and not an office photocopier. No other machines in the market got close to this one.
Why did you make the purchase?
We recently installed a Presstek 52 DI that covers 500 to 50,000 sheets. The bizhub fills the 1-500-run space very well.
What features do you particularly like?
The press gives full FM (stochastic) matching quality and covers for the Presstek DI, which has the FM option fitted.
Is there anything that you wish it had that it doesn’t?
I don’t understand why Konica Minolta has to use a Fiery RIP unit. This is the only weak point of the machine and it isn’t of their doing. For the next model, they should bring this in-house.
How fast is it?
At 60 pages a minute, it gets through the smaller jobs with no problems.
How reliable is it?
We’ve not had any reliability problems.
What’s the quality like?
It’s as close a match for a litho machine as is available anywhere today.
How easy is it to use?
Very – and we love it.
How much time or money has it saved?
We ran a 20,000 mixed black-and-white and colour site manual for a major engineering company as a demonstration before the purchase. The job was delivered before schedule.
Has it won you any new work?
We are now approved suppliers for the engineering firm and when a customer needs 40 billboards, 100 four-sheets and 300 A3s, the Konica Minolta wins the job.
Would you say that it offers value for money?
Yes, definitely. No other machines in this sector can compare in my opinion.
Were there any difficulties experienced during the installation or after?
We are used to installing Turbo Jets or 5m-wide machines, so this, in comparison, was effortless.
What about the pre- and after-sale service?
We never see the sales team, which is my preference. When I need another machine they will be top of the list but right now we are busy printing.
Who do you think the machine is right for?
If no one else buys one that will suit me fine.
Conclusion
User’s verdict
Speed 5/5
Quality 5/5
Reliability 5/5
Value for money 5/5
Supplier’s response
Gerry Mulvaney, graphics and production systems division managing director at equipment reseller Danwood, says: Having a dedicated production support team and ensuring that their skills are maintained to the highest level is a key part of our strategy to develop the production print business. Our engineers are trained by the manufacturers alongside their own staff and our pre-sales and post-sales team have a lot of industry experience. Dpi Print is a very good example of us using this experience and expertise.
Price From £53,000
Contact Danwood 01522 882288,
