Accent takes new Matrix for 'extra touch of glitz'

Accent Commercial Resources has invested in a Vivid Matrix MX-530s laminator which brings the firm’s foil-blocking capabilities in-house for the first time.

The new unit was installed at Accent’s 190sqm Derby premises in late December and replaced a Foliant model. It was supplied by Document Network Services (DNS) and cost £18,500.

Commercial printer Accent will use the Matrix for high-end applications including menus, brochure covers and table place settings, with a focus on shorter runs and fast turnarounds. It also comes with variable foiling capabilities that the firm will use to add value to its clients’ work.

Director Rhydian Pile said: “We have always bought our films and foils from Vivid and so it did make sense to take the Matrix when we were looking to upgrade and get everything from one shop.

“This way, we get all their support and technical knowhow, as well as benefiting from their regular work to bring out new, innovative foils – they are quite pioneering with that. We can also be confident that all the consumables we use have been fully tested.

“It opens up opportunities to our clients in short-run foiling that can just add that extra touch of glitz, while it also improves our productivity.”

The Vivid Matrix MX-530s pneumatic laminator can work at production speeds up to 2,500sph at sizes up to B2. Variable foiling capabilities allow for personalisation on digitally-printed products. The machine was brought to Accent’s attention during an open day at DNS’s Derby showroom.

It joins Accent’s full portfolio of finishing kit which includes wire-binding, coil binding and booklet making. According to Pile, plans are currently afoot for the firm to invest in tabletop die-cutting, which is currently outsourced, and large-format this year.

Accent Commercial Resources runs a Xerox Versant digital press and employs five full-time workers. It is “on target” for £500,000 turnover in 2019.