The XO system, retrofitted by Baldwin Technology in June, uses UV to heatlessly cure any substrate. It enables WPG to finish work faster and with sharper colour definition, as well as reducing the risk of marking.
The used eight-colour Lithrone S29 press, supplied by West Park Graphic Equipment, was installed at the end of last year. It replaced two other Komoris at the firm’s base in Welshpool, mid-Wales, and was bought with the XO upgrade in mind.
“When we bought the press in November, it was always with the intention to retrofit the curing system,” said managing director Paul Jones. “We took some time to let the press settle in, but once we were happy, we set a date with AMS Baldwin and they came through to install it.
“After that, we were up and running within a week and seeing some excellent results. The system is brilliant – a real game-changer that gives us a unique, fighting edge in the market.
“Now jobs can be finished straight off the press and go straight out the door – reducing turnaround times and making our customers happy in the process.”
Komori’s Lithrone S29 has a maximum printing area of 520x740mm and is designed for short runs with quicker turnaround at a maximum speed of 16,000sph.
It runs at WPG’s 1,860sqm premises alongside a Kodak NexPress and a portfolio of finishing equipment that includes lamination, stitching, folding, guillotining and perfect binding.
Alongside its commercial print headquarters, it offers wide-format print and mailing services – added following the acquisition of NRG Direct Mail, Shrewsbury, in 2015. Across the group, WPG employs 53 members of staff.
