In the north of the Fine City of Norwich, Colour Print is meticulously - and very effectively - challenging the notion that printers just put ink on paper. This is a company that relishes a challenge and enjoys finding innovative ways to meet complex briefs, showing the customer exactly what can be done with some imagination, creativity, and the right tools for the job.
Managing Director, Ric Martin's office is a treasure trove of prototypes, many of which have been digitally cut with the company's new Duplo PFI Blade B2+ Digital Cutting Table purchased through First Copy. From playing cards to craft kits, Valentine's sweet boxes to greetings cards, it's an inspirational space showing what's possible with a strong mix of digital, litho and finishing.
Established in 1992, Colour Print describes itself as a specialist printing company operating in a broad range of sectors, delivering print solutions that help clients generate sales and recognition. Colour Print showcases the diversity of print in 2024 through its combination of print technology and services. The internet is full of blog posts that set digital print against offset, but here is a successful business demonstrating how the two can complement each other. With a litho powerhouse downstairs for longer runs, Colour Print also has the ability to turn around shorter jobs more quickly on its digital press and digital cutter upstairs. The strength of its inventory positions Colour Print well to tackle an enormous range of work.
Ric Martyn said about working with First Copy, “We’ve been partners for many years. Our company's back catalogue includes a Xerox Colour 560, a J75, two D Series machines and, more recently, a Versant 180.” The latest Xerox investment is a Versant 280 with EX Fiery RIP, Vacuum Feeder, Interface Decurler Module (IDM) and Production Ready (PR) Finisher (with booklet maker). Ric continues, “After looking at a few other manufacturers, the reliability of our previous press, which was a real workhorse, was a key factor in purchasing the new Versant 280. What's more, welcome changes to the specs on the 280 (including the vacuum feeder for improved registration and long sheet/XLS jobs, and an increase in paper weight to 400 gsm) made a strong case.”
Laurie Ryan, Production Specialist at First Copy said, “The quality of the Versant 280 is such that there is little difference between digital and litho work. Digital print is very well suited to short-run print, and the increase to 400 gsm makes more short-run packaging and thicker business cards particular opportunities. Another selling point of the V280 is its adaptability. The team at Colour Print knows that they could put vivid or metallic toners into the device in future if they wish. Finally, upgrading to the newest Versant version meant minimal training needs, and the team and the press were up and running in no time. The team can also now change the 2nd BTR themselves if necessary.”
With the choice of press being Xerox, remaining with First Copy meant a continuation of the service Colour Print has been pleased to receive, including quick response times from our helpdesk and expertise from our in-house analyst Richard, and, of course, an ongoing relationship with both Paul Maslen and Laurie Ryan who have worked with the team for many years.
Ric Martyn continues by talking about the purchase of the Duplo B2 cutting table. “Running alongside the new Versant, the two machines make a formidable partnership with digital prints coming straight off the Versant and into the digital cutting table. My team can turn around prototypes much more quickly and affordably for our customers. The Blade is suited to short-run packaging, bespoke personalised gifts, kiss-cut stickers, and a wide variety of other applications. We have been very impressed with the capabilities of the Blade when it comes to making stickers, with incredible precision on the kiss cuts.”
“Where businesses are reluctant or unable to fund large runs on traditional die cutters and creasers, having the Blade makes it possible for Colour Print to quickly turn around professional quality folders, cards and takeaway boxes within the customer's budget,” says Lyle Rainey, Regional Sales Manager for Duplo UK. “The Blade comes into its own for prototyping, allowing designers to request a small number of 3D packaging materials at an affordable price point - a tactile experience for the end customer to see precisely how their product could look.” With Duplo’s own 3D connect software with its library of materials and quick start guides, working from the QR code and reg marks, the Blade 'reads' the design for registration purposes and makes intricate cuts, perforations and creases, accurately and consistently.
Ric concludes, “I watched as the team printed a digital image, bonded it to a carton board and then set the cutting table to cut out a jigsaw puzzle. It was a rectangle this time, but it could have been a heart or any other shape a customer desired. Finally, the team packaged the puzzle with love into a hessian bag, ready to travel in style to its new home. The whole process demonstrated in real-time the thought and attention to detail that goes into each of our jobs. I'm excited to see the team market their products in new ways and across new channels - including our new Instagram, launched this week.”
Ric Martyn, Managing Director of Colour Print
Colour Print operator with their new PFI Blade B2
