In 2017 Flexpress took a leap and became the first UK printer to purchase a DuSense sensory coater. Fast forward three years and they have yet again beaten everyone to the punch by purchasing the first UK DuSense Digi Foiler. Flexpress now have the capability to add 3D foiling to their range of services that they provide for a number of products that include business cards, greetings and postcards, invitations, and boxes along with folders and flyer.
The Digi Foiler, which uses the Qsleek technology has been especially designed to add foil to the spot UV laid down by the DuSense sensory coater. This brings the wow factor to any design and offers the next level in premium applications. The Duplo Digi Foil uses an induction heating process inside the roller making it one of the most advanced heating systems available on the market. The roller surface is continuously measured and the heating tubes ensure that the heat is uniform across the roller and is always at the optimum temperature. The Roller itself is comprised of a silicon compound rubber that has been designed to follow the contours of the coated effect, bringing a much higher accuracy than many other competing machines. Special highly elastic foils have been tested and are used to avoid cracking on the surface to ensure a smooth and even covering.
Steve Wenlock, Managing Director says, “Flexpress have never shied away from new technology, in fact we embrace it as it gives us an edge over competition and allows us to give a much wider range of services to our customers. The application of this new raised foil technique gives beautiful results and I was excited at the potential that it could give – we already foil, but this is new, and I expect our customers to be bowled over by it. The Digi Foiler itself is a remarkably simple machine to operate and setup and training was even more so. Duplo pulled out all the stops to make sure we got what we wanted, we tested it, ran demonstrations, product samples and even a flyer to advertise it to our own customers before we even installed it.”
Mitch Ball, Regional Sales Manager for Duplo said, “I loved showing off the Digi Foil to Steve, it’s a perfect fit and compliments the DuSense and Flexpress’ commitment to quality and excellence. It’s hard trying to get a UK first into a printer since it’s more of a beta site than anything else, but we knew Flexpress would be able to fly with it. I’ve known Steve and the team at Flexpress for years and it’s always remarkable how forward thinking they are. Always trying the latest technologies and pushing the manufacturers to be better, to do better. The effect that the combination of the DuSense and the Digi Foiler are absolutely epic and create a lasting impression, coupled with Steve’s innate ability to sell print to the trade, I have no doubt he’s going to be able to make his production floor even more profitable. I just can’t wait to see what he’s going to do next!”
Flexpress are a specialist trade printer with a multitude of Duplo finishing equipment and a mix of both Litho, digital and large-format presses from manufacturers including RMGT, HP and Canon. Installed in their 800sqm factory the Digi Foil joins the DuSense. Steve continues “Adding foil to DuSense not only creates a spectacular looking and tactile effect but unlike regular digital foiling can be run in hairline registration making previously impossible-to-foil jobs now possible. It’s a major differentiator and sets us apart from all other UK printers. Embellishment is important for us as it lets us get creative with the customers and really add value to their print. Being the first with any machine is never a problem as Duplo support is now on hand to help with any ongoing issues. As a service that further enhances our DuSense we knew Duplo had put a lot of R&D into getting the process right. Consequently, we felt Duplo was the right company to move forward with. The machine has enabled us to offer clients something new to enhance their print and we’re expecting it will open doors into some new clients.”
