Chippenham-based Image Factory has installed a HP Scitex FB7600 less than year since installing a FB7500. The new machine will enable the company to continue the migration of POS/POP and other graphic displays from screen to digital.
In October 2011, when HP launched the FB7600 press, it also made an optional Upgrade Kit available to HP Scitex FB7500 Industrial Press users, which Image Factory installed. Image Factory has added the optional HP Scitex FB7500/FB7600 White Ink Kit to one of its presses and can use HP FB225 White Scitex Ink on the full range of substrates.
“The addition of the white ink was part of the process to phase out screen printing,” said Tim Boore, head of digital technologies, Image Factory. “The results are excellent and it is far more cost-effective. The ability to print white really puts the last nail in the coffin for screen as far as we’re concerned. We will retain our last screen line for one- and two-colour jobs and special projects requiring metallic inks, but our normal work is going to be digital.
“The speed and capacity of these printers has enabled us to shut down one of our three screen printing lines, and when we’ve completed the options and upgrades, we’ll be able to shut down a second.”
While the market remains challenging, Boore feels that Image Factory is well positioned. “Using our MIS system we have been monitoring our press speeds, ink, and material use and production throughput carefully,” he said. “The presses are performing at the levels promised by HP, and our customers have been impressed with the improvements in print quality and speed of delivery.”