Offset Printing
Hampton Printing adds third Speedmaster XL 105
Monday 28. March 2011 - Hampton Printing has taken delivery of its third Speedmaster XL 105. Like its previous presses, the configuration chosen is a six-colour with a dedicated anilox inline coater, ideal for the quality requirements of its customers.
This time round, however, it includes Inpress Control, providing greater automated colour and register adjustment – not only during makeready but also maintaining the proper settings throughout the entire production run.
“We need to maintain the top quality standards that we have built our reputation on, and whilst this innovation will help us do this it also minimises make ready and production waste, making it a machine that fits in with our strong environmental ethos. We know that XL 105 technology is reliable and that its high output suits our requirements and the response expectations of our customers. Its arrival will form an integral part of our closed loop set-up and complement the performance of the other two XL presses,” says Chris Cooper, managing director of Hampton Printing.
The Bristol company was the first in the UK to attain Heidelbergs ISO 12647 certification, a scheme liked as it provides practical ways in which to interpret the standard so that the company and its customers can have absolute confidence in the consistency of its colour.
It is a business which retains a pristine air-conditioned pressroom and has always operated strict procedures to ensure cleanliness and press maintenance and the XL 105 press Cooper says has a “reasonably low maintenance cost”.
“As a management team we evaluated the various press formats and were approached by another supplier with a proposal for converting us from an all Heidelberg house. But these days printers need to work in partnership with a supplier and to have an on-going relationship if they are to benefit from all the supporting services aside from the technology. In this respect Heidelberg is unmatched so we continue with them. We have a highly skilled and committed workforce who are familiar with Heidelberg technology, and are really excited about embracing the new innovations,” says Mr Cooper.
The new press will run 16 hours a day, five days a week and with the option to move to 24 hours as required. The company is currently operating around the clock and the new press with its high output will be a welcome addition to the line up.