US printer DynaGraphics invests in Versafire digital printing systems from Heidelberg
Reno-based DynaGraphics is the largest commercial printer in Northern Nevada, USA. The company has now switched from the competition in the field of digital printing technology and invested for the first time in the Heidelberg Versafire EV & EP digital printing systems from Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg). Both machines are equipped with the latest generation of Heidelberg Prinect Digital Front End (DFE).
High-quality production, competitive prices
DynaGraphics serves a variety of industries and companies, including casinos, healthcare and real estate. Although all customers have high quality standards, printing for casino companies is particularly demanding, as every job produced must be absolutely perfect. According to DynaGraphics CEO, Cindy Mason, the livelihoods of these customers in particular depend on "us printing their materials flawlessly – especially given the harsh COVID 19 situation.” With a print resolution of 4,800 x 2,400 dpi, a speed of up to 135 pages per minute and a new toner formula, the Versafire EP even exceeds the demanding expectations of DynaGraphics' customers.
"We have been using other digital printing systems for almost 20 years because their quality has been unsurpassed. But over time, the production costs on these machines became too high and we could no longer print competitively with them. Although I was initially attracted to Heidelberg Versafire systems for their excellent price/performance ratio, I knew when I saw the quality of the prints that it was time for a change," says Mason.
Both Heidelberg Versafires were installed by the end of 2019 and are running at full speed. The Versafire EP prints at up to 24 pt. carton and various types of substrates, opening up new applications for DynaGraphics that were not possible on their older presses. In particular, the EP prints jobs on a variety of plastics, including recently a 13,000 page variable data job for a local university.
To handle this type of demanding jobs, DynaGraphics uses Heidelberg Prinect DFE. The Prinect DFE uses Heidelberg's color management and renderers, both of which have a proven track record in offset printing, to automate or standardize print production for greater efficiency, greater transparency and faster job flow.
The 5-color Heidelberg Versafire EV, also equipped with Prinect DFE, offers DynaGraphics reliable production with perfecting on up to 27.5" substrates at speeds of up to 95 pages per minute. In addition to standard CMYK jobs, the system expands the color gamut and can print embellishments with the fifth color option, which includes white, clear coat, neon yellow, neon pink and the new special effect invisible red. DynaGraphics is primarily taking advantage of the white and clear coat printing capabilities of Versafire EV, and recognizes this option as a significant competitive advantage in the marketplace.
Heidelberg - synonymous with quality
Although DynaGraphic has not previously used Heidelberg offset presses, Mason says the "Heidelberg" brand played an important role in the investment decision in the digital sector. According to Mason, "The Heidelberg name is synonymous with quality. I trust Heidelberg's years of experience in commercial printing - the company knows our business and knows what we need".
And even in the event of a malfunction, Heidelberg is there to help immediately.
"Problems happen; but the measure of a good relationship is not necessarily when things are going well, but when things are not going so well. Heidelberg always sets about solving a problem immediately and ensures that our machines meet the high quality standards of both our company and our customers".
DynaGraphics is impressed with Heidelberg's support from the time of purchase, through installation and training, to ongoing support. "Whenever we have a question, Heidelberg is able to help us solve the problem quickly; the team is great. All our experience is first class. We will therefore consider Heidelberg for future investments," says Mason.