Joint MDs at Quantum, Giles Foden (L) and Peter Thomas with the DYSS digital cutter

 

Midlands outfit Quantum Print & Packaging has installed a DYSS digital cutter from AG/CAD to produce small runs cost effectively without the add-on of cutting formes.

Traditionally a B1 litho printer and packaging specialist, Quantum has diversified into small format (SRA3) digital work with the purchase of a Ricoh C9100 digital press, followed by the and the DYSS digital cutter. The step into fast turnaround multiple printed sample production left the previous KM Kasemake sample cutter (supplied by AG/CAD in 2008) struggling to keep pace with increasing demand for samples and cutting jobs. 

‘The older machine was suitable for prototypes and quantities up to say 20-off, but higher quantities were not economical,’ explained Peter Thomas, Quantum Print & Packaging joint managing director. ‘The original machine was a lot larger, whereas the new DYSS has a 1 m by 1.3 m bed that is much more suited to our B1 format and also the fast turnaround of SRA3 work.

‘With its high downforce giving excellent creasing and superior quality cutting, as well as fast throughput, the new DYSS is perfect for packaging materials like box board,’ he added. 

‘Additionally, the K-CUT Vision system on the DYSS enables us to precisely cut and crease several digitally printed sheets all laid out on the bed at the same time, even if they are not all the same design,’ Mr Thomas continued. ‘We print registration marks on jobs and the K-CUT Vision system will locate each sheet and adjust each cut path independently to ensure remarkably precise cutting. This minimises set-up times and speeds up production and makes the new DYSS perfect for digital work.’

‘The DYSS gives us a price-point that is attractive for new customers aiming, at least initially, for small production quantities and samples,’ said Giles Foden, joint managing director. ‘Since having the DYSS, we are converting more of our internet enquiries into business.

‘The DYSS combined with the Ricoh gives our customers the option of bringing their packaging ideas to life before committing to a full production run,’ added Mr Foden. ‘Furthermore, the 3D Kasemake CAD suite is something we will explore further as we become more familiar with the system.’