Typecraft, the Cheltenham-based print service provider, has installed an Agfa Anapurna H2500i LED from wide-format specialist i-Sub Digital.

The new machine has replaced a previous Agfa model which Typecraft inherited following its takeover of fellow Cheltenham business Mark Latchford Screenprint back in 2017. The company decided to upgrade after realising that the new technology in the Agfa Anapurna H2500i LED would allow it to offer a wider range of applications to its customers, whilst also increasing its speed and productivity.

Beyond its speed, Typecraft’s new machine is able to print at speeds of up to 115sqm/hr in Draft Mode, the hybrid UV LED-curable inkjet printer boasts a printing width of 2.5m and can produce both indoor and outdoor applications. Its six-colour plus white ink set is suitable for both rigid and flexible wide-format jobs and its white ink function also creates possibilities for printing on transparent material for backlit applications or for printing white as a spot colour.

Typecraft made the decision to invest after taking a trip to Agfa’s HQ in Belgium to see the technology in action. Sales and production director Matt Magovern explained, ‘It was extremely beneficial and interesting to see the substance behind the Agfa brand. The Agfa HQ is a large operation and as a customer it is important to know and understand what the manufacturer is about. To see the scale and detail of the company first-hand during the visit was invaluable.

‘We were shown all of their different systems in the range as well as their inks and the processes behind them. There was plenty of printing taking place, so we got a chance to examine the sort of work the H2500i LED could produce.’

The machine itself was installed toward the end of last year and has now been up and running for almost two months. Mr Magovern says that he is more than happy with the way things have gone since it arrived, ‘Day to day we use it to print onto Foamex, vinyl, paper, acrylic and various other different materials,’ he added. ‘It was key for us to make the move to the LED machine; we don’t have to wait for the lamps to warm up as LED lamps are ready instantly. The speed really is the key difference for us; the quality is undoubtedly superior to what we were working with before, but the speed alone is gaining us two hours of production time per day.’

Emma Plant, sales director at i-Sub, added, ‘We were delighted that Typecraft trusted i-Sub to work with them and guide them to the best solution for their new UV printer requirements. We have built a strong relationship with Typecraft over the past five years. They have full confidence in our knowledge and guidance, and this gave them the peace of mind that the Agfa was again the right choice to progress their business and offer a wider portfolio of applications to their growing customer base.’