What does the machine do?
It’s a high-performance press that prints all our digital work extremely reliably.
Why did you choose this particular machine?
For a number of reasons including speed, quality, cost and the many different stocks it can handle. The environmental benefits were a big plus for us; this is the only machine, which has a carbon-positive footprint. Another benefit is that this is the perfect machine for short-run book work.
Did you look at any other similar machines?
Yes, we considered a Canon IR 125 (we were replacing a Canon IR 110), the Xerox Nuvera 120 and Konica Minolta Bizhub 1050. But the Océ is something else; nothing in mono can touch this machine at the moment, in my opinion.
Why did you make the purchase?
Our core business involves the production of all forms of documentation and requires a fast turnaround. This state-of-the-art high-volume printing system meets our high standards and, in addition, it has proven environmental benefits. We also needed the increased capacity to cope with our growing workload.
What features do you particularly like?
There is hardly any noise from the machine, which makes for a more pleasant working environment. It also requires very little maintenance.
Is there anything that you wish it had that it doesn’t?
It’s really a back-handed compliment, but our production manager Chris Bentall says it could do with a larger toner reservoir. Because the machine is so fast it uses up the toner quickly so we keep having to refill it.
How fast is it?
The equivalent of 150 A4 pages per minute – based on four pages of A4 duplex product printed simultaneously.
How reliable is it?
It has proven to be extremely reliable. And if there is ever a problem, we know Océ engineers are only a phone call away.
What’s the quality like?
It’s perfect every time. Nearly all of our customers have had something printed on this new machine.
How easy is it to use?
There wasn’t much training needed. It has a touch screen and the interface is intuitive and easy to use and that makes it extremely user-friendly. All our production staff were able to make the transition across from our old system very quickly and with no fuss at all.
Has it won you any new work?
Yes, without a doubt, thanks to its green credentials. One of our clients, a training company, won a substantial contract on the basis that they were using an environmentally friendly printing company and recycled stocks.
Were there any difficulties experienced during installation?
None. It went like a dream. On the day of installation we had the old printer out by 8.30am and the VarioPrint, which is 20ft long, was up and running by 4pm.
What about the pre and after-sale service?
I can’t fault that either. Our Océ account manager stays in touch on a weekly basis at least, and the back-up service is second-to-none.
Who do you think the machine is right for?
This is perfect for short-run printing, particularly in the book market, which is a fast-growing sector. The VarioPrint means customers can forget mass marketing, and concentrate instead on customisation and specific targeting at the touch of a button.
CONCLUSION
User’s verdict
Speed 4/5
Quality 5/5
Reliability 5/5
Value for money 4/5
Supplier’s Response
Steve Wilson, director of Océ UK’s production printing division, says: We always welcome feedback from our customers. The VarioPrint 6100 series has helped companies grow their own businesses because of its green credentials and this is exactly why we launched the Carbon Positive Plus scheme in the first place. We’re aware that the machine is something of a victim of its own success, in that it’s so fast that the toner bottles have to be refilled perhaps more often than other machines in order to keep up. I’m sure that the provision of a larger toner reserve is something that our specialists will be working on for the future.
Price
On application
Read the original article at www.printweek.com.
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