Installed over the summer, both machines have proved themselves already by dramatically increasing the run lengths Duraweld can produce in-house.
The Arizona 1380 GT, a 1.25x2.5m UV flatbed that can reach up to 51sqm/hr, replaced one of Duraweld’s two older Arizona 480 GTs. With the new printer in place, the firm has effectively doubled its potential run lengths, according to Lee Embleton, the company’s office manager.
“We have the capability to print jobs in-house that we used to have to shop out,” he explained.
“We used to be comfortable printing runs of about 500 in-house, but with the new printer we’ve been able to double that – and in some cases, double it again.
“It really helps bring our costs down, keeping more work in-house, and helps us offer the best price.”
The new Samed Darix Turbo has also given the firm a major production boost: previously, Duraweld had relied on a stable of four manual paper-over-board machines.
The Darix Turbo, which operates automatically in conjunction with the four other machines, has opened up run lengths significantly, with one recent job running 350,000 covers through the machine.
“Without the [Darix Turbo], we would never have been able to hit that lead time the customer wanted,” Embleton said.
“And because we can print the sheets in-house, and have our own laminator, we can keep a paper-over-board job in-house from start to finish.”
Overall, the machines involved an investment of around £83,000.
Stuart Carter, Duraweld’s general manager, said: “Only by investing in the best and latest technology are we able to keep up with our customers' high demands.
“Duraweld have been working with Canon for over 15 years: the [Arizona] 1380 GT is cementing that relationship for years to come.”
Duraweld employs around 60 staff at its Scarborough manufacturing site, with a handful of other staff spread across London and Bradford.
