Independent metal decorator Cyril Luff Metal Decorators has upgraded its CTP and workflow to boost its quality and production efficiency.

Established in 1979, the Cwmbran, South Wales-based business was purchased in 2019 by former employee James Hill and his wife Celine and since then it has seen considerable investment, including the decision to upgrade its existing VLF platesetter.

Caldicot, Monmouthshire-based supplier International Graphic Supplies (IGS) proposed a refurbished Screen Ultima PT-R-16000 and Xitron Harlequin RIP-based workflow upgrade.

The installation took place in October, and Hill said it became immediately apparent that the investment was going to pay dividends.

“Our first job after the installation was six plates which we produced in 15 minutes; this would have taken over one hour on the old system.

“If we analyse labour costs alone, we are saving in the region of £20 a plate. More importantly it is the simplicity, accuracy, and reliability of the final products that from a user perspective provides huge confidence and improves our planning dramatically.

“It also uses less power, is more ecological friendly which helps not just the company, but the industry reputation amongst increasing ‘green’ supporters and the environment in general.”

Cyril Luff service delivery manager Bill Duncan added: “We are seeing significant reduction in makeready times on our Crabtree presses and are delighted with the increased quality being achieved due to on-board plate register punching supplied with the new CTP.

“This new investment combined with our print expertise not only ensures that we stay at the top of our sector, but more importantly, we are able to meet and, indeed, exceed clients’ expectations.”

IGS managing director Peter Flynn said he was “very pleased” that the company was enjoying the many benefits of moving to the new CTP.

“And the Xitron Harlequin RIP upgrade allows Luffs to meet the new PDF 2.0 specification. It ensures interpretation of PDF 2.0 job files, taking advantage of new feature support such as page-level output profiles, black point compensation, and spectrally defined spot colour values. It also offers enhanced support for transparencies.”