As an experienced user of wide-format printing technology for the past 16 years, Andy Wilson of Press On Digital Imaging has grown accustomed to the idiosyncrasies of his fleet of machines and what to do when they go wrong. An admitted sceptic of extended warranty and maintenance schemes on his current range of equipment, the unbiased breakdown and technical advice service his company receives from Tech8 is exactly what he requires.

Press On Digital Imaging was formed ten years ago when managing director, Wilson, and colleague Nigel Webster decided to merge their combined experience and form a specialist wide-format production business concentrating on a broad range of interior and exterior applications. With the emphasis on speed and quality, the company discovered during the years since it evolved that service calls and maintenance contracts were proving costly, time-consuming and poor value for money.

"We know our machines well and, whilst much of that is down to experience, it's common-sense and not rocket science which can fix most problems and get our printers back up-and-running quickly," states Wilson. "I make no bones about the fact that we use after market inks in all of our printers. This goes against the service and breakdown policies made by manufacturers as we've decided not to be coerced into using their products simply because a maintenance contract decrees that we must."

The Tech8 service philosophy gives Press On Digital Imaging exactly what it wants in terms of maintenance and calls-out, with the guarantee of knowledgeable engineers and sensibly priced parts. Wilson changed to using third party inks because, not only are they priced competitively, he actually gets far better quality from his printers as a result.

"Crucially, by using Tech8, people get an unbiased assessment of the problem," Wilson continues. "If the ink is the cause of the fault, the engineer will tell you; if the machine has a known generic problem with its heads, you'll get an honest appraisal because the company is not under any obligation to protect the interests of the original manufacturer."

Although the warranty and breakdown specialist provides full cover for print companies that prefer this approach, it also handles ad hoc assistance and repairs when they're needed. As well as providing visits at short notice when required, comprehensive telephone support can often cure problems, thus saving both time and costs for everyone involved.

"We recently needed an urgent service call because we thought we had a print-head problem in one of our machines and it was difficult to ascertain where the fault lay. It might have been the head itself or an anomaly with the ink," explains Wilson. "The Tech8 engineer arrived promptly, sorted out the fault having explained what had happened, and our machine was back in service again straightaway – and the cost of the repair was minimal."

Wilson believes strongly that, for many display producers, there is too much reliance on maintenance contracts which are expensive and often tend to involve delays which are detrimental to print companies. "Once a manufacturer's warranty has expired, Tech8 can take over with cover for most wide-format printers. Or, if you have the confidence, you can simply use its service on a 'when needed' basis, as we do.

"Calculating the money Press On Digital Imaging has saved since adopting Tech8's service, if and when we need it, the sums are staggering," Wilson concludes. "We would never consider entering into an extended warranty agreement with a manufacturer when we know that, if we need help, this enterprising breakdown specialist will fix all of our machine problems."

Press On Digital Imaging has a range of roll-fed and flat-bed printers, producing jobs ranging from hoardings and outdoor advertising displays and banners, vehicle graphics and building wraps, down to interior applications, exhibition stands and glazing graphics. The company is based in Rochester, Kent, and provides fast turn-round often on a same-day basis.

Tech8's comprehensive breakdown cover includes a tailored range of service programmes or ad hoc options, with a standard eight-hour on-site response time. The company keeps a full inventory of spares in stock and, as well as repairs and support, can also offer ICC profiling for most RIPs and provides installation and training on common hardware and software.