When Danny and Richard Frayne of Exeter-based QuickPrint SW accepted an invitation from Avon Graphic Technologies to an open day at Roland DG's new Creative Centre in Clevedon, they were so impressed they made the instant decision to invest in a new wide-format printer. Eager to explore the opportunities that Roland could offer, and following a comprehensive demonstration of the VersaCAMM VS-640 print-and-cut solution with metallic and white inks, they placed an order on the spot for this machine.

A long established print company, QuickPrint SW has nearly reached its half century, having been founded back in 1961 and remaining a family business since it started. Originally concentrating on offset litho production, as trends and technologies changed so the company has extended its services, broadening its portfolio of capabilities with continual, shrewd investment into the latest equipment.

Already highly regarded by its customers as a supplier of small- and wide-format digital services as well as litho jobs covering all types of application, QuickPrint has moved forward from traditional commercial print, offering sublimation for promotional and garment production, plus displays, canvases and CAD/GIS applications. Recognising the added value of being able to offer contour cut signs, displays and labels which include metallic and white elements, the VersaCAMM VS-640 with its generous 1.62m width, renowned Eco-Sol Max inks and compact foot-print was an instant choice.

For Roland partner, Avon Graphic Technologies, the invitation to the manufacturer's newly opened Creative Centre attracted a surprisingly high number of interested customers. Originally estimating there might be a dozen companies wanting to attend, the 30 acceptances included Danny and Richard Frayne from QuickPrint SW who admitted that it was a last minute decision, but one they certainly haven't regretted.

"The moment we saw the Roland VersaCAMM VS-640 put through its paces, we knew this was the machine we needed to move QuickPrint SW forward in the market-place," states Danny Frayne. "We put our order in with Duncan Macdonald of Avon Graphics on the spot - and, since the delivery of the system, we haven't looked back."

QuickPrint SW's increasing demand from its growing customer base for wide-format production necessitated more durable output for greater diversity of end applications. Additionally, the exacting tolerances of the integrated cutting system in the VS-640 means that the company can now produce labels, stickers and decals. Using the variable data element in Roland VersaWorks production software, which is included with all its printers, jobs can even contain customised text and graphics as part of a production run.

Duncan Macdonald, sales manager of Avon Graphics, comments: "QuickPrint SW is a great example of a former litho specialist which has made the transition successfully into wide-format print. Using the combination of careful investment, experience and forethought, and establishing where new market opportunities lie, shows how well the addition of the VersaCAMM VS-640 will benefit its existing customers and attract new clients.

"Increasingly, commercial printers investing in wide-format want versatility as well as size and this is proving to be the case with customers moving into digital proofing, prototyping and label production," continues Macdonald. "Producing larger applications is only one part of the picture. A growing number of businesses now seek a single machine to produce a diverse range of end jobs, and Roland's ink-jet solutions are classic examples of how this can be achieved in return for a low investment cost."

"The VS-640 has opened brand new avenues for us, and currently we're using it to print banners, industrial and commercial labels and other applications, such as window graphics," confirms Danny Frayne. "It's allowed a large number of jobs to be brought in-house which, formerly, we had to out-source. This not only speeds up turn-round times but also gives us absolute control over all aspects of an order."

The Roland VersaCAMM VS-640 is the widest model in its series of four machines, all of which are available with a choice of ink configuration, including dual CMYK and a six-colour palette as well as the option with metallic and white. Its print-and-cut capabilities enable the system to be utilised for step-and-repeat and nested labels which can be output precisely in a single workflow operation.

Designed to be a cost-effective but tough, compact integrated print-and-cut solution, the VersaCAMM VS series also features Roland OnSupport online diagnostics. This enables users to run jobs unattended knowing that they will be notified automatically via e-mail when an application is finished or if the machine needs attention, such as when it is running low on ink.

Danny and Richard Frayne confirm that they're looking forward to returning to Roland's Creative Centre for a special presentation on the new options available to them with their VersaCAMM VS-640. For Avon Graphics, QuickPrint SW has proved to be an excellent example of a business which recognised immediately the potential inherent in the machine even though, as Macdonald admits, it is still rare for a company to sign an order within minutes of viewing a unit for the very first time.