Paul Mongoven, Owner, TPM Graphics with Heidelberg Versafire EP

Kennesaw, Ga. – TPM Graphics, a full-service commercial printer in Arlington Heights, IL, recently installed a new Versafire EP with Prinect Digital Front End (DFE) – making it the third-generation digital print engine the company has purchased from Heidelberg. The EP, which was installed alongside another five-color Versafire model, will produce short-run jobs for the healthcare and insurance industries. With the capabilities of the newest generation of Versafire and Prinect DFE, TPM Graphics is set to expand its digital print opportunities for its customers in the near future.

“A Quantum Leap in Quality”

Started in 1985, TPM Graphics is a company that takes pride in always “keeping its word to the customer” and meeting its deadlines. “Even in today’s high-tech world,” said Owner Paul Mongoven, “our word is something that our customers really value and why they keep coming back.” To aid in meeting its goals, TPM Graphics has turned to Heidelberg digital print products since 2013. The company, who estimates about 30% of its print volume is digital, first started in digital printing over 10 years ago with a different vendor, but the relationship did not last. According to Mongoven, “When Heidelberg introduced its new digital products, it just made sense to turn to a company who is much more experienced in publishing and production printing.”

Now on its third-generation Heidelberg digital press, TPM Graphics has been impressed by the increase in print quality since upgrading to the Versafire EP. “We’ve seen a huge improvement in the uniformity of the screens – halftone and continuous,” said Mongoven. “The EP is a quantum leap in quality.” With sheet sizes up to 13” x 27.5”, the Versafire EP is ideal for many of the short-run, six-page jobs the company historically had to run offset due to sheet size. Additionally, TPM Graphics is excited about the extended substrate range of the new machine, which can print on materials from 35 lb. text to 24 pt. board, including synthetics. According to Mongoven, “We’re just exploring the new capabilities of this machine. We’re excited to see how being able to print on thicker substrates and plastics will help us grow in the future.”

Single Source Accountability

While TPM Graphics is reaping the benefits of the newest Versafire, the company is also pleased with the “beefier RIP” of the Prinect DFE, which enables automated and standardized print production for excellent efficiency, greater transparency, and faster job flow. Faster processing speeds means the company is now actively exploring how to produce its direct mail pieces on the Versafire EP. In need of additional information on this process, Mongoven gave Heidelberg a call, and “in a matter of days, a specialist was brought in to help us get started with mailings on the Versafire.” The Prinect DFE also uses the same color management as TPM Graphics’ Heidelberg Speedmaster presses, which helps when the company needs to run jobs for the same customer on both machines. “It’s a great sales tool for us,” said Mongoven.

No stranger to Heidelberg technology, TPM Graphics also boasts a Suprasetter CtP, two Speedmaster SM 74 presses, POLAR cutters, a Stahlfolder, Prinect workflow, and is a Saphira Consumables user. “We’re very Heidelberg from front to back,” said Mongoven. “This is part of our strategy as a company and very intentional.” With single source accountability from one vendor, Mongoven says everything works together well and if any problems do arise, “there’s no finger pointing.” TPM Graphics prides itself on keeping its word to its customers – something that the company also looks to in its supplier relationships. “With Heidelberg, there’s always someone that we can reach out to, and we get quick and professional responses.”