February  15 2008 - For Lee Hayden and Mark McDonagh of Abstract Display & Graphics, the decision to invest in a UV-curable printer was based on a need to enhance existing production capabilities and to keep abreast of the growing demand for more environmentally-friendly printed output. After considerable research, the company opted for an Agfa Anapurna M which was supplied by sole UK distributor, B&P Graphic Systems, to complement its existing aqueous- and solvent-based machines.

Hayden first looked at UV-curable flat-bed machines at Sign UK back in 2006 but none of the printers available at that time met the criteria he was seeking. "Unless you had a lot of money to spend, there was a huge compromise on quality and speed, and I didn't feel the time was right for me to invest." Having waited a further twelve months, he visited the same show last year and opted without further hesitation for the Agfa Anapurna M which he believed matched his production needs perfectly.

"There were several lower cost, entry-level products on offer and I investigated the advantages and disadvantages of all of them," says Hayden. "Although my initial requirement was for a flat-bed printer, the attraction of having the capability to output roll-fed graphics was also important. The Agfa Anapurna M was demonstrated in production on B&P's stand at the show, and that was enough to convince me I was making the right decision."

Abstract Display & Graphics is based in King's Norton, Birmingham and is a relatively new company although Hayden has more than 18 years of experience in the industry. His business started in 2006 with a Uniform Grenadier print-and-cut solvent-based system, an HP Designjet 5000 aqueous-based printer and a Uniform Guardsman laminator, all of which were supplied and installed by B&P Graphic Systems.

The decision to invest in a wide-format UV-curable printer was a logical step for Hayden, and he thoroughly investigated all the options on the market before making his choice. The Agfa Anapurna M gave him all the facilities he needed, with its 1440 dpi resolution, high quality results across all materials, plus excellent reliability.

"Additionally, its price put it ahead of the competition," states McDonagh. "For a small company which needs a fast return on its investment, I'm convinced that the Anapurna is excellent value for money. Knowing that it's manufactured by Agfa, which is such a well-known and respected name throughout the graphics industry, is another 'comfort factor'."

The work produced by Abstract Display & Graphics covers a broad range of applications across a growing client base, and the company has made a name for itself by producing high standards to tight deadlines and at competitive prices. The Agfa Anapurna M is now used for the production of pop-ups, exhibition stands and graphics, banners and signs. Additionally, it is proving its worth for producing hoardings and complements the existing jobs Abstract Display & Graphics outputs on its Uniform Grenadier, such as vehicle liveries.

The high standards of output available on the Agfa Anapurna M also mean that Abstract is able to produce framed canvas prints, and he believes this is a truly versatile printer which excels with small text sizes and solid colours as well as fine, photographic quality. Many of the jobs formerly produced on the Uniform Grenadier and HP Designjet 5000 can now be handled by the Anapurna which is added proof of its flexibility across coated and uncoated materials, complemented by the excellent durability of its inks.

"Investing in UV-curable ink technology has been a major step for my company," Hayden states. "However, whilst many businesses were rushing out and buying the first machines in this sector to come onto the market, I decided to wait and make sure I was selecting a reliable printer with good service and support. This proved to be the right decision for me as the Anapurna M fulfils all my requirements – and more."

The Agfa Anapurna M, driven by the Uniform Troop! RIP, was installed at Abstract Display & Graphics last autumn and its arrival was timed perfectly to coincide with a major order received by the company. Because of its ease of use and minimal learning curve, the printer was able to be put into production immediately. Hayden has also been impressed by its low maintenance and cheap running costs and, with the market and end customers increasingly moving across to UV-curable production, he's pleased that performance is complemented by environmental benefits.

The very keenly priced Agfa Anapurna M was introduced during 2007 and is an industrial-strength 1.6 m wide ink-jet printer whose dedicated six-colour UV-curable inks are formulated to produce high quality results on coated and uncoated rigid and roll-fed materials. Borderless printing saves on both time and materials, and its 14 picolitre piezo drop-on-demand print-heads enable the machine to produce sharp text, even in very small sizes, as well as fine detail and strong, vivid solid colours.

Service levels and maintenance are kept low with user-changeable UV lamps enhances the Anapurna M's robust design. Not normally found on lower cost flat-bed printers but featured in this machine include an automatic print-head height detector, level detection with visible and audible warnings when inks are running low and full- and half-power UV curing lamps.

"The Agfa Anapurna M suits my business requirements perfectly and enables me to continue my strong working relationship with all those involved at B&P Graphic Systems who have looked after me since I started Abstract Display & Graphics," concludes Hayden. "I needed a machine which is going to last, and which will help me move into the future as well as produce what's needed now. Thanks to Agfa and B&P, I have the perfect solution."

For further information on Abstract Display & Graphics contact Lee Hayden or Mark McDonagh on 0121-486 3782 or e-mail [email protected]. More details on the Agfa Anapurna M are available from Andrew Wilson at B&P Graphic Systems on 01932 568555, e-mail [email protected]