QuadTech integrates color, waste and register control to optimize web offset press efficiency

Sussex, Wiscounsin – Commercial printer and print management provider Gask & Hawley (Manchester, UK), is adding QuadTech press controls for register, ribbon and color control to its new Goss M-600. Offering automated, in-line print quality assurance for optimal performance of the M-600’s production capabilities, the QuadTech systems will minimize errors and defective copy while maintaining color consistency—dramatically reducing waste.

Dave Hatton, Managing Director of G&H comments, “We are always looking to improve the efficiency of our existing workflow and invest in new equipment and systems that integrate processes and maximize the accuracy of our output. Now, having considered all of the options, we are very much looking forward to how the new M-600 and QuadTech press controls will transform our productivity.”

G&H was the first business in the UK to purchase a 16-page, 4-color, Goss M-600 web offset press with in-line Kodak Prosper 4-color inkjet heads for personalization—perfect for its core business of regular high volume print runs where each copy is unique. Running alongside its sheetfed presses, this installation increases capacity and productivity throughout the company.

The QuadTech installation includes a comprehensive and integrated arrangement, which includes the QuadTech® Register Guidance System with MultiCam®, QuadTech Ribbon Control System with MultiCam® and QuadTech Color Control System, managed through the QuadTech® ICON™ platform. Working from a centralized station, these products are ideal for today’s pressroom to meet tighter margins and just-in-time deliveries by reducing makeready and waste.

Recovery from web-tension upsets is controlled by QuadTech’s Ribbon Control System and Register Guidance System with MultiCam®. The Register Guidance System is a closed-loop color-to-color, circumferential and lateral control system that will minimize errors and reduce waste by identifying marks as small as 0.36 mm (0.014 in) and perfecting print register at full press speeds. This is complemented by the Ribbon Control System for unmatched print-to-cut and print-to-fold register quality that enables print-to-slitter stability and minimizes cutoff.

In turn, the QuadTech Color Control System automatically adjusts color throughout the run, providing real-time information of color accuracy. Job setup is also simplified with the ability to save pre-set parameters for repeat jobs through the ICON platform.

Stewart Dyer, QuadTech UK Sales Manager says, “We are delighted to work with G&H. The company’s drive for press uptime and streamlined efficiency is exactly what our products can offer, as well as a reduction in waste and guaranteed high quality output. Our equipment for web applications complements Goss presses well, with a robust design ensuring optimal performance and minimal downtime for G&H.”

Operating since 1969, G&H offers a broad spectrum of services to its clients from the Manchester facility, including HP Indigo digital, Heidelberg sheetfed and Goss web offset printing, which are supported by the company’s in-house departments offering Marketing; Digital Asset Management; Web-To-Print services; Print Management; Distribution and IT Software solutions.