Roland 706LV

Swapan Chakraborty, technical director at Mumbai-based Orient Press has won new work thanks to the speed and flexibility of this UV press.

09 May 2013 | By PrintWeek India

What does the machine do?
The Manroland 706LV is a six-colour plus coater press with three online UV drying facilities. 

Why did you choose this particular machine?
It is simple to operate and the modular programme allowed us to select specific areas for our specialist business.
 
Did you look at any other similar machines?
Yes, we checked everything and were very impressed with several companies. However, the flexibility and modular approach of Manroland really did knock out the competition.
 
What features do you particularly like?
Feeder, ink and coater management system.
 
Is there anything that you dislike?
That it requires constant attention.
 
Is there anything that you wish it had that it doesn’t?
I would like to have this machine with in-built densitometer system to measure colour value of printed sheet.
 
How fast is it?
We can run paper and card at optimum speeds of 16,000 sheets per hour and it regularly performs at that level.
 
How reliable is it?
Very good.
 
What’s the quality like?
Excellent. We have been delighted with the quality of work produced by the machine
 
How easy is it to use?
Simple and operator friendly. We needed to get the grips of the system, and the mindset that this facility demands, but other than that it is fairly straightforward for us.
 
How much time or money has it saved?
Putting that into financial terms is difficult, but the performance figures that we generated on the machine do highlight that the machine operates 40% faster than other machines. We have saved 10% in production time. 
 
Would you say that it offers value for money?
Yes, it provides value for money with respect to productivity and quality of printed sheet. We have recently moved to 24-hour production with the machine. These advances are just some of the factors that affect the overall value for money equation. 

Has it won you any new work? 
Undoubtedly. It has taken us to another level in terms of our capacity and performance. We have added two new customers. We are now able to quote competitively on work and we are able to gain work from the lower level of the present machine format.
 
Were there any difficulties experienced during the installation or after?
It was bound to provide a few teething troubles. But then any new press installation has those. 
 
What about the pre and after-sale service?    
Manroland’s service has been excellent. 
 
Who do you think the machine is right for?
The machine is right for any commercial and packaging printer printing on all kinds of surfaces and looking to make money.
 
Under what circumstances would you buy another?
Once we load this machine 110% with its production capacity, we may go for the next one.

Conclusion
User’s verdict
Speed 4/4
Quality 4/4
Reliability 4/4
Value for money 4/4