Xerox iGen4 Exp

Dhwanil Shah of Manifold Graphics, says this machine’s larger print size has boosted his company’s productivity by 50% and cut costs by 20%.

16 May 2013 | By PrintWeek India

Xerox iGen4 Exp

Describe your company?
Manifold Graphics is a pre-press bureau since 2002, the year in which it also diversified into digital printing with the installation of the Xerox DC 12. The Mumbai-based company operates from Shah & Nahar Industrial estate in Lower Parel and is housed in a 1,300 sq/ft plant. The iGen4 Exp was installed in January, last year and prints two-lakh A3 sheets per month.

The company has also invested in a DC 8080 to support on-demand print orders, when the iGen4 Exp is busy. We have also equipped ourselves with finishing capabilities and VDP software like Darwin Pro and Directtype, in order to offer finished products to our clients. With inclusion of the new DC 8080, Manifold is now capable of producing 50,000 A3 size sheets per day.

What does the machine do?

iGen4 is capable of short-run, on demand printing. It can print on a wide array of paper stocks including coated, uncoated, textured, smooth, and specialty; and the largest cut-sheet size caters perfectly to our large size requirements.

Why did you choose this particular machine?

We had a specific need for a machine which caters to our size requirements and vibrant image quality. The 14.33x 26 inch size offered is one of the largest among digital presses.

Did you look at any other similar machine?

No. The Xerox iGen4 had the exact size and quality we required.

Why did you make the purchase?

We were impressed with the image quality, automation and productivity. The iGen4’s ability to print a larger sheet size has provided us with a broader array of products that cannot be delivered on other cut-sheet digital presses. It has allowed us to get more units out, which is always a major cost-savings advantage for our clients.

How fast is it?

It prints up to 110ipm for A4 to 40ipm for 14.33x 26 inch. With it we have been able to churn out more number of prints with consistent quality.

What’s the quality like?

It offers a variety of line screens of 150, 175, 200, or 300 lpi. The quality of the prints produced is commendable.

How reliable is it?

The excellence of the print engine is one element that defines our success in the marketplace. The iGen4, according to us, is most reliable in terms of quality consistency.

How easy is it to use?

A single person can easily manage the machine.

Has it won you any new work?

Like I mentioned, the iGen has definitely helped us to differentiate ourselves in a busy marketplace. The technology has definitely helped us grow in terms of volumes and customer base.

How much time or money has it saved?

It has boosted our productivity by 50% and cutting costs by 20%.

Would you say that it offers value for money?

Yes. Its size flexibility and stable quality is certainly value for money.

Were there any difficulties experienced during the installation or after?

Xerox is a great partner and the after-sales services provided by the company ensured that we sailed smoothly.

What about the pre- and after-sales service?

The service support from Xerox has been excellent.

Who do you think the machine is right for?

Anyone in the short run, on-demand book printing business should look at investing in this machine.

Under what circumstances would you invest in another?

One always has plans of expansion. We would definitely look into another iGen when we feel the time is right.