Globe News
DynaGraphics switches to Heidelberg digital printing systems

After exclusively using other manufacturers’ equipment for its offset and digital printing, Reno, Nev.-based DynaGraphics recently switched to Heidelberg technology by installing new Versafire EV and Versafire EP digital printing systems, which are both powered by Heidelberg’s Prinect Digital Front End (DFE).

The family-owned DynaGraphics serves a variety of industries, including gaming/casinos, healthcare, specialty manufacturing and real estate. DynaGraphics says that although all of its clients have high standards, printing for the gaming industry can be “particularly stressful, as every job produced must be perfect”.

“Their livelihood relies on us printing their materials correctly – especially in today’s harsh COVID-19 environment,” said Cindy Mason, DynaGraphics’ CEO.

The Versafire EP prints at 4,800 x 2,400 dpi with a new toner formula, which DynaGraphics says exceeds the expectations of its customers while running at speeds of up to 135 letter sheets per minute.

“We used other digital presses for almost 20 years because the quality they produced was unparalleled. But over time, the cost of production on those machines got to be too high, and we couldn’t be competitive printing with them,” said Mason. “While I was initially attracted to the Versafires because of their incredible price, when I saw the quality of the prints coming off of them, I knew it was time to make a change.”

DynaGraphics installed both Versafire machines at the end of 2019. The Versafire EP, which can print on up to 24 pt. board and various types of substrates, has provided the opportunity for more applications that were not possible on DynaGraphics’ older presses. In particular, the EP is printing on a variety of synthetics, including a recent variable data job of 13,000 sheets for a local college.

In order to process these jobs, DynaGraphics is using the Prinect DFE. It uses Heidelberg’s colour management and renderers (both tried and tested in offset printing) to enable print production to be automated and standardized for efficiency and faster job flow.

The five-colour Versafire EV is also powered by Prinect DFE. The EV offers reliable production with perfecting on up to 27.5” substrates at speeds of up to 95 letter pages per minute. In addition to CMYK standard jobs, the engine expands the gamut with five-colour rendering and can print embellishments with the fifth colour options, which include white, clear varnish, neon yellow, neon pink and new invisible red. Although the most-used options are white and clear varnish, Mason says that having this option provides a good competitive advantage in the market.

Although there was an initial problem with one of the Versafires, Heidelberg took immediate action to replace the machine.

“Problems happen; it’s a fact of life, but the measure of a good relationship isn’t necessarily when things are going well, it is when they aren’t. Heidelberg never faltered to resolve our issues and ensure our machines were printing to both our company’s and our clients’ high standards,” said Mason.

Heidelberg has also been providing a high level of support on an ongoing basis. “Whenever we have a question, we call Heidelberg, and they are able to quickly help us through the issue; their team is tremendous. Our whole experience has been first-class. We will definitely consider them for future investments,” added Mason.