Print and design company, Lola Print, have pointed to the installation of a Duplo DC-618 slitter cutter creaser as increasing its speed and capacity
Reading-based print and design company, Lola Print, has reportedly increased its capacity and transformed its operations through the installation of a Duplo DC-618 multi finisher.
According to Lola, the investment has brought enhanced productivity and accuracy to its card production.
The DC-618 is a fully-automated slitter cutter creaser, designed as an all-in-one finishing solution which meets the needs of modern digital printers. It offers the ability to perform up to six slits, 30 cuts, and 20 creases in a single pass.
Lola points towards the multitasking capabilities of the machine as being a core reason behind the purchase.
Steve Enright, production manager at Lola Print, explains: “While the DC-618 didn’t replace any existing equipment, it has revolutionised our workflow.
“It’s pretty much made the guillotine and hand creaser redundant and enabled true multitasking. You don’t have to stand and watch the machine. If there is a problem, the machine stops. Usually, the bin is full as it has been so busy.”
The multi finisher also comes with a built-in CCD scanner that can recall any job stored in its memory by reading the barcode or registration.
Speaking of the DC-618’s scanning functions, Enright continues: "Accuracy is very important. To be able to use the barcode and reg mark for accuracy and then hit the button and go and do something else, it has freed up so much time.”
Enright reportedly saw a similar model in action when working in Australia, saying that the purchase "was a no-brainer". He previously worked as a proprietor for Byford Print and a print production officer for City of Armadale, both based in Perth.
The decision by Lola to invest in the DC-618 follows a change of ownership in May 2024, when chairman Brad Bray and director John Pike took over the business from previous owners, Anna Croucher and Tony da Franca.
In a statement at the time of the change in ownership, Lola commented that they “are committed to upholding the same level of excellence and service that you have come to expect.”
Speaking following the purchase of the Duplo machine, Brad Bray, chairman of Lola Print, says: "We hoped to achieve more productivity and accuracy by limiting more manual tasks with the automation and impositions available on the DC-618. We have been able to fulfil this hope.
“The DC-618 has a learning curve like any new device but is a simple device to use and set up. Its ease of use is a stand out feature.
"Since its installation, the DC-618 has not only boosted productivity but also freed up staff to focus on other important tasks. This upgrade positions Lola Print to handle growing demand, explore new markets, and continue delivering exceptional results for our customers.”
