A new dimension for Surrey Uni

The University of Surrey’s inplant department is one of the most advanced in terms of digital print technology in the country. It operates not the newest Kodak Nexpress colour digital presses and is a keen to use the machines to their full potential.

Over the years the University has worked with Infotec, now part of Ricoh, to ensure that its fleet of printers and software is up to date and it was Ricoh, as a European reseller of the Nexpress that has supplied the latest machine. This is the Nexpress S2500 which has been upgraded from an earlier version and which has also included Kodak’s Dimensional Printing application. This is a means of creating a raised image to provide texture to a document by using a clear toner on the machine’s fifth printing unit. As well as producing interesting effects for marketing purposes, the effect is also impossible to replicate on copiers and other printers so will act also as a security device.

Gary Ive, print manager at the University of Surrey, says: “The investment in the Dimensional printing system is what we have been looking for to add value and support the changing needs of the University. This is all part of an ongoing strategy to build our print business on best-in-class technology. Dimensional printing gives our products a new look and unique, distinctive feel. Our designers have already prepared a brochure using Dimensional Printing, which we are now using as a marketing tool to demonstrate the dramatic visual impact that can be created using this solution.”

This has no fears for Ive and the team. The department already produces personalised prospectuses for undergraduate applicants to the University of Surrey using the Nexpress. Each is personalized according to the courses requested. They are printed on-demand using the valuable data capability of the Nexpress, the can be updated weekly to include the names of visiting lecturers, forthcoming events, celebrity speakers and associated charities and societies’ activities.

The inplant operation has switched entirely to digital production because the quality from the Nexpress and its versatility means there is no need to retain litho presses. As well as the Nexpress S2500 it operates the Nexpress glossing station, a Ricoh Pro C900 colour press and Ricoh mono presses. Stephen Palmer, Ricoh UK director of production print says: “Ricoh via Infotec has been working with the University of Surrey for a number of years to develop and extend theur in-house print shop with workflow, equipment and services. The installation of the Dimensional Printing system and upgrade of the Nexpress is proof positibe of the benefits of our strategic relationship with Kodak’s unique cutting edge technology will take the University’s products and services into a new sphere.”

Ive agrees: “The Nexpress stands way out against the competition because it can print all types of work. With its variable data capabilities and its superior quality, it has now replaced all of our litho machines. We’ve created a hub and no longer have to outsource some of the jobs. And Dimensional Printing has taken us into a another league.”

The hub puts printing alongside design and the marketing department on the campus in Guildford. From here it serves the printing needs of the University’s four faculties. Ive continues: “For example if one faculty is holding an open day, we can support them by discussing print and design costs. Our team will discuss the option of creating a unique design based on the University’s branding which can then be cost effectively printed on the Nexpress across multiple substrates on flyers, leaflets invitations and both A2 and A3 posters. It is now University policy that any print orders have to come through us. This ensures that we can maintain the University of Surrey branding and excellent print quality.”

Dimensional Printing will be used on a number of the products the inplant produces, including the all-important graduation certificates. Other work includes reports and accounts, course books, university maps, working for the library and restaurants and the sports centre. This is on its way to becoming part of the new Surrey Sports Park, a multi million pound project that will have training facilities for many sports and is being recognised as a training camp for the 2012 Olympic games. Gary Ive anticipates that this will generate a significant amount of work for the University. “We are looking at expanding the print shop to meet the potential demand,” he says. “It’s very satisfying to know that we will be able to say ‘yes’ to every job.”