Durst has named ArtSystems as the UK and Ireland partner for the Vanguard range of large format inkjet presses. Durst acquired the US manufacturer two years ago to complement its own high end printers.
ArtSystems will manage a dealer network in the UK and will operate a demonstration machine at premises in Nottingham. ArtSystems is already UK distributor for Epson and HP printers and Summa cutting tables as well as a wide range of materials and other consumables.
Technical director Mark Lambert says: “Our long experience in the field in which Vanguard operates has enabled us to build a highly motivated channel of reseller partners, which we feel certain will translate to a highly successful Vanguard channel. We invest heavily in pre sales consultancy, technical support, and both reseller and user training. This will support the new Vanguard resellers to enable them to put this superb range of printers in front of their customers with total confidence.”
The range of six flatbed printers range from the 60m2/hr VR5D-E entry level flatbed to the 270m2/hr VK300D-HS. The figures relate to dual printed arrays running in what Vanguard calls production mode. There is a single 3.2 metre roll to roll machine.
Following the acquisition by Durst, Vanguard established a European operations close to the group head office in Brixen, Italy. Now with the appointment of a distribution agreement, Durst is starting to expand the route to market for the products. Managing director UK&I Peter Bray says: “We are delighted to have a partner with such a strong service and support background. ArtSystems has been established for many years and has an unrivalled knowledge within the markets in which they will distribute and service the Vanguard products.”
The move to make Vanguard products easier to access in Europe has been announced at Drupa where Durst named the P5 500 LED as its first 5.25 metre superwide. This is based on the existing P5 range which gains Double 4 technology. This adds a second set of printheads to double productivity on the P5 350/HS and P5 210/HS models.
The superwide machine offers four additional ink channels to the standard four-colour process set to be used for light colours, white or clear. It can accommodate three rolls of media and print on both sides with precise front to back registration, says Durst.
Head of product management Andrea Riccardi says that the company is on target for delivery of the first units in the final quarter if the year. “The field test has been extremely successful,” he says.
