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Bristol-based gravure cylinder engraver Apex Cylinders has diversified into the packaging proofing market with a new company, Studio404. A Roland VersaUV LEC-330 powered by EFI's Fiery XF production software were chosen for the venture.

"The whole idea behind Studio404 was to move forward with people who need production based solutions," explains Allan Bendall, technical director, Apex Cylinders.

"We have the expertise to convert creative vision into production ready mock-ups, and we needed the right system for producing packaging prototypes, and now we can show them a true representation of their finished jobs."

The combination of the Roland VersaUV and Fiery software enabled prototypes to be printed onto the media to used for the final gravure, offset or flexo print output, including onto thin and sensitive materials thanks to the low temperatures used with UV-curing. The printer also features opaque white and clear varnish, and can produce gloss and matte finishes on 'virtually all materials'.

EFI's Fiery XF v4.5 works with the printer to provide 'efficient digital set-up and workflow to complement existing wet proofing capabilities', says the company.

Both technology investments were recommended to Apex Cylinders by supplier Avon Graphics.