Empress Litho distinguishes itself in the competitive London market as a specialist sheet-fed litho printer. Their focus is on high-end, creative work that digital alternatives cannot replicate. To support this demand for specialized print, the company recently upgraded its prepress capabilities with the installation of a new ECO3 Avalon C platesetter using chem-free Adamas plates.
This investment was driven by a need for greater autonomy and operational efficiency. The Avalon C, together with the Adamas chem-free plates, delivers a speed of 24 plates per hour. The combination with the multi-loader keeps production moving smoothly while also handling slip sheets in an optimized manner.
Crucially, the new setup aligns with Empress Litho's sustainability goals. The Adamas plate replaces chemistry with a gumming solution and the associated Adamas clean-out unit optimizes the usage of that gum, reducing waste and environmental impact. The automation features also allow for flexible production schedules, a necessity for a busy commercial printer. David May, Managing Director of Empress Litho, explains the operational benefit:
We wanted a machine that was as autonomous as possible with a considerable number of plates in it. It can be left to run overnight. We can work it remotely.
A partnership built on innovation and trust
The relationship between Empress Litho and ECO3 extends back to 1998. This long-term collaboration has been vital as the printer has grown and adapted to new technologies. A prime example of this collaborative problem-solving occurred when Empress Litho converted a Heidelberg Speedmaster for LED UV printing. Initially, the company faced significant challenges with plate damping and premature wear. By working closely with ECO3, they identified Adamas plates as the ideal solution. They allow Empress Litho to achieve up to 250,000 impressions from a single set of plates, ensuring consistency and productivity.
Beyond hardware, the software integration has proven equally seamless. The company upgraded to Apogee version 14 alongside the hardware installation. Because the Avalon is designed to communicate perfectly with Apogee, the transition was smooth, minimizing downtime and "teething problems" often associated with major upgrades. Scott Spurway, Studio Manager of Empress Litho, notes:
The partnership with ECO3 has happened since '98. We've built such a good relationship in that time because they've been there as we've grown.
Stability in a changing market
In an industry where suppliers frequently merge or disappear, Empress Litho values the stability and reliability that ECO3 provides. The ability to rely on a single partner for plates, CTP hardware, and workflow software ensures that Empress Litho can focus on its core business: delivering exceptional print products to its clients. This enduring partnership is based on mutual success and a shared commitment to quality and sustainability. David May concludes:
There's a great deal of value to me in working collaboratively to make sure that we both do well out of it. It's not about the cheapest price, it's about people feeling that they've been dealt with fairly and they've paid a fair price.
Avalon 8-up platesetters
From entry-level platesetters to high-end computer-to-plate (CtP) engines – the Avalon 8-up series of thermal platesetters for commercial printing has a best-in-class solution in store for every need.
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Adamas
A robust pre-heat-free, chem-free printing plate with outstanding performance for demanding commercial, packaging and newspaper printing applications.
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Apogee
Innovate, interact, and optimize. That’s the Apogee workflow software philosophy with which you stay ahead of the competition. Because quality and efficiency can never be rated too high in the printing business.
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