United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, 31st July 2023 – 4edge, a market leader in high quality, digital short-run book printing, has recently invested in Canon’s varioPRINT iX technology to keep pace with high customer demands. Over the years, 4edge has invested in a VarioPRINT C8000 colour toner as well as three VarioPRINT mono devices – 6200 Ultra, 6250 Ultra and the recently acquired 6220 Titan to drive additional colour capacity and for the continuous use of its existing Canon Titan systems for mono production.
Established in 2003 in Hockley, Essex, 4edge works with publishers of all sizes across the UK. It has built a reputation for providing superior production services at competitive rates, priding itself in its flexibility to meet customers’ preferred specifications. With a perfect binding system, 4edge’s expertise spans across all types of book printing; paperback, hardback books, as well as journals.
As a Canon customer for 16 years, 4edge already enjoyed the high quality and unmatched reliability of Canon’s technology and was looking to further strengthen its printing fleet through the purchase of the varioPRINT iX. The move by 4edge was significant in the company’s desire to be seen as a pioneer within the book publishing industry.
Throughout the process, cost efficiency remained a crucial consideration in the decision-making process. The device appealed because it offered an attractive total cost of operation and high automation capabilities, meaning minimal operator intervention was needed. Since using the varioPRINT iX, 4edge has been able to save approximately 5% on cost of consumables and quadrupled the colour production capacity with no additional staff requirements.
Speed was another key consideration. It needed a device that could keep up with customer demand for short runs and on demand printing, while also maintaining high quality precision and performance. With the ability to deliver more than 9,000 SRA3 images per hour or 320 A4 ipm, the varioPRINT iX not only allows the business to keep on top of ongoing customer requirements, but also gives 4edge the capacity to onboard new business.
David Button, Managing Director at 4edge said: “We’re already seeing major business benefits from the varioPRINT iX device, including reduced costs and more efficient productivity. Canon’s advanced technology will be crucial for our future, enabling us to keep on top of the ever-evolving needs and demands of our customers. The team has been extremely helpful throughout the instalment process, and we’re excited to see our already solid relationship with them grow even stronger.”
Stuart Rising, Head of Commercial Print at Canon UK & Ireland, commented: “We’re very pleased to continue supporting 4edge as their business needs evolve. As one of our valued customers in the book production space, we know their business well and are delighted they’re getting the most out of our latest technology. The varioPRINT iX will be an invaluable addition to its printing ecosystem, equipping the business with the tools it needs to continue making bold strides as a leader in the industry.”