FastAnt, has become the first UK Printer to upgrade to a HP Scitex FB7600 digital flatbed press and include the Multi-Functional Varnish system.

FastAnt constitutes one third of the Taylor Bloxham Group. They specialise in point of sale, digital print and fulfilment. The upgrade for the HP Scitex FB7600 includes an image quality update which has seen FastAnt's most popular printing mode increase its productivity by nearly 30%. This has introduced the ability to reproduce crystal clear four point text which is ideal for technical specifications and barcodes.

The additional benefit of the software upgrade is the Multi-Functional Varnish system, allowing FastAnt to introduce a number of unique finishes and effects. FastAnt's customers are delighted by the improved quality and further finishes that are now available to them.

A spot varnish can be applied to add unique visual effects or decoration to images. It is cured to produce either a matt, satin or gloss effect on the printed imagery.

The varnish is integrated into the printing process and the 100% accurate registration means there is no requirement for bleed, giving superior results to offline varnish.

Up to five layers of the varnish can be applied to create an embossed effect. This is achieved directly from the press resulting in increased accuracy and efficiency by reducing the amount of handling required post-press.

The upgrade enables the property of the ink to be enhanced by using one of the spare ink channels, combining the varnish with ink drops to create a metallic finish. The spot varnish can be used functionally to create "windows" in the varnish to assist when gluing FSDU's or add protection to the base of units by adding a layer of varnish to provide protection from ground moisture.

FastAnt Managing Director, Matthew Wennington describes the importance of the HP Scitex press and the upgrade to the company:

'Since venturing into point of sales just over three years ago, we have seen the turnover of FastAnt increase in this sector from zero to ?4.5m. Along with our retail design studio "Instore", the Scitex has been an important part of this growth and the quality print we are producing from this device will now have the added benefit of varnish and 3D embossing, which is an application our customers are keen to introduce on their products.'

FastAnt are proud to be the first to upgrade their HP Scitex digital press, radically benefiting its efficiency and versatility.