Grafiche Antiga, a renowned printing house based in Treviso, Italy, has established itself as a leading producer of print and 3D point-of-sale materials for high-end brands such as Bulgari, Versace, Ralph Lauren, and Michael Kors. Founded in 1968 by the Antiga brothers—Silvio, Franco, Carlo, and Mario—the company now employs around 200 people across six sites in northern Italy, with its headquarters and primary production facility located in Treviso, near Venice.
Amos Michielin, Grafiche Antiga’s Press Manager, oversees all print production at the Treviso plant. He emphasizes the company’s commitment to meeting the demanding needs of its luxury clients by staying at the forefront of printing technology. This drive for innovation led Grafiche Antiga to adopt UV LED curing technology, which has enabled the company to achieve results that were previously unattainable. Michielin highlights the versatility of UV LED curing, which allows Grafiche Antiga to print on a wide range of materials, including natural papers, laminated papers, and PVC, with high gloss varnish and precise color reproduction. This capability ensures that the company can handle any project its clients require.
Sustainability is another critical factor in Grafiche Antiga’s adoption of UV LED technology. Unlike conventional mercury arc UV systems, UV LED curing significantly reduces environmental impact by eliminating ozone emissions and lowering energy consumption. Michielin notes that this aligns with the growing demand for environmentally friendly practices among their clients. Additionally, the reduced energy consumption of UV LED systems allows for a quick return on investment, making it a financially sound choice for the company.
After extensive research into UV LED curing systems, Michielin chose GEW as Grafiche Antiga’s UV supplier. Introduced to GEW through Fornietic, its exclusive distributor in Italy, Michielin visited GEW’s headquarters in London to assess the company’s operations. Impressed by GEW’s organization, facilities, and team, Michielin felt confident in his decision. GEW worked closely with Koenig & Bauer, the manufacturer of Grafiche Antiga’s new Rapida 105-5+C press, to ensure seamless integration of the UV LED system. This collaboration resulted in a highly versatile setup, with five UV LED lamps—three in the delivery unit and two inter-deck lamps—that can be quickly repositioned to accommodate different printing requirements. Michielin praises the system’s simplicity and reliability, noting that it has significantly reduced production downtime and improved print quality.
The immediate drying of sheets with UV LED curing ensures sharper images and more vibrant colors, particularly on uncoated papers. This eliminates the need for spray powder, reducing quality issues and creating a cleaner working environment. Michielin contrasts this with the challenges posed by traditional UV arc systems, which required long start-up and cooldown times, leading to production delays. With UV LED, Grafiche Antiga has experienced no machine downtime, as the system can be turned on and off instantly, greatly enhancing productivity.
Grafiche Antiga benefits from comprehensive technical support provided by GEW and Fornietic, including remote monitoring of the UV system and monthly productivity reports. Although Michielin has not yet needed to call on this support, he appreciates the rapid response capabilities of Fornietic, which can provide on-site assistance within hours if needed.
In conclusion, Michielin views GEW not just as a supplier but as a trusted partner in Grafiche Antiga’s pursuit of excellence in printing. The partnership has enabled the company to meet the high demands of its luxury clients while embracing sustainable and innovative printing practices. Grafiche Antiga’s investment in UV LED technology exemplifies its commitment to staying ahead in the competitive world of high-end printing.
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