Stephens & George has bought four alpha.f fine filtration systems through its consumables supplier Total Print Supplies (TPS), part of PaperCo and Robert Horne, which recently became an outlet for technotrans’ pressroom products.

Paul Enoch, production manager of Stephens & George, says: “We invested in these filtration systems, one for each of our four Speedmaster XL 105 long perfectors, to give consistent, optimum quality dampening water. The usual dampening solution replacement intervals are considerably extended and the cleaning procedures minimised. This results in maximum press operating efficiency, minimal downtime and therefore reduced operating costs. It creates the right conditions for IPA reduced printing and reduces the cost of consumables, such as filters and fount solution.

“Before installing them the main and reserve tanks would be cleaned out weekly and across the four presses that meant about three or four hours maintenance per press each week.”

The filters for each unit cost about £300 but they have a longer life than other filters on the market. This filter replacement is carried out every four to six months, depending on press productivity. The payback on the capital and consumables cost will be extremely quick for Stephens & George who also like the quality benefits and the reduction in waste disposal, an environmental bonus.

It has recently attained Heidelberg ISO 12647 colour certification and having precise process control helps them ensure the ink-water balance is consistent for optimum results. The alpha.f is one of a family of filtration systems manufactured by technotrans, each product tailored to different print formats, volumes and budgets.