University print team selects latest-generation finishing system following the ICPA Conference to incrin-house Print & Crease capacity, reduce turnaround times and strengthen its production workflow.
The University of Sheffield has invested in the first UK installation of the new Multigraf CF-375 XPRO from Duplo, helping its eative Services team streamline production, improve finishing quality and increase capacity during its busiest periods.
The purchase was made at the In-house Creative and Print Alliance (ICPA) Conference in Glasgow in June 2026, where the team had the opportunity to explore the latest developments in print and finishing technology.
The new CF-375 XPRO was installed in July 2026 and is the first model supplied in the UK since production of the latest-generation system moved to Duplo Japan.
University of Sheffield - CF-375 XPRO
The University’s Print & Creative Services team serves internal academic departments, professional services, the Students’ Union and external partners. Its workload includes high-volume student recruitment materials, research reports, event and conference programmes, booklets, greeting cards, laminated menus, leaflets and bespoke marketing collateral.
Operating across two locations with a team of 14, the University's Print & Creative Services team supports print production across the entire University.
Why did the University need a new creasing and folding solution?
The CF-375 XPRO replaced an older and slower finishing setup that required creasing and folding to be completed in separate passes. Michelle Barraclough, Print Operations Manager at the University of Sheffield, said “Our previous finishing setup required separate passes for creasing and folding, creating a bottleneck on heavier or laminated stocks. This was particularly restrictive when the team was processing digitally printed or laminated work, where maintaining a high-quality finish without cracking was essential.”
Why was the Multigraf CF-375 XPRO chosen?
The University selected the CF-375 XPRO because it provided the right combination of flexibility, compact design, automation and heavy-stock capability. “The Multigraf CF-375 offered the ideal combination of flexibility, footprint and heavy-stock handling, up to 400gsm. Its ability to handle single and double-sided laminated digital prints while maintaining a fast 6,000 sheet-per-hour speed was a major selling point for our diverse print workload.”
How has the machine improved production?
Richard Watkiss runs the training session for the NEW CF-375 XPRO
"The CF-375 XPRO has already helped us reduce production time and remove a significant finishing bottleneck," said Michelle. "It has improved production by performing high-speed creasing and folding in a single pass, without cracking digital toner or laminated stocks, it has reduced turnaround times dramatically. The automated setup and patented Swing Bar technology mean job setup takes seconds rather than minutes."
Increasing capacity during peak academic periods
“Our aim is to increase our in-house capacity and reduce job lead times during peak academic periods, such as Graduation, Clearing and Conference season. Bringing faster, higher-quality creasing and folding in-house reduces outsourcing costs and gives us complete quality control. It has streamlined our finishing workflow, improved output consistency and allowed us to comfortably meet tight turnaround deadlines without stress or bottlenecking in post-press.”
Which features have made the biggest difference?
“The single-pass crease and fold mechanism is fantastic, particularly the Swing Bar technology, which prevents toner cracking on heavy digital sheets” explains Michelle. “The ultrasonic double-sheet detection and vacuum feeder also give operators great confidence during unattended runs.”
How have operators taken to the CF-375 XPRO?
“The team took to it straight away,” she added. “The intuitive touchscreen interface and automated job setup mean operators can switch between job types quickly with minimal manual adjustment. It’s extremely user-friendly.” The improved XPRO interface has been designed to make machine operation faster and clearer, reducing the reliance on extensive manual adjustment or specialist operator knowledge.
How did the installation and training go?
“The installation and training were smooth and efficient. Richard Watkiss, Senior Service Engineer for Duplo had the machine up and running quickly, and the operator training was thorough and straightforward.” Said Michelle. She also praised the service received throughout the purchasing and installation process. “We’ve been very pleased with Duplo’s service, from initial consultation through to delivery and training. The process was seamless and supported our operational needs every step of the way.”
Richard Watkiss - Senior Field Engineer Dupo UK, Nia Ross - Print Technician, Steven Sharples - Production Lead, Steven Hayhurst - Print Technician
"I've worked with Michelle and the team for many years, so I understand the pressures they face.” Says Wendy Hogg, Regional Sales Manager at Duplo. “Their workload is incredibly varied, from student recruitment materials and research reports through to conference programmes and marketing collateral, all while working to fixed academic deadlines. We'd spoken previously about the bottlenecks in their finishing workflow, particularly when processing heavier and laminated stocks.”
“The ICPA Conference came at exactly the right time, adds Wendy. “It gave us the opportunity to sit down together, discuss those challenges in more detail and look at how the latest CF-375 XPRO would fit into their operation. The conversation wasn't about buying a new machine, it was about finding the right solution for the way Michelle's team works. It's fantastic to see the University of Sheffield become the first UK customer to install the new CF-375 XPRO. More importantly, it's a solution that directly addresses the challenges Michelle and her team face every day, giving them greater capacity, faster turnaround times and the confidence to keep more work in-house.”
Supporting a modern and sustainable university print service
As part of the wider University of Sheffield organisation, the Print & Creative Services team also supports community outreach, charitable fundraising and university-wide sustainability initiatives. Its printing practices are aligned with the University’s wider commitments to net zero and sustainable sourcing.
Looking ahead, Michelle said “we intend to continue modernising our digital and finishing capabilities, expanding our sustainable print offerings and continually improving operational efficiency through automation.”
The installation of the first UK Multigraf CF-375 XPRO marks another step in the University's ongoing investment in automation, helping the Print & Creative Services team increase capacity, improve efficiency and continue delivering high-quality print for the University community.
