Production Efficiency and Accuracy Drive Finishing and Fulfillment

Whether or not the job is finished in the mailroom or in the bindery, it’s all about greater production efficiency and accuracy—a must in today’s short-run, digital, on-demand environment. Here’s a small sampling of what’s being exhibited for the postpress arena.

 Pitney Bowes (booth 1947) is featuring integrated print and mail solutions technology, including the IntelliJet Printing System, offering 1,200 dpi native resolution; high-quality print in CYMK, monochrome, and MICR; up to 42’ wide format flexibility; and up to 800 fmp print speed. Also on display, the Print+ Messenger System, integrated with a Pitney Bowes Mailstream Productivity or Mailsteam Evolution inserter system, for personalized, 100% variable data messaging and graphics in monochrome or full color, on envelopes at speeds up to 26,000 pieces per hour inline during mail finishing.

 GP² Technologies (booth 3567) is introducing the Cover-1 casemaking system for one-off and ultra-short-runs. The Cover-1 integrates all material preparation and delivery with the new SC-3 Autocase casemaker, insuring accurately cut board and spine (flexible or rigid) is delivered to exactly the right place at exactly the right time. 

Standard Finishing Systems (booth 1902) is demonstrating the full swath of equipment used in book production, from creasers that score covers for perfect-bound books to automated book production solutions that convert printed rolls to finished books with no manual intervention. Making their North American debut are the Horizon BQ-280PUR Perfect Binder, which offers single-clamp PUR perfect binding with professional quality in a compact footprint, and the Horizon SmartStacker, which converts a B2 size / 20x29” digitally printed sheet into up to 28 individual cut sheets, with end-to-end JDF control.

Also making its North American is the Hunkeler Roll-to-Signature Book Block Solution producing ready-to-bind, glued book blocks from digital webs up to 30” wide. Attendees will also see the worldwide premire of the Smart Binding System for continuous-feed digital print, producing short-run, variable books of different size and thickness from a 20” roll with no manual touch points. 

Therm-O-Type (booth 4226) is introducing the Zip-TS2L Mark IV digital finishing machine, featuring die cutting (including round cornered products), blind embossing, hole punching, batch/surge delivery, and 3:1 bindery punching. The Zip-TS2L Mark IV has an optional up/down crease capability, critical for producing high-quality accordion or Z fold products in a single pass.

Colter & Peterson (booth 3940) is introducing a  57-inch precision knife sheeter able to cut up to 900 feet per minute with a +/- .010 inch cutoff accuracy. Attendees can also see firsthand the Accutrim HD1680 computer-controlled three-knife trimmer that delivers a 5-degree swing angle. Also on display for commercial and digital printing applications are various sized paper cutters, a jogger, and a stack lift. 

The Challenge Machinery Company (booth 3918) is introducing a new operating system for all programmable Titan and Champion paper cutters (sizes 27" to 37"). The TC controller system operates in real time with Challenge proprietary softtware, and also features a 10.5" color touchscreen for ease of use. Improved cutting efficiencies are made possible with faster backguage positioning and immediate start-up when the cutter is powered up. 

Nordon (booth 4404) is showcasing its recent melter innovations, including the VersaPUR slug and MiniPUR Plus melters. Nordson’s closed PUR adhesive application systems optimize adhesive use and enhance production efficiency and product quality. Its application head offering now includes the EP48 BoD and SB60 applicators for short runs and quick changes needed to support digital bookbinding.

LaserSharp (booth 1867) On-Demand Finishing System integrates inline digital printing, precision laser cutting, and Kluge folding/gluing processes, allowing laser cutting, scoring, etching, and perforating performed in a single pass.

Rollem (booth 231) is demonstrating the Jetstream Auto-Collator and BSF Sheet Feeder producing digital business cards at 250,000 cards per hour. The Advantage 2D System trims, slits and scores Greeting Cards with 100% accuracy.

 Rollem Mailstream converts a two -up Automotive Mailer into mail-ready pieces containing eight processes applied on one pass—trimming, slitting, scoring, scratch off label application, tape strip application, and two types of glue and fold closure. The Mailstream automates multiple finishing steps and delivers products in mail sort order, ready for delivery. The PB-15 is a high performance automatic feeding, jogging, drilling and delivery system ideal for multi-hole drilling for wire-o, loose-leaf, perfect bound books, stitched or folded products.

Also, the Rollem Jetslit model is featured in the Xerox booth running in-line with a Xerox iGen showing press sheet to finished products—in one process.

Debuting in booth 2581 in the CPP EXPO, the Rollem Delta Die-Cutter produces a wide range of die-cut products, including labels, light packaging, round-cornered greeting cards, shapes, and stickers. 

Duplo USA Corporation (booth 202) is showcasing its latest in digital print finishing and producing a spectrum of unique applications live. Making its debut is the mid-range digital color finisher, the DC-646 Slitter/Cutter/Creaser, performing up to 6 slits, 25 cuts and 20 creases in a single pass. The DC-646 eliminates white borders and prevents toner cracking on fold lines up to 30 sheets per minute. The high production DC-745 Slitter/Cutter/Creaser, NAQP’s 2012 Product of the Year, is on the show floor as well along with the DC-445, DC-615 and DC-745 Integrated Folding Systems.

Also debuting is the entry-level 150C Booklet System, which incorporates the new DBM-150 Bookletmaker with the DSC-10/20 Suction Collator.

The U.S. Postal Service (booth 5427) is highlighting the use of direct mail in combination with other technologies.

The Huamei creasing matrix from Weifang Huamei Printing and Technology (booth 3571a) is designed for creasing cardboard and corrugated board and layered with PVC and fiber materials.