43 January / February 2024 - Issue 346 email: news@printmonthly.co.uk BINDING TECHNOLOGY advantages, not least financially, but also in other areas. “Duplo's user-friendly machines lower operational costs by eliminating the need for dedicated bindery staff, making high-quality results accessible with minimal training,” Harry says, adding: “The flexibility of in-house binding empowers printers to control their workflow entirely, reducing reliance on external services. “This autonomy not only streamlines processes but also minimises the risks associated with coordinating with external entities, eliminating errors and misplacements. In essence, in-house binding with Duplo equipment enhances efficiency, lowers costs, and provides printers with the autonomy needed to thrive in a competitive print market.” As to what PSPs should be looking for in binding kit, Harry says printers should prioritise features that align with the evolving dynamics of the UK book production industry. In the wake of increased demand for UK-produced books, and considering the challenges posed by Brexit and global logistics slowdowns and continuing conflicts, Harry explains that the focus is on low-cost, automatic machines that seamlessly handle diverse jobs without disrupting workforce efficiency or production workflows. With this, he picks out several machines from Duplo, covering both short-run PUR and EVA options. First is the DB-290 hotmelt perfect binder, an EVA solution billed as ideal for short-run, on-demand digital print applications. Another EVA option is the DPB-500 DuBinder, a fully automatic machine with a single clamp design and a maximum production speed of 525 books per hour. “It features sensors within the book clamp that measure each book thickness and compare the number of pages with the correct version, errors are flagged to the operator saving on labour and expensive re-printing costs,” Harry says. Turning to PUR binders, Duplo has the PFI BIND 600 series, a single-clamp fully automatic binder offering complete automation with in-line scoring, and cover feeding as standard with a cycling speed of 600 cycles and up to 300 books per hour. In addition, Harry says the PFI BIND 2100 PUR helps PSPs bring in-house the profitable short-run, on-demand jobs that have caused them to send the work out due to not having the skilled operators or the expensive binders needed to complete these jobs. “Through automation, each book is automatically measured and the amount of glue on each book block is intelligently applied on the fly reducing errors and the cost of reprints,” Harry comments. If we take only one thing from this analysis, it is that PSPs are not short of reliable and high-quality solutions when it comes to binding equipment. Establish exactly the sort of work you want to run on your binding machine, and this will help you identify the best product for your business. “Highly automated systems are often easier to use and designed for single person operation which helps them tackle another pressure the industry is facing - a skills shortage. Their intelligent print finishing capabilities also provide companies with the flexibility of employing operators with little or no experience.” With this, Keane has no hesitation in highlighting the launch of iCE LiNK, a new cloud-based workflow from IFS partner Horizon. It provides access to an intuitive dashboard that reports real-time production analysis for improved efficiency and profitability, remote update capabilities, and scheduled maintenance resulting in less downtime. “The information is accessible via smartphone, tablet, or desktop PC and the software is designed for simple integration with MIS systems using open APIs,” Keane says, adding: “It enables up to the minute reportability and fully automated workflow using JDF/JMF data.” Among the new systems leveraging the technology is the Horizon BQ-500 fourclamp perfect binder, the latest evolution of Horizon’s series of four-clamp binders. Keane explains that it responsively supports a wider range of run lengths thanks to a combination of productivity, efficiency, and operator-friendly features. Building on the tried and trusted features of its BQ-470 and BQ-480 predecessors, the BQ-500’s enhanced functionality includes more highly automated set up via a large 12.1” colour touchscreen and 21 automated sections from cycle and milling speed to roller height and guide positioning. It also boasts memory storage of up to 999 jobs, pre-installed variable software capability, and variable thickness production of 5mm up to 800bph. Flexible Finishing Rounding off our analysis is Craig Harry, the new head of sales at Duplo UK. Harry says in-house binding can offer several ▲ The Renz Inline 500 is an industrial, fully-automatic punching and Renz Ring Wire binding line The Horizon BQ-500 four-clamp perfect binder is the latest evolution of Horizon’s series of four-clamp binders ►
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