folding is no exception. “At the latest Horizon Smart Factory event in Japan next generation folding technology played a vital role in the company’s lights out inline web press and smart binding solution,” Keane says, adding: “The blank roll in, sorted books out, line featured dynamic folding on the Horizon AFV-566SF buckle folder. A core element of the end-to-end line was high-level quality control with multiple checkpoints ensuring no misprints, poorly folded signatures, missing signatures, or mismatching covers/book blocks occurred.” According to Keane, the AFV-566FKT folding machine was developed to deliver enhanced functionality to tackle a broader range of fast turnround run lengths quickly and efficiently. The system features a new look, advanced colour touch-screen panel cover, and a status checking screen for a quick at-a-glance overview of jobs. Also from IFS and Horizon (which IFS is the exclusive distributor in the UK and Ireland) is the CRF-362 Folder Creaser, which creases and folds in one pass across a wide range of light and heavy weight stocks, coated or uncoated. It is 39 January / February 2025 - Issue 352 www.printmonthly.co.uk be to match the format in the post-press operation. “Quality is always critical in bindery operations,” he says adding: “Products that are capable of providing a crisp, accurate, and repeatable crease and/or fold are of great importance. Solid construction of the machine is an essential ingredient, along with ease of operation. Post-press departments are finding it harder to recruit skilled operators, so look carefully at equipment demonstrations – how many buttons are being pressed to set the job in motion.” As to how Morgana can help, Hillhouse points to the AutoCreaser Pro XL, the latest edition of is popular AutoCreaser solution. Running at up to 8,500 A4 sheets per hour, this automatic paper creasing system features a vacuum top feeder for added support. Also in this family is the AutoCreaser Pro XW, a stand-alone creaser that can run at speeds of up to 8,500 – with one crease – A4 sheets per hour, with a top sheet size of 500 x 700mm up to 0.4mm thick. Other new solutions include the DigiFold Ultra, a creasing and folding machine that launched at drupa 2024 offering full bleed trim capabilities. The device can slit, cut, crease, perforate, and fold applications in one pass, with the ability to trim applications up to 1,300mm long. In addition, Plockmatic recently added Intec Printing Solutions to its wider network, bringing with it new solutions for customers. These include the new SC6500, dual tool digital cutter featuring a capacity of up to 1,000 sheets and an auto-sheet feeder to cut and crease light sheet card or labels to any shape without any set up costs. Elevating Print Production Also weighing in on the conversation is Intelligent Finishing Systems (IFS), with managing director Eric Keane saying advances in automation are significantly elevating print production processes, and ▼ The Horizon AFV-566FKT folding machine is available in the UK and Ireland through IFS ► Morgana launched its new DigiFold Ultra at drupa 2024 CREASING, FOLDING, AND COLLATING Duplo automatic multi-finishers have saved customers hundreds of hours of manual work on simple everyday print jobs
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