Horizon. He says it has been developed to deliver enhanced functionality, allowing it 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. It also incorporates cloud-based iCE LiNK workflow, reports real-time production analysis for improved efficiency and profitability, remote update capabilities, and scheduled maintenance resulting in less downtime. This information is accessible via smartphone, tablet, or desktop PC and the software is designed for integration with MIS systems using open APIs. “This enables the Horizon AFV-566FKT to deliver enhanced functionality and tackle a broader range of fast turnround run lengths quickly and efficiently,” Keane says. Another solution Horizon offers is the Horizon CRF-362 folder creaser that creases and folds in one pass a wide range of light and heavyweight stocks, coated or uncoated. Capable of up to ten crease lines on a sheet, it uses an impact scoring technology that eliminates or cuts down on cracking of the stock or printed image. Efficient Equipment Another supplier in this area is Friedheim International, which also works with a range of manufacturers. Marketing executive Seth Morgan says on top of the obvious quality and accuracy issues expected with lower spec machinery, underinvested finishing departments can lack the versatility needed to handle the necessary range of paper types, sizes, or folding and collating configurations. This, he adds, limits your overall ability to accommodate diverse customer requirements. “High-quality equipment is less prone to errors and misfeeds, which can result in costly reprints and material wastage,” Morgan says, adding: “Minimising these errors and wastage saves both time and resources. Efficient equipment can handle higher volumes of work in a shorter time frame, and the increased productivity allows print shops to take on more jobs and meet tight deadlines, ultimately improving profitability. “A significant aspect is the versatility you gain with quality equipment - various settings and features that allow you to handle a wide range of paper types, sizes, and folding or collating configurations while maintaining a high reliability and availability. This versatility is valuable in accommodating diverse customer requirements, in turn increasing account value and loyalty.” Morgan goes on to say that as the balance increasingly switches toward digital and inkjet printing systems, businesses are looking for the flexible digital finishing solutions that can replace offline machinery, and instead build variable workflows that can react quicker to customer impetus. With this, he draws attention to the Hunkeler DocuTrim universal processing system, which he says enables “superior” flexibility in sheet finishing with dynamic cutting and perforations – both lengthwise and crosswise on the sheet format – and chip-out for printed materials with full-bleed motifs. “The DocuTrim is able to process sheet formats A4, SRA4, A3, SRA3 and offline up to 480 x 520mm and can be operated in-line to sheet-fed printing systems or also works near-line,” Morgan explains, adding: “With its individually combinable cutting and perforating functions in the Dynamic Multi Processor, the system already addresses the market requirements of the next generation of printers. The modular structure allows the system to be tailored to specific application requirements.” Profit Power Elsewhere, Martyn Train, managing director of Duplo UK says as with any investment in finishing, it is hugely important not to underinvest in creasing, folding, and collating equipment. He explains with the current recruitment and economic issues, investing in automated finishing equipment Customers are asking for solutions that drive down production costs while improving product quality, delivery times, and margins 66 email: news@printmonthly.co.uk November / December 2023 - Issue 345 FOCUS ON / CREASING, COLLATING, AND FOLDING ▲ Available from IFS, the AFV-566FKT is the latest folding machine from Horizon
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