99 September / October 2024 - Issue 350 www.printmonthly.co.uk see plenty of benefits in automating their process,” Harry comments, continuing: “Using automation in your print production process has many benefits. “Among these is to enhance productivity, minimise manual touchpoints, and reduce makereadies and set-up times, which means that the workflow is working as efficiently as possible so that more work can be produced and moved out the door in a shorter time. This increases profitability and reduces the hours needed to do the same amount of work. “You can also expect to minimise errors throughout the print and finishing process which can save reprints and a printer’s reputation. With Duplo automation, using the barcodes and QR codes on the print means that the machines automatically set themselves up for each job, with no manual intervention so that operators can move on to more labour-intensive tasks or other jobs throughout the production process.” With this, he offers up a recent installation of Duplo’s DC-618 multi-finisher, integrated via Fiery through a digital press into Kingston-based The Printstore, highlighting the need and the importance of automation. Ben Pickard, general manager of The Printstore, comments: “Before installing the DC-618 we had to farm out the quirky jobs or ultra-short runs from our clients, now everything is kept in-house, automated, hassle-free, and opens us up to more revenue. “We are 100% in control of our costs and timeframes and can keep deadlines with our customers. They have trusted us for years and this investment will show that the trust is not misplaced. The little Duplo multi-finisher has proven itself because in terms of sales against profit, with a reduced team and less equipment and overheads, we’re doing really well.” Leading on from this, Harry says automation is “the key to everything that Duplo has stood for since its inception”. He says Duplo invented the multi-finisher as we now understand it – a device that slits, cuts, and creases in one package, with the Duplo range also perforating in one pass. “Ideal for common applications such as business and greetings cards, covers, direct mailers, leaflets, concertina folds, in fact anything with the combination of slitting, cross-cutting, scoring, and perforating,” he says, adding: “Over the years, Duplo has increased its portfolio of finishing equipment to booklet production, automatic saddle stitching, sensory coating, and digital cutting tables, and we’ve steadily developed automation to match market demands.” The latest machines that were on display at drupa 2024 include the DDC-8000 B2 DuSense, automatic spot UV machine, DC-20K B2 cutting system, DC-648 slitter cutter creaser, new iSaddle Senshi, new DC-F100 integrated folder, and the new DSM-1000 automatic die-cutter. All, Harry says, encompass the latest automation techniques and integrations for modern printers across the country. Consider Your Own Needs Concluding our discussion, we look at Durst UK and Ireland, whose managing director, Peter Bray, says while automation is all about efficiency and getting the best productivity, it may not be for everyone. “It really depends on customer applications and job specifications and may not always suit the customer production demands,” Bray says, adding: “With every customer, we consider their specific requirements and provide detailed recommendations on what we believe would be in their best interests. It might be full automation, three-quarters automation, or a standard feed set-up. And it also depends on other factors, such as the finishing processes, material set up, run length, and application.” For those customers where automation is the right way forward, Bray says they need to be looking at reliability and build quality, as well as the ability to upgrade when the time is right. “Some prefer to start with a standard system, then add in three-quarter automation at a later stage and then full automation after that,” Bray explains, adding: “The compatibility with other processes is an important consideration.” As for Durst’s progress with automation, one development of note is P5 Robotics, which Bray bills as the next level of automation for flexible and continuous production cycles with long run times. Unveiled at FESPA last year, at the heart of P5 Robotics is the P5 350 HS D4 hybrid printing system, which has a feeder/stacker unit formed by two KUKA robots to handle the unmanned production of a complete shift. Bray says that the importance of software has shifted significantly over the years. Back in 2018, Durst Group founded the Software & Solutions business unit, with the company currently employing around 100 people in software. “At drupa this year, we unveiled a raft of new developments that will have an impact on automation,” he says, adding: “This included a software ecosystem: the spectrum ranges from web stores and online graphics editors to comprehensive workflow and analytics solutions and ERP/MIS systems. Artificial intelligence is also used in software development.” PSPs are always looking for ways to make production smoother and ease the workload on staff; from speaking to several manufacturers and suppliers, it appears automation is one of the most effective ways of doing this. Consider speaking with your manufacturing partners about the automation features of their solutions and how these can help your business expand and grow. AUTOMATION ▲Duplo says many of its solutions feature automation. Pictured: the DBM700 Booklet Maker
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