BINDERY matters
Stitcher Answers Client Demands for Error-Free Finishing
SAN RAMON, CA—K/P Corp., a provider of commercial offset, digital variable printing, finishing, direct mail, fulfillment and distribution services to consumer brands, has installed a Muller Martini BravoPlus T.
The new saddlestitcher is configured with six pockets plus a cover feeder with ASIR (Automatic Signature Image Recognition), SEMKO side caliper, small booklet attachment and center cut knife for two-up books.
David Bates, vice president of operations for K/P's central region, says the new unit, "allows us to maintain the highest manufacturing quality standards and efficiencies with maximum flexibility to accommodate our customers' many sizes." Its touchscreen operation allows production to be controlled and monitored centrally. In addition, the stitcher is JDF-capable and can be integrated into a digital workflow.
Already a Muller Martini customer, K/P went with the BravoPlus T on the idea that less training would be required since employees were already familiar with Muller products, as well as the unit's fully integrated signature recognition.
Proactive Investing Yields Range of Capabilities
PAWTUCKET, RI—Packaging Graphics (a division of the Matlet Group) has installed a Bobst Expertfold 110 A2 CS folder-gluer. The high-speed, computer-set folder-gluer is the most recent finishing department addition to the printer's 300,000-square-foot manufacturing facility here.
"When it comes to equipment and technology, we invest proactively in anticipation of market trends and customer requirements, but we also needed the extra capacity that the Expertfold has brought to our operation," says Brad Lopez, finishing manager. The new machine gives the operation the versatility to produce a wide variety of products including pocket folders, CD and DVD sleeves, and boxes ranging from small cosmetic and pharmaceutical boxes to "family-sized" retail containers.
Trade Printer Increases Output With New Folder
MONTEBELLO, CA—GR Print, a gang-run trade printer, reports a 35 percent increase in folding productivity since it replaced an aging machine with a small-format Stahlfolder USA B20 pile-fed combi-plate folder.
The printer employs a staff of 19 and is using its new folder to produce tri-fold brochures, bi-folds and letter folds up to 11x17˝ on 100-lb. gloss stock, in runs of up to 5,000 pieces.
"It's fast, flexible and a lot more accurate," says Production Manager Paul Pillen, citing the folder's micro-adjustable combination buckle plates. "The ease of use is just outstanding," he adds, "so much so that an operator with no experience with automated equipment could walk right up to it and get comfortable with no problem whatsoever."
GR Print is operating the folder for one shift per day, although it expects to add a second shift by the beginning of February to accommodate increasing volume. The company also operates a four-color Speedmaster CD 102 press and a Polar 115 X guillotine cutter.
Quick Cuts
• Goodcopy Printing and Digital Graphics, New Haven, CT, has added a Standard Horizon AFC-566FKT automated floor-model paper folder to its bindery. The folder's intelligent, icon-based, color touchscreen provides quick makereadies and instant recall of regular jobs.
• The Binding Industries Association (BIA) has announced a strategic partnership with Kolbus America. Kolbus will serve as the premier sponsor of the 2010 BIA Mid Management Conference to be held May 17-19 in Baltimore.
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Standing to the left of GR Print's new folder are Rafael Esparza, folder operator; Jose Renteria, feeder/second pressman; Sam Rodriguez, lead pressman; along with Paul Pillen, production manager (kneeling) and the GR Print cutter/bindery/packing crew (standing to the rear and right of the machine).
