Collators — Freedom of (Much) Choice

Ergonomic issues can come into play when deciding between a short-run vertical collator or a deep-pile horizontal model, according to Donald Schroeder, vice president of sales for C.P. Bourg. Volume/applications generally dictate the variety of collator needed.

"Horizontal models are almost always floor designed, deep-pile models and vacuum/suction fed," Schroeder says. "These designs are more versatile, feed a wider variety of stocks in terms of weights and substrates, and most feature ergonomic-friendly designs for loading materials. Vertical collators limit quantity per bin, 2˝ versus 33˝, and material must be lifted by operators who fatigue easily when collating heavy coated stocks."