Ferag Premieres Fold 'n' Stitch, Navigator Systems at IFRA

HAMBURG, GERMANY—Oct. 4, 2010—At IFRA Expo 2010 in Hamburg, following the launch of the new StreamFold quarterfold line a year ago, Ferag presented "fold 'n' stitch"—a solution that has been further developed through the addition of the stitching function. It was also the world premiere of the Navigator, a concept for the control of processes in the postpress sector.

The quarterfold brings semi-commercial jobs
At IFRA Expo 2009 in Vienna, Ferag took the industry by surprise with its new StreamFold quarterfolding line. The components triggered an immediate response. The first StreamFold system was ordered by Finnish customer Lehtisepät OY even before the show had closed its doors, with further quarterfold lines beginning production at newspaper printers in Germany, Ireland and Scandinavia over the past 12 months. These users have all been successful in attracting new jobs from the semi-commercial segment.

New: "fold 'n' stitch" – quarterfolding with integrated stitching
With "fold 'n' stitch," Ferag is continuing resolutely down the road to added value in newspaper postpress processing. This new component extends the quarterfold process by adding saddle stitching. So newspaper printers now have freedoms that go above and beyond pure newspaper production and can make even more profitable use of printing capacity.

Many newspaper printing machines are not equipped for quarterfold production and the options for utilizing capacity remain very limited. Ferag had already closed this gap with StreamFold. Now, the company is extending the application spectrum further with "fold 'n' stitch."

System integration and stand-alone operation
The technical concept of "fold 'n' stitch" is simple: the mobile quarterfolding and stitching component is easy to shift between different UTR delivery stations, and can therefore be connected inline to several folder deliveries. The "fold 'n' stitch" line can also be fed in standalone mode, independent from printing production, via the JetFeeder hopper.

Interesting configurations are possible using MultiDisc, in that products coming off the printing machine are wound and then processed in offline mode to create stitched quarterfold products,. Newspaper presses and the folding/stitching process operate independently, in each case at optimum output.

For an inexpensive finishing line, add JobFolio
In combination with the inexpensive machines from the JobFolio series distributed by WRH Marketing (JobTrim rotary three-side trimmer and JobStack 90 compensating stacker), the new ‘fold n’ stitch’ quarterfold and stitching method can be expanded to create a complete finishing line with a winning price/performance ratio for the production of high-value semi-commercials.

Navigator: a ground-breaking control concept
The Navigator concept introduced in Hamburg is revolutionary. This all-new development of both form and function makes the preparation and monitoring of production processes simpler than ever before.

Four standard applications
The basis for the Navigator control is Flying Frame technology with intuitive operation via Multi Touch screen. The flat menu hierarchy leads the user quickly and interactively to the desired set-up and control functions.

Basically, the Navigator from Ferag comprises the standard applications of NaviSet (data preparation), NaviRun (production control) and NaviQ (reporting). The fourth module, NaviSafe, contains the back-up function and enables remote support via a secure VPN link.

The simplest drag-and-drop finger tip operation
All applications are opened in floating windows, and are active with the relevant information on a single level. The user therefore has ideal conditions for comfortable, easy-to-follow and secure operation. Whether it’s set-up functions like line configuration, allocation of insert products, choice of operating mode, assignment of production to the MultiStack compensating stackers with the choice of series or parallel production, selection of distribution route sequences, or loading dock allocation – all are quick and easy to carry out with finger-tip drag-and-drop.
The Navigator also supports mouse and keyboard operation as an alternative to Multi Touch control.

Added value as an option
Four optional upgrades are available for the Navigator. These can be adapted to individual user needs:

• PressLink: this interface compares press and postpress production data, enabling control of the different editions down to the single copy. The result? Huge savings in newsprint.

• DriverLink: after registering using a badge system, on production start-up drivers receive information on routes and loading dock numbers via a monitor. After production terminates, driver documents are printed automatically. DriverLink allows precision control of route clearance procedures.

• Totalizer: the monitoring system gives an overview of the current status of production and the output on each line. A counter at all key positions in the Ferag system displays the number of copies produced.

• Notifier: operating personnel and technicians are kept informed at all times about the operational status of all system components.

Source: Company press release.