Finishing - Digital

Graphic Art Systems announced it has installed its Eco-Eagle hot foil system at AGI-Shorewood, one of the largest and most-innovative specialty packaging businesses. The company plans to use the system for its high-end cosmetic, tobacco and other decorative printing for the consumer market.

The in-line vs. off-line finishing debate has gone on for as long as I can remember. Let’s look at the book industry, which is in a state of consolidation. Here are my recommendations for what to consider in deciding between in- and off-line finishing:

One subject that I feel doesn’t get enough coverage is wide-format finishing. With the rapid growth of digital printing technology in this area, the focus on finishing is increasing. The combination of print-on-demand wide-format printing and finishing has truly revolutionized the large-format signage and display industries.

Bindery expertise is critical in the overall planning of a printed job. This is especially true in the all-digital environment because the years of experience that you’ll find in a commercial print bindery may be missing in the digital shop.

drupa will see a host of new perfect binder entries all designed to smooth the finishing workflow for both inkjet- and toner-based digital presses. All of these machines can either run in-line with the press, or in a near-line configuration.

The last drupa and the upcoming one have both been characterized as the “inkjet drupa.” Rightly so, as the advance of inkjet technology continues. But a printed roll of paper is worth nothing until it's turned into a finished product.

In recent years, binding systems have become highly automated. As to the question of whether this trend will continue or if automation has reached its limit, only Drupa 2012 will tell. If there is no more progress to be made in this area, where else might development be focused?

HardingPoorman has installed a POLAR P.A.C.E. 137XT fully automated cutting system in its recently expanded Indianapolis facility. “The new system has taken over the lion’s share of our commercial print cutting work, which includes anything and everything from finish trim to posters, signatures, and diecut sheets,” said Steve Anzalone, COO.

The Binding Industries Association is pleased to announce that entries are now being accepted for the 2012 Product of Excellence Awards. This contest recognizes outstanding craftsmanship in the binding, graphic finishing, and custom loose-leaf manufacturing industry.

Seidl’s Bindery, a full-service binding and finishing solutions provider serving Southern printers, recently added film laminating to its host of finishing solutions. The new laminating equipment features an uninterrupted feeder and setup loader system that allows for more efficient in-house production of film laminating work.