Specialist Gears up with Extra On-Demand Capacity and PUR Option

A PUR-dedicated Horizon BQ470jdf automated four clamp perfect binding system from finishing  equipment specialist Graphic Arts Equipment is helping Hobbs The Printers meet escalating demand for premium quality digitally printed softback books.

Operations director Graham Bromley explains: “We have had Muller Martini binding lines for more than thirty years and the most recent - a 2003 Acoro -  had been supplemented by a Sulby single clamp machine. At Ipex 06 we selected a single clamp Horizon to replace the Sulby and it proved very successful but the workload is continuing to grow, especially for digitally printed
books, so we needed the four-clamp model to
increase capacity and maintain the high-quality
finish we rely on.

“At Drupa we thoroughly researched what was available from suppliers including Muller Martini, Heidelberg and CP Bourg. But we were so happy with the Horizon BQ270, the BQ470 was a natural progression. Installing the machine meant the operators needed very little time to get used to it so we were able to hit the floor running.”

The Horizon BQ47jdf is supplied with a large icon-based colour touch-screen as standard. It can bind books up to 65 mm thick at up to 1,350 cph and has an economic footprint thanks to a vertical elliptical track design. It is fully end-to-end automated and JDF compliant via Horizon's i2i NetWorkFlow system.

PUR glue provides an excellent bond regardless of the inks, oils and toners used in digital print. It also has exceptional lay-flat qualities creating a stronger book that is also more resilient to severe climate changes. The Horizon's integral cover creasing, spine nipping and 'soft hands' delivery ensure the bind quality is reflected in a superior look and feel. Rather than opt for interchangeable EVA and PUR tanks, Hobbs decided on a dedicated PUR system.

Mr Bromley explains: “With all our short-run EVA work going through the BQ270, dedicating the 470 to PUR minimises changeover and downtime. This means this area of production can run much more smoothly getting the work out faster.”

The addition also expanded the printer's service offering: “We can produce perfect bound books on thicker coated stock now because we know the glue will safely hold the pages together. This has added another string to our bow and expanded what we can offer our customers. But most of all it has increased our competitiveness in binding a wider variety of books.”

Hobbs also added an HT30 three-knife trimmer dedicated to the perfect binding area to complete the work off both the BQ270 and BQ470. Mr Bromley said: “I was sceptical of how consistently it would trim but it is neat and efficient. Now our Wohlenberg trimmer is dedicated to litho and the HT30 to digital resulting in a minimum amount of disruption to the bindery floor as work does not have to be moved around.”

And the affect on throughput has been noticeable: “The Horizons have relieved a bottle-neck in this section of the bindery and they provide excellent back if we have a production break on the Acoro… they have really taken the pressure off.”

Celebrating 125 years in operation, the Southampton firm runs both Heidelberg and Komori litho presses alongside Nipson, HP Indigo and Oce digital print engines but its short run digital work increase significantly, placing pressure on the bindery.

Mr Bromley explains: “With all our short-run EVA work going through the BQ270, dedicating the 470 to PUR minimises changeover and downtime. This means this area of production can run much more smoothly getting the work out faster.”

The addition also expanded the printer's service offering: “We can produce perfect bound books on thicker coated stock now because we know the glue will safely hold the pages together. This has added another string to our bow and expanded what we can offer our customers. But most of all it has increased our competitiveness in binding a wider variety of books.”

Hobbs also added an HT30 three-knife trimmer dedicated to the perfect binding area to complete the work off both the BQ270 and BQ470. Mr Bromley said: “I was sceptical of how consistently it would trim but it is neat and efficient. Now our Wohlenberg trimmer is dedicated to litho and the HT30 to digital resulting in a minimum amount of disruption to the bindery floor as work does not have to be moved around.”

And the affect on throughput has been noticeable: “The Horizons have relieved a bottle-neck in this section of the bindery and they provide excellent back if we have a production break on the Acoro… they have really taken the pressure off.”

Celebrating 125 years in operation, the Southampton firm runs both Heidelberg and Komori litho presses alongside Nipson, HP Indigo and Oce digital print engines but its short run digital work increase significantly, placing pressure on the bindery.