Scoring a world first, Currie Group has created an in-line finishing system for a HP Indigo 7900 Digital Press, adding a new IF in feed unit.
Bernie Robinson, managing director at Currie Group, says, “The new IF in feed unit allows us to connect the Horizon SPF-200 to an HP Indigo Digital Press. We installed the complete system in our Melbourne showroom in December and it is running well.
The system allows operators to stitch, fold, and trim booklets straight from the HP Indigo 7900. He says, “If you are using straight text, it can go straight to the HP Indigo. Also, a hand marrying system on the Horizon line can be hand fed through the SPF-200.”
High performance finishing
Robinson describes the SPF-200A/FC-200A as a high-performance in-line bookletmaking system with collating, stitching, folding, and fore-edge trimming at production speeds up to 4,500 books per hour.
The Horizon SPF-200 offers advanced automation. It allows all necessary settings can to be performed automatically through the touchscreen display. Even the fold roller gap adjustment is automated. Plus, a reject function allows non-stop operation. Errored booklets are rejected into the built-in reject tray so only good booklets are delivered to the conveyor.
The 10.4 inch large colour touchscreen features intuitive, icon-based operation for ease of operation and quick troubleshooting. 200 job settings can be entered and stored alphanumerically and can be easily retrieved after a quick search.
The collating system can be controlled from the SPF-200A. For high quality finishing, operators can perform fine adjustments on-the-fly while running. The system also offers three kinds of hand marrying.
For improved stitching, it uses Hohner stitcher heads, equipped for quality book production. The stitching position and distance are automatically set up for the input size. The wire feeding sensor alerts when the wire spool is nearly empty or jamming, and stops the system to eliminate non-stitched booklets. You can stitch up to 48 sheets of normal paper (64 gsm) or stitch and fold up to 24 sheets of normal paper (64 gsm).
You can set the jog count and stroke to handle a variety of sheets. The folding roller and press roller gaps are automatically adjusted according to the booklet thickness. The jog sensor detects jog faults and rejects any errored booklets to the reject tray. The sheet is firmly registered with tail edge and top-bottom guides to provide accurate folds.
For trimming, it uses the servo-motor for knife driving to provide high speed and sharp fore-edge trimming. The top-bottom transport belt helps with smooth booklet transportation and delivery. Trimmings are blown down into the external trim box by air so that no chips are left in the trimming area.
The system offers a number of options including JDF Workflow; different stacking options; preset kicker; stitching options such as a side corner stitch kit and a four stitching unit; and a paper insertion knife unit.
Robinson adds, “Currie Group is always looking for ways to add value to print. We have placed ourselves in a position to partner with our customers so they understand that we haven’t just sold them some equipment but that we will continue to work with them to provide real solutions for their ongoing business success and growth.
“This latest initiative shows how we are more than an equipment supplier. Bringing finishing in house saves time and money and importantly, it keeps the printed product under your control.”
The team at Currie Group look forward to demonstrating the new in-line system at the Melbourne showrooms.
Comment below to have your say on this story.
If you have a news story or tip-off, get in touch at editorial@sprinter.com.au.
Sign up to the Sprinter newsletter