According to Rohan Holt (pictured), president of LithoTechnics’ software, Metrix 3.5 can automatically configure bindery machines as a result of the detailed information it holds on each individual job file.

“Binding equipment has come a long way in the last decade,” Holt told ProPrint. “Much of it can now be automatically made ready, saving a great deal of skilled labour and eliminating costly errors. But of course the setup data has to come from somewhere, and most traditional prepress software does not have enough data to really do a thorough job. Metrix, being a planning system that also does imposition, not just a traditional imposition system, has the necessary data and can enable a whole new level of CIM (computer integrated manufacturing).”

Metrix 3.5, which was previewed at Graph Expo 2008, was singled out for praise by finishing equipment manufacturer Muller Martini for “allowing the binding industry to achieve a new technology milestone”.

Muller Martini project manager Markus Schluep said, “The largest obstacle to full bindery JDF integration has been the lack of an ‘agent’ to write JDF files that include bindery specifications for cutting, folding, saddle stitching and perfect binding.

“The geometry that is already entered into Metrix including trim size, laps, head trim, offsets and so on can easily be exported as standard CIP4 JDF. These JDF job tickets can be read by our saddle stitchers and perfect binders, and save significant set-up time.”

According to Schluep, Metrix 3.5 will ensure that bindery machines are set up to the exact dimensions used to paginate, proof, print, cut and fold page signatures, reducing duplication of data entry, as well as steps in the makeready process.

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