Auto Folder Delivery Runs At 180 Metres Per Minute

Arran Developments has designed a fully-automatic folder delivery system (stacker and logger) for sheet printers.

Arran Developments has designed a fully-automatic folder delivery system (stacker and logger) for sheet printers.

The system was developed to be placed after any make of folder, said the company.

It takes in signatures (one, two or three-up) at up to 180 metres per minute, claimed Arran Developments.

The system is completely automated to the point of log removal and can handle signatures from A5 up to Magloid (365mm x 260mm) at speeds of up to 18,000 sheets per hour.

The first stage in the process is pressing.

Shingles are formed post-pressing and the shingles are then stacked up vertically to a height to suit the paper (100mm - 150mm).

The stacking system is claimed to avoid marking or ink transfer often associated with bottom feed systems.

The individual stacks are collated in to hoppers where a top and bottom MDF boards are inserted.

The finished log height can be 300mm - 600mm.

By utilising two hoppers, signature sorting is achievable, said Arran and the hoppers can also rotate 180 degree and so counter stacking, if required by the user, is also possible.

The log, with top and bottom boards is then strapped with two parallel plastic straps and exited on to a gravity roller conveyor for onward handling.

Arran Developments said that the consolidation of signatures in to a compressed log has benefits for handling, storage and binding, as the signatures are completely flat and undamaged.

They are also then suitable for log feed binders.

The company added that the system has been in development for three years and has currently finished pre-production testing.

Field testing will be completed by May 2007.

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