Folding system meets B2 print finishing needs

Following the introduction of B2 litho printing, Ipswich, UK, print firm Healeys turned to Intelligent Finishing Systems and a fully-automated Horizon all-buckle AFC566F for its new folding needs.

The JDF-ready 42,000sph AFC-566Fjdf is equipped with six buckles and cross knife, allowing a variety of fold patterns.

Roller gaps are calculated by the computer control from the single sample of stock placed in a master caliper.

Operation is via an icon-based 10.4in colour touchscreen.

The AFC566E can operate in-line with a roll system.

Healeys Printers' investment also included a Horizon MKU-54 detachable mobile knife unit for Horizon floor model folders that can also be connected with Horizon bookletmakers to endorse fold booklets for mailings.

Healeys' managing director, Philip Dodd, said: 'After investing in our first B2 press we were completing a lot of the work on our B3 folder and what we couldn't do was sent out.

We are looking at expanding our B2 press capacity so we wanted a folder that could meet our current needs and those of the future.

Healeys already had an IFS-supplied Stitchliner and a BQ470 four-clamp perfect binder so Dodd was well aware of the build quality and functionality of Horizon's systems.

When it came to looking for a B2 folder he went to Ipex and also talked to IFS customer Lavenham Press in Suffolk.

Dodd explained: 'The majority of our finishing equipment is from Horizon and one of the great things about the level of automation is the fact that the touchscreen prompting shares a commonality making it very easy for our team members to move around all the equipment.

Installation went very smoothly and Dodd observed: 'Our operators are used to using Stahl and MBO folders and when it came to Horizon system they were full of praise.

And it has made a big difference.

We no longer have to send the work out and it is faster, the make-readies are quicker and it just makes everything a lot easier.

Each time Horizon brings out new technology it includes everything we wanted or have asked for.

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