Berforts, Hastings, expects a 30% increase in perfect binding production capacity following investment in a Horizon BQ470 perfect binder from Intelligent Finishing Systems.

The flexible and easy-to-use four clamp perfect binder replaces an older existing binder and also extends the capabilities of the Hastings operation to be able to complete books with wider spines. It will handle litho output from Komori, Sakurai and Heidelberg presses and digital jobs from Konica Minolta presses.

“It is going to be more reliable and quicker and that will enable us to get more jobs finished per shift,” explains Richard Woolmer, Production Director. “The fact that it can bind a thicker spine than the old system means we can take better care of our present customers. It helps us to look after our existing customers better and will allow us to win new work too. We expect it to increase production capacity by as much as 30%.”

Other solutions were reviewed before the operation decided on the Horizon BQ470 comments Woolmer: “We chose the Horizon because we knew and trusted the Horizon name. We have operated Horizon systems and know the value of their build and their ability to produce high quality results.

“As our employees understood how to operate the binder it was a nice easy install, just newer. They can confidently move around the bindery processes which eliminates bottlenecks.

He continues: “It has added value from day one.”

The small-footprinted 1,350 books per hour PUR BQ-470 four-clamp perfect binder is ideally suited to mid-range soft back book production with higher production speeds, instant make readies for runs-of-one. It can bind up to 65 mm (2.55”) thickness and offers fully automated set-up through an intuitive icon based LCD touchscreen.