Blue Star Print Finishers has maintained high quality production results with the refurbishment of its PUR Horizon BQ-470 four clamp perfect binder as part of its IFS technical service package.

The Ilford print finisher purchased the binder in 2014 to support its service expansion into perfect bound books. It has just completed the recoating of its tank and drums by Fluorotec in Herefordshire.

“It is a lifeline for me,” says Lee Harvey, Blue Star Print Finishers Managing Director, about the IFS technical service package. “It means I don’t have to worry about it. I get a call from IFS telling me when I should plan in some maintenance. We book it in and make arrangements for the time the system will be out of service. It keeps everything running smoothly and also ensures the high quality we are known for.”

He continues: “A lot of people have asked us how we get our books looking so nice. Whether they are very thin or very thick. The results are made possible by the fact we look after the machine. Regular maintenance gives it longevity and means the only downtime we have is planned. This ensures maximum productivity.

Following the work he states: “It looks as good as new. We can produce up to 8,000 books a day on the system so we need it to be running at its best. That is why we make sure it is well looked after. We are so busy we can’t afford for it to be down.”

Blue Star’s 1,350cph Horizon BQ470 PUR offers fully automated set-up through an intuitive icon based LCD touchscreen and can produce books up to 65mm thick. It is equipped with two large application rollers for strong, high-quality binds and a separate side glue tank for added flexibility.

Adds Harvey: “I am now looking at getting another glue tank so we can swap them over which will be quicker.”

As for working with IFS he states: “IFS is always very helpful and the advice they give allows us make the best decisions for our business.”