Optichrome Ltd can now offer faster turnaround times and say yes to more work after bringing perfect binding inhouse. The Woking operation’s enhanced operational flexibility follows investment in a Horizon BQ-270V single-clamp perfect binder from Intelligent Finishing Systems (IFS).
Optichrome Ltd celebrated 60 years in business last year and specialises in high quality litho, personalised digital print and mailing. It runs two, five-colour, Heidelberg XL 105 and XL75 litho presses, and two Ricoh Pro C9210 digital colour presses.
Production Manager Tony Clark explains the decision: “We reviewed how much we were spending on perfect binding and believed, with the right machinery, we could keep a large percentage of it in house, drastically reducing the turnaround times and save on transportation costs. There was also the potential to win more business as we would be more competitive and quicker.
“We already had a Horizon SPF-200L bookletmaker which has proven to be a great investment, speeding up production and completing a larger variety of finished book sizes. It is well built and reliable. We tested the BQ-270 at the IFS showroom and then visited the Horizon factory in Germany. I was able to network and meet other printers who had experience of using the BQ-270 and the feedback was largely positive. We also researched what else was on the market. We believed for our budget and requirements the BQ-270 was the best system available.”
The Horizon BQ-270V single-clamp perfect binder offers high-quality perfect binding and on-demand production of variable thickness books. It includes an automated, sensor-activated digital caliper system which measures book block thickness and automatically transfers this data to the binder for quick, automated set-up for books of different thicknesses. It features a large 10.4″ intelligent colour touchscreen, job programming, and a compact configuration.
As for the impact it has made since its installation in November Tony says: “We have kept all small run perfect binding in-house and we are extremely impressed with how easy the machine is to operate and the quality of product we can produce.”
As for working with IFS he states: “We have a great relationship. The team is very pleasant and I really like working with everyone. They are very responsive and helpful.”
