Cramlington based printing company, Potts Print UK, has added a Horizon SPF-FC/200L landscape feed bookletmaker with two VAC 1000 Collators and a Perfecta 132 TS Flowline guillotine in a £230,000 spend.
“We invested in the Horizon SPF-FC/200L to target small run landscape work,” explains Brian Watson, Production Director. “We were completing these jobs on our current booklet finishing lines, but found we could do shorter runs more effectively on the Horizon. It also gives us a lot more flexibility, it is easier to set up and we don’t have to fold the sections.
The operation runs two B1 Man Roland 700s, two B2 Heidelberg XLs, a Heidelberg SX and a SpeedMaster 52, as well as nine Xerox digital presses, including two iGen 150s.
The need for landscape feed reflects a change in market demand, says Watson: “We have seen a shift towards landscape books, now that we have the Xerox iGens which can produce the XXL sheet. The SPF-FC/200L enables us to add value and gives us a lot more firepower and flexibility.”
Capable of 4,500bph, the Horizon SPF/FC-200L combines all the highly automated features of the successful SPF/FC200A bookletmaker with the ability to feed A4 landscape sheets up to 610mm in length. JDF-ready, the system offers instant set-ups via a large icon-based colour touchscreen for user-friendly operation. The screen can be used for on-the-run fine tune adjustments, as well as storing and recalling up to 200 jobs.
He adds: “It has been excellent – running really well. It has never stopped. We will get return on investment in no time as it’s already running 24 hours a day.”
It replaced a single tower SPF-20 which was nearly 15 years old. Watson says: “We did look at other suppliers before choosing the Horizon, but we know IFS and we know how good the Horizon systems are. We also have another Horizon SPF20, as we like to run two systems – this gives us and our clients extra peace of mind.”
As for the Perfecta Flowline, Watson states: “We wanted a more effective and automated system. The Perfecta 132 autotrim, has a faster cutting speed, a quicker make-ready and running it requires a lot less handling. Its automation allows us to complete much more quick-turnaround and complex work.”
As well as the slotless bed and unique five-minute failsafe knife-change system, the Perfecta Flowline’s on-board computer can store up to 400 programs with up to 8,000 cut marks and recorded comments via a high profile 19″ interactive colour screen display. A doubly-enclosed cast iron frame ensures long life and lifelong stability, while intuitive computer controls assist fast and easy operation.
“We did look at other guillotines as well but collectively the Perfecta offered more and we got a great package deal,” he says.
The latest additions join a recently added Horizon AFC-566F automated folder.
“We are looking for growth,” concludes Watson. “These systems will help us win more work and we know we can count on their longevity and reliability.”
