Fine Line Graphics Increases Production with C&P Paper Cutter, Komori Press

PATERSON, N.J.—September 1, 2015—Jim Basch understands numbers. He served as vice president of operations/chief financial officer at Fine Line Graphics in Columbus, Ohio, before buying the company with Greg Davis eight years ago. Sensing an opportunity to transform their business, Basch followed installation of a new Komori GL40 press in March by adding Colter & Peterson’s (C&P) technology laden Saber X15 paper cutter with Microcut in June, a decision that has sent production levels through the roof.

Basch originally hatched the plan three years ago when he first saw the GL40 at a trade show. By the time he attended GRAPH EXPO in Chicago last year, he had placed the order knowing that Fine Line would need to increase their throughput on the back end to keep up with the new press. A stop at C&P’s booth during the show led to Basch learning about the technology advancements with paper cutters, including the Microcut system and its CIP ¾ file capability where programs can be uploaded quickly from a network or with a USB device.

“The CIP files transmit the data and automates the cutting set-up. With our old cutter it required 30 minutes of set-up time, but now its five minutes after bringing our cutting needs up to today’s standards,” said Basch, who joined Fine Line in 1991 and acknowledged the company’s cutting situation had not been addressed since 1986. “Labor time is our enemy, but the press and X15 combined now do the level of work in 12 hours what used to take 36 hours.”

Basch indicated Fine Line has plenty of work and they are using the Saber X15 two shifts a day, five days a week. The majority of it is general commercial printing; 90 percent of their customer base is within a three hour radius of Columbus by truck, although Basch notes they do ship all over the world.

Fine Line’s purchase of the 54” Saber X15 is the result of a partnership between the KomoriKare program of Komori America and Colter & Peterson. It was supposed to be installed at the same time as the eight-color perfector press in March, but delivery was delayed until June due to the back-up caused by the longshoreman’s strike on the west coast.

“The delay gave us time to learn about the GL40 press and become G7 certified. The press is fantastic in so many ways, including faster make-ready and plate hanging capability,” reflected Basch, whose company employs 47 people and occupies a 32,000-square-foot building on the west side of Columbus. “The press uses hybrid UV inks that are more environmentally friendly and in line with our company philosophy. With two light sources it requires less energy and eliminates the ozone that comes off traditional presses. The biggest difference is the finished product. It’s like comparing an older television set against today’s High Definition models. We’re now printing in hi-def.”

Fine Line’s Saber X15 helps improve its turnaround time. Basch says the majority of the work is now in-and-out of the shop in less than 48 to 72 hours. Manufactured to ISO-9001 standards, the Saber X15 sports a new hydraulic system and cut optimization, as well as new automatic knife adjustment. The popular and automated Microcut system includes cutting edge technology with 15˝ wide-format color touch screen programming and control panel, plus key safety features.

“We had issues with our older and smaller cutter that would have cost thousands to repair. It was fine mechanically but it would not talk to any of our equipment," said Basch. "We realized we needed a larger cutter for efficiency purposes and bring our cutting area into the 21^st century. The Saber X15 has made that a reality. With the saved time, we have repurposed our staff into other areas of our operation. It’s hard to find and keep good people in our industry, but with the new press and cutter, we often print, cut and fold all in one day.”

About Colter & Peterson
Colter & Peterson distributes paper cutters and paper handling equipment. Founded in 1932, C&P employs approximately 50 people working coast-to-coast from five locations in New Jersey, Iowa and California. C&P is the manufacturer of the Microcut line of retrofit back gauge controllers and the worldwide distributor of Prism and Saber paper cutters, as well as C&P and Schneider Engineering Peripheral equipment. The company also is the North American distributor of the CPM precision knife sheeter, and for Horauf and C&P Accutrim three knife trimmers. In addition, C&P purchased and provides service and support for the Harris-Seybold and Dexter-Lawson line of paper cutters.

About Komori America Corporation
Tokyo-based Komori Corp., a manufacturer of printing solutions, provides technology suited for today’s printing marketplace. Komori presses help printers achieve the higher productivity and efficiency levels essential for increased margins and business growth. Komori America headquarters are in Rolling Meadows, Illinois, with sales and service organizations throughout North America.

Source: Colter & Peterson.