Digital Finishing: Different Paths to Success
The solution is capable of driving creasing and folding machines, too, but because M3's Baum AutoSet folder is pre-programmable, Carr does not feel that CIP integration is necessary in this particular case. "The only benefit we would get is that we don't need to push a button," he says. "There is no benefit in that."
Where the CIP3 benefit comes in is on the cutting end, both in the layout and in the labeling. "When the cutter operator gets the run, he finds the run number, hits 'go,' and the machine is programmed automatically. It takes five seconds—tops," notes Carr. "Plus, there is no more putting jobs into the wrong boxes. Boxes are put on rollers, pushed into the shipping area, and scanned. The employee clicks a button and the UPS or FedEx label is printed out. The error rate is zero."
King Printing
Lowell, MA-based King Printing also places a strong focus on its finishing capabilities, offering all necessary binding services in-house. The plant employs casing-in lines, case makers and perfect binders from Kolbus, as well as trimmers and saddlestitchers from Muller Martini. All binding, including mechanical binding, is handled under one roof.
The book manufacturer specializes in short-run printing and binding for individuals, small businesses and book publishers. Self-publishing is one of its primary markets, along with the educational and trade markets.
Most of its jobs are direct to publisher, so its production, finishing and fulfillment operations need to be at maximum efficiency. "Our niche is lower run lengths, higher frequency of orders," says Adi Chinai, the company's managing director. "In our plant, we can be binding, printing and receiving an order for the same book—all at the same time."
King Printing has multiple workflows for softcover and hardcover books running in three shifts. Most of the equipment coming online now is capable of handling various trim sizes.
