Standard Horizon to Feature Intelligent Postpress Automation

ANDOVER, MA—May 6, 2008—Under the theme “Think Intelligent Automation,” Horizon International will showcase a broad range of highly automated post press solutions at Drupa 2008 in Dusseldorf, Germany. With headquarters in Kyoto, Japan, Horizon has 550 employees and operates the largest facility in the world devoted to manufacturing folders, binders, collators, stitchers and cutters.

“Intelligent Automation” refers to Horizon’s longstanding development philosophy, built on deep technical expertise in all finishing processes combined with a comprehensive understanding of the critical operator steps needed to produce professional-quality cut sheets, folded signatures, saddlestitched booklets, and perfect bound books.

For example, some automated folders still require an operator to measure each panel and input the dimensions before the changeover can begin. “Intelligent” Horizon AFC folders use an intuitive, icon-based color touchscreen that prompts the operator for sheet size and desired fold pattern. Using this data solely, the folder calculates all necessary set-ups and can perform a fully-automated changeover in under 30 seconds.

“Horizon has an outstanding reputation as a world-class innovator in post press,” says David Reny, Managing Director, Standard Finishing Systems, Horizon’s exclusive North American distributor. “Best-in-class Horizon automation has brought new levels of labor-saving efficiency to bindery operations of all sizes, so customers are excited to see the latest developments.”

Horizon also brings intelligent control at the network level, with full JDF compliance, via the i2i Bindery Control System. Job parameters can be entered at a central control console and then called-up by any Horizon finisher on the network. Every machine on the Horizon stand at Drupa will be i2i-connected, enabling fully-automated set-up, job tracking, productivity and work-in-progress statistics, error reports, and more. The Horizon i2i system can also be interfaced with most MIS systems for seamless JDF/JMF interoperability.

Horizon Folders at the Forefront

Standard Horizon folders are highly regarded world-wide for reliability, fold quality and performance. The line continues to grow, with important new folders and accessories slated to premier at drupa: