Finishing - Conventional

The Model AAT automatic tab laminate and diecut machine is available from Advent Machinery in sizes from 5x8˝ to 14x22˝. Features include computerized control of all machine functions. Simple, dual platen design is in lieu of dozens of heated rollers, thus permitting versatility to produce "special" jobs on glossy or coated stocks and quick turnaround for full body printed jobs. The dual platen design features both upper and lower heaters with fully automatic temperature control. The platens provide for self-adjustment and alignment for all types and thickness of stock, thereby reducing setup times from job to job. Options available include: automatic positioning/collating package;

By Caroline Miller In the era of earlier job deadlines, shorter runs, increased quality and more complex jobs, efficient postpress operations are imperative to a profitable printing business. All of the efficiencies and savings from state-of-the-art prepress and pressroom capabilities are lost if the finishing department is languishing in neglect. Upgrading your floor-model folding machine is just one area of the bindery that can offer significant benefits. By investing in a new folding machine a company benefits from new technology, ensuring much quicker job turnarounds, substantially reduced paper waste, the elimination of the need for high-priced, hard-to-find setup people, as well as a more

BY CHRIS BAUER While production is a major factor for any finishing operation, one place where speed and productivity can take a backseat is in the paper cutting area—here safety comes first. And, according to leading paper cutter manufacturers, safety is their number one priority, as well. "Safety standards for paper cutters have evolved over the years, forcing manufacturers to incorporate many different elements such as photo eyes, redundant circuitry and special guarding," remarks Jeff Marr, vice president of sales for Colter & Peterson. Currently, the largest industry trend, according to Mark Pellman, marketing manager for Baum Corp., indeed is safety related—the recent

BY CAROLINE MILLER Over the past few years, the demand for print projects produced "just-in-time" has grown by leaps and bounds. This trend has touched every aspect of the print production process including, and perhaps most importantly, the finishing department. As a result, finishing systems have stepped to the forefront of the discussion. And one important aspect of the entire debate is which finishing solution—in-line or off-line—is the best choice for a particular operation. Each solution offers its own set of benefits and challenges. So which solution is the right one? Or is a combination of both systems the best way to go?

BY ERIK CAGLE Chris Scarano took a quick drag from his cigarette, cased the warehouse and shook his head with just a hint of disgust. It was unusually quiet for a Tuesday morning at American Bindery Depot in Edison, NJ, not at all indicative of the activity that buzzes through the plant on a daily basis. Scarano wanted to show his crew in action at full throttle to a group of visitors, but a large order had yet to arrive, so the pace was more subdued. Still, Scarano didn't like the timing. "It's hardly ever like this," Scarano confides, bursting out a

BY JACK RICKARD During uncertain economic times, prudent graphic arts companies formulate reasonable strategies to combat underutilization of production capacity. There are right and wrong ways to accomplish this goal. In my opinion, fighting for market share by lowering prices is fraught with danger. The more thoughtful of the price discounters at least try to set prices such that each job contributes a reasonable amount to existing overhead. While there may be some merit to this line of reasoning, it is only applicable for the very shortest of time frames. When the printing market contracts, those who believe that the demand for

BY MARK SMITH Rodney Dangerfield has nothing on bindery and finishing operations when it comes to a lack of respect. Or at least that's how things traditionally had been in the industry. Process automation—with the obligatory keyboards, LCD displays and digital readouts—is starting to give the machinery that high-tech aura. At the same time, on-demand production and workflow integration efforts like CIP4 are highlighting the integral role postpress operations play in the overall process. The market segment's profile may never have been higher. It's understandable, though, if independent trade binders still feel a little picked on. Printers have been nibbling away at the

BY MARK SMITH When business conditions get tight, it's natural to think about just hunkering down and waiting for the market to turn around. It may hardly seem like the right time to make a significant investment in new equipment. However, doing just that can provide short- and long-term benefits. Postpress operations are prime targets for performance improvement, since they traditionally have been labor-intensive and highly mechanical. Folding definitely falls into that category, so anteing up for a new floor-model folder with automation features can provide a big payoff, manufacturers say. Potential benefits include lower operating costs, by enabling the use of less-skilled

BY MARK SMITH Cut, knife, blade, guillotine—the terminology alone explains why safety is a must when it comes to paper cutters. Two-handed cut activation, non-repeat knife cycles and auto-stop infrared light curtains are just some of the safety features that have been mandated by law or become standard due to market demand. Neither the equipment manufacturers nor buyers are willing to compromise much in this area. While safety still is an important factor in the decision to buy a new cutter, it is an advantage more or less shared by all state-of-the-art models compared to older machines. It is in the area of productivity

BY GEORGE J. WHALEN Process Graphic Services (PGS) of Grand Prairie, TX, is a finisher whose full-service capabilities and large facilities rank it as a truly "Texas-size" business. Family owned through three generations and now solidly established as the finisher of choice for many printers, packaging-makers and publishers, PGS takes pride in being able to handle virtually any kind of finishing work that its customers demand. Whether the printed sheets coming through its doors are to be converted into folding cartons, setup boxes, books, slip cases, sports trading cards, greeting cards, game boards, point-of-purchase displays or other printed merchandise, PGS has what it