Third Booklet Making Finishing Unit Added at HDC

Inchinnan, Renfrewshire-based HDC (Homework Diary Company) has announced its third installation of a PowerSquare^TM 224 booklet maker. This latest machine is an offline Morgana PowerSquare^TM 224VF, complete with high capacity dual bin feeder. The machine was sold by Canon UK, an authorised dealer of Morgana offline and Plockmatic inline finishing units.

HDC produce a wide and versatile range of high-quality printed book products for the educational market. These include both student and teacher planners, personalised exercise books, and primary and secondary yearbooks.

The first of the finishing machines installed at HDC was a Watkiss branded hand-fed offline unit some five years ago; the second, two years ago, was installed by Canon in an inline configuration, integrated with a VP6250 digital printing machine. This third unit, now branded Morgana, is again offline but with its own high-capacity feeder.

Commenting on the latest addition, Robin Clark, Managing Director at HDC, said: “Whilst the inline unit has been a great success, the latest Morgana PowerSquare 224 with the VF feeder can be much more efficient and more versatile in an offline configuration, where it can handle the output from two or three of our mono and colour Canon presses. This will allow us as a business to be much more productive – which can be critical for our especially busy periods, such as before the start of the new school year.”

The PowerSquare™ 224VF booklet maker, with its high-capacity dual-bin feeder, offers a flexible solution for a wide range of booklet types and sizes. The system is fed by the VF vacuum assisted feeder which has a loading capacity of up to 540mm / 21″, giving long uninterrupted production runs. 

Pre-collated printed sets can be placed into both bins for longer runs, or covers can be placed into one of the bins when they need to be merged with collated sets. The feeder can also be loaded on the run with automatic bin switching. Optional barcode readers can be fitted to the VF for variable page count jobs or to ensure set integrity. In a single machine the PowerSquare 224 combines the four processes of stitching, folding, spine forming, and trimming, to produce SquareBack™ books of up to 224 pages thick.

Commenting further, Robin Clark added, “We know the robustness of the unit and could appreciate the productivity of having it installed as an offline system, so we didn’t need to look anywhere else before we made our choice.

“Canon have been our supplier of choice for many years, so it was easy to deal with them regarding the latest order. The machine build of the finishing units has been excellent. The reliability of the finishing products has been exceptional, and the unique square-back finish that they produce really helps our products to stand out.”

Another of the unique feature of the PowerSquare 224 is that is can add up to six staples in one printed set, meaning that smaller format products can be printed and finished two- or three-up, increasing productivity significantly. The proven SquareBack process produces a superior quality of finish, delivering professionally finished booklets.

About HDC

Explaining the HDC business, Robin Clark said: “HDC has been working with schools for over 21 years. Throughout this time, we have continually developed products that are relevant in an ever-changing educational landscape. We always aim to give our customers the best products, at the right price, whilst delivering a service that exceeds all expectations. 

“This has been our under-lying philosophy from the day we started trading in 1997 and we are even more focused and driven by this belief today. Our team’s rich experience in working with today’s modern school environment is unrivalled and each member of our team is committed to our customer charter.”

HDC was one of the longest serving “Preferred Suppliers” of ASCL (Association of School and College Leavers), have been partners of School Leaders Scotland for over ten years, and more recently have been a commercial supporter of Schools North East.

Further information at https://hdc-uk.com/hdc/

About Plockmatic Group 

Plockmatic Group develops, manufactures and markets an extensive range of document finishing systems sold under the Plockmatic and Morgana brand names. These products work inline or offline together with the world’s best digital printing systems. 

Plockmatic and Morgana make products to mail, fold, crease, perforate and bind documents with extraordinary precision, turning stacks of printed paper into the beautifully finished documents for your customers every day. 

About Morgana Systems Limited

Morgana Systems is a wholly owned subsidiary of Plockmatic International, a part of the Plockmatic Group. The company supplies a wide range of innovative and market leading offline post-press equipment for customers involved in the many and varied activities of the printing industry throughout the world. Equipment is manufactured at a number of Plockmatic owned plants across the globe. 

The sales, marketing, and service operations of Morgana Systems are headquartered in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, UK. This site is also the manufacturing base for the PowerSquare range of booklet makers engineered by Watkiss, another Group Company. 

Beginning with the launch of the revolutionary AutoCreaser in 2000, Morgana Systems has led the way in developing new and innovative solutions to cope with the special requirements of the digital printer. Since its acquisition by Plockmatic in 2013 the product portfolio has been extended with a wide range of bookletmaking systems to meet every production requirement.

Current product ranges include the Morgana DigiBook range of PUR perfect binders, and the recently introduced collection of bookletmakers, which have been developed jointly with Plockmatic. These include the BM3035/3050 and BM5000 models, and the Watkiss developed PowerSquare^TM 160 and 224 models, all delivering market-leading, cutting edge binding solutions.

Morgana Systems is a preferred offline finishing partner for all of the leading manufacturers of digital print engines, whilst the Plockmatic International produce a wide range of innovative inline finishing solutions for all leading engine providers. 

Full details of Morgana’s product line-up can be found at: http://morgana.co.uk/

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The NEW Morgana AutoCreaser Pro XL with innovative feeding

This year’s DRUPA should have been the 20^th Birthday celebration for the Morgana AutoCreaser and the platform to launch the latest version – the AutoCreaser Pro XL. Since its introduction at DRUPA 2000, the AutoCreaser has solved the problem of material and toner cracking for many thousands of printers around the globe and is still the benchmark creasing technology in its class.

The latest, 6^th generation machine is packed with new features to meet the changing demands of the current market, whilst retaining the key heavy duty, robust blade & matrix system which has served it so well over each of the previous versions of the AutoCreaser.

Commenting on the release, Ray Hillhouse, VP Sales & Marketing for the Plockmatic Group Offline Business Unit, said: “The original AutoCreaser released back in 2000 put Morgana at the vanguard of digital finishing. This latest Pro XL model demonstrates that we continue to listen to what the market needs. There has now been close to 10,000 units of all versions of this market leading family of creasers sold since the original in the year 2000. With this new addition we can show that the ever-reliable creaser simply gets more versatile, easier to use, and above all more productive.”

The Morgana AutoCreaser Pro XL is an easy to use, highly automated paper creasing and perforating system with a newly designed intelligent vacuum top feeder. The unique creasing rule in the AutoCreaser eliminates paper tearing and therefore cracking in printed materials. This new variant of the machine has been developed to handle the ever-increasing demand for long sheet finishing, while the new Adaptive Process Control (APC) monitors sheet feeding in a closed loop process, delivering outstanding performance and reliability.

The new AutoCreaser Pro XL is specifically designed to handle the widest range of media. The feeder continuously checks the paper float zone and automatically makes adjustments on the fly. This is an industry first for a product of this class and ensures highest ever feed reliability. Operators of all skill levels can get the most out of the AutoCreaser Pro XL.

With a maximum running speed of 8,500 A4 sheets per hour, with no loss of accuracy, this is Morgana’s most productive creaser to date. The new AutoCreaser Pro XL takes a maximum sheet size of up to 385mm x 1300mm with the table extension, which comes as standard with this new machine.

The new intuitive user interface controls all the main functions of the AutoCreaser Pro XL. Using the screen is simplicity itself. Key in the sheet length, though popular sizes are pre-set, touch the fold type required for the finished product (letter, gate etc.) and press enter. The AutoCreaser Pro XL will automatically calculate where the creases need to be and set them accordingly. All settings and adjustments are made using the user interface so operation couldn’t be easier. An alpha-numeric memory allows an unlimited number of jobs to be stored and named as you choose. Any changes to the feed method, crease position and engineering settings can all be made through the user interface which has been developed and designed to make the AutoCreaser Pro XL easy to operate. You will simply process more jobs in less time.

The AutoCreaser Pro XL can be linked to the Morgana AutoFold Pro to provide an even more complete finishing solution. The Morgana AutoFold Pro is an automatic folding system designed specifically for the professional printer. Specially designed for folding digital stocks, it uses the patented “Flying Knife” technology, developed to prevent scuffing and marking on digital stocks. The AutoFold Pro is simply wheeled up to any creaser and the height of its vacuum feed conveyor adjusts to the height of the creaser.

Any changes to the feed method, crease position and engineering settings can all be made through the user interface which has been developed and designed to make the AutoCreaser Pro XL easy to operate. You will simply process more jobs in less time.

Perforations required?

Rotary perforation comes as standard on the AutoCreaser Pro range, with a wide variety of wheels available to suit all requirements. An optional cross perforating unit can be added for more complex jobs, and multiple perforation layouts can be achieved with the cross-perforation option.

About Plockmatic Group

Plockmatic Group develops, manufactures and markets an extensive range of document finishing systems sold under the Plockmatic and Morgana brand names. These products work inline or offline together with the world’s best digital printing systems.

Plockmatic and Morgana make products to mail, fold, crease, perforate and bind documents with extraordinary precision, turning stacks of printed paper into the beautifully finished documents for your customers every day.

About Morgana Systems Limited

Morgana Systems is a wholly owned subsidiary of Plockmatic International, a part of the Plockmatic Group. The company supplies a wide range of innovative and market leading offline post-press equipment for customers involved in the many and varied activities of the printing industry throughout the world. Equipment is manufactured at a number of Plockmatic owned plants across the globe.

The sales, marketing, and service operations of Morgana Systems are headquartered in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, UK. This site is also the manufacturing base for the PowerSquare range of booklet makers engineered by Watkiss, another Group Company.

Beginning with the launch of the revolutionary AutoCreaser in 2000, Morgana Systems has led the way in developing new and innovative solutions to cope with the special requirements of the digital printer. Since its acquisition by Plockmatic in 2013 the product portfolio has been extended with a wide range of bookletmaking systems to meet every production requirement.

Current product ranges include the Morgana DigiBook range of PUR perfect binders, and the recently introduced collection of bookletmakers, which have been developed jointly with Plockmatic. These include the BM3035/3050 and BM5000 models, and the Watkiss developed PowerSquare^TM 160 and 224 models, all delivering market-leading, cutting edge binding solutions.

Morgana Systems is a preferred offline finishing partner for all of the leading manufacturers of digital print engines, whilst the Plockmatic International produce a wide range of innovative inline finishing solutions for all leading engine providers.

Full details of Morgana’s product line-up can be found at: http://morgana.co.uk/

ENDS

Two New Cutting Tables from Morgana Systems

Morgana Systems, Milton Keynes, has announced the addition of two new models to its popular range of flatbed cutters. Firstly, there is a new smaller “entry level” version of the popular and versatile Optima system, and secondly a more automated new addition to the range, the Omnia, complete with an automated feeder.

The Optima V50 is the latest and smallest of the current range of flatbed cutters and is designed for digital printers needing to cut a wide range of substrates in thickness up to 20mm but who are tight on floorspace.

The Omnia combines the versatility of the Optima products with regards to substrate range along with a newly designed sheet feeder and optical register system, meaning that the system can be set to run repetitive tasks without requiring an operator. The system can even be left to run unattended overnight.

Commenting on the new additions, Ray Hillhouse, VP Sales & Marketing for the Plockmatic Group Offline Business Unit, said: “These two new units further enhance our range of cutting tables. The Optima V50 addresses the entry level sector, where a small but highly versatile device is an essential ingredient. It’s an ideal starting point for those seeing the need for a cutting table.

“The Omnia breaks new ground in automating cutting table processes. For those businesses with a growing demand for repetitive tasks, Omnia can produce a great many tasks without the need for an operator to stand over the machine, including “lights out” production of work overnight.”

Optima V50

Optima V50 is the entry level cutting solution for short run cutting projects. Extremely compact and affordable, it’s the ideal solution for a company wishing to start producing mock-ups, prototypes, and small production lots without the need for die cutting.

Optima V50 is a single-head cutting system capable of swapping from one tool to another in less than 10 seconds without any adjustment. It comes as standard with a tangential cutting tool (cutting material up to 5mm thick), a creasing tool and a camera, which in combination with OptiCrop software, allows you to detect printing crop marks and perform contour cuts. An optional oscillating cutting tool will allow substrates up to 20 mm to be cut expanding the range of applications.

The Optima V50 can hold two A3+ sheets or a material whose maximum size is 55 x 80cm. The machine comes with a basement workbench, a vacuum bed for easier media holding, and a fold-away-pins system to aid easy alignment.

The product is equipped with a creasing tool and a set of nine different creasing and perforating wheels that can handle cardstocks and corrugated cardboards.

Omnia

When you need to automate long and repetitive operations, Omnia is the ideal solution. Set the desired workflow, start the process, and then Omnia will carry out the project independently, without the need for an operator for hours. At any stage of the production process Omnia will recognize and report errors or malfunctions, avoiding any wastage of materials.

The oversized feeder and suction system automatically deliver materials into the cutting machine, which has a 600 x 800mm cutting table. The automatic crop mark detection allows a hands-free cutting process and a status indicator will notify the operator when the feeder has dropped to the minimum quantity so It can be reloaded. The feeder can stack up to 500 sheets of 300gsm card stock.

The QR Code feature improves workflow even further. The camera quickly detects the code, brings up the cut details, and then executes each project, eliminating cut lists.

Average speed per sheet is calculated in 30/45 seconds when cutting A3+ sheet and a medium complexity package design.

About Plockmatic Group

Plockmatic Group develops, manufactures and markets an extensive range of document finishing systems sold under the Plockmatic and Morgana brand names. These products work inline or offline together with the world’s best digital printing systems.

Plockmatic and Morgana make products to mail, fold, crease, perforate and bind documents with extraordinary precision, turning stacks of printed paper into the beautifully finished documents for your customers every day.

About Morgana Systems Limited

Morgana Systems is a wholly owned subsidiary of Plockmatic International, a part of the Plockmatic Group. The company supplies a wide range of innovative and market leading offline post-press equipment for customers involved in the many and varied activities of the printing industry throughout the world. Equipment is manufactured at a number of Plockmatic owned plants across the globe.

The sales, marketing, and service operations of Morgana Systems are headquartered in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, UK. This site is also the manufacturing base for the PowerSquare range of booklet makers engineered by Watkiss, another Group Company.

Beginning with the launch of the revolutionary AutoCreaser in 2000, Morgana Systems has led the way in developing new and innovative solutions to cope with the special requirements of the digital printer. Since its acquisition by Plockmatic in 2013 the product portfolio has been extended with a wide range of bookletmaking systems to meet every production requirement.

Current product ranges include the Morgana DigiBook range of PUR perfect binders, and the recently introduced collection of bookletmakers, which have been developed jointly with Plockmatic. These include the BM3035/3050 and BM5000 models, and the Watkiss developed PowerSquare^TM 160 and 224 models, all delivering market-leading, cutting edge binding solutions.

Morgana Systems is a preferred offline finishing partner for all of the leading manufacturers of digital print engines, whilst the Plockmatic International produce a wide range of innovative inline finishing solutions for all leading engine providers.

Full details of Morgana’s product line-up can be found at: http://morgana.co.uk/

ENDS