Suffolk-based printer Micropress has invested in a Horizon AFV-566FKT iCE Folder from Intelligent Finishing Systems (IFS) to increase its folding capacity for leaflet production.
Micropress specialises in publishing, direct mail and advertising media, producing books, catalogues, magazines, brochures, leaflets and other commercial print work. The business works with publishers, print managers, other printers and end users, alongside offering warehousing and pick-and-pack services.
Its production operation includes three Heidelberg XL106 litho presses – two eight-colour and one 10-colour – as well as a Canon IX, Heidelberg Jetfire and Xerox PrimeLink for digital printing.
James Cross, joint managing director at Micropress, said the company required additional capacity to accommodate its leaflet work and selected the Horizon system following a demonstration in Hamburg, Germany.
“We needed additional folding capacity for leaflet work and the main reason we chose the AFV-566FKT iCE Folder was its ease of use,” said Mr Cross. “The tools on the system that enable quick positioning and makereadies set it apart from the competition.
“We did look at other solutions but after seeing the system demonstrated at an Horizon event in Hamburg, Germany, we knew it would do what we needed it to do. It will allow us to respond quickly to a rise in leaflet work, especially as the simple to set up and operate solution means team members can efficiently complete the jobs with confidence.”
The AFV-566FKT iCE Folder is designed to handle a range of run lengths and incorporates a 12.1in colour touchscreen with a library of stored folds. Features include automated production-speed adjustment, automated adjustment of the hold-down roller and tools intended to simplify recovery and reduce downtime at the knife-fold section.
Micropress will also use Horizon’s cloud-based iCE LiNK platform to connect the folder with its wider production systems.
“Using iCE LiNK we will send job data to the machine via JDF and then also receive data back into the MIS. This will enable us to have a clearer picture of production,” added Mr Cross.
