Commercial print specialist Platinum Print has installed a Horizon iCE StitchLiner Mark IV saddle-stitching system supplied by IFS, continuing its investment in automated finishing equipment.
Based in Harrogate, Platinum Print provides design, print, signage and direct mail services. The company selected the latest-generation StitchLiner to replace an existing Horizon StitchLiner 5500, which had been in operation for several years. The installation forms part of a wider programme of equipment upgrades aimed at supporting short-run and fast-turnaround production.
Recent investments at the company include a Ricoh Pro C9500 toner press, which replaced a C9200 previously used for direct mail work, as well as an Autobond B1 double-sided laminator, a Polar N 115 high-speed guillotine, a Bacciottini Pitstop Oxo creaser/folder, and an ATS MSX 420 banding system.
The StitchLiner Mark IV will primarily support output from Platinum Print’s HP Indigo 12000 press and is intended to improve the efficiency of short-run booklet production. The system is configured with three six-station high-pile VAC-L600H collators, providing a total of 18 stations. It is capable of producing booklets up to A4 landscape format and up to 72 pages.
According to managing director Anthony Wyvill, the ability to produce A4 landscape booklets was a key consideration in the purchasing decision. He added: “The new system replaces our older StitchLiner 5500. Because it had been so reliable, we knew we could trust Horizon’s build quality. The ability to produce A4 landscape booklets was also a major advantage. Previously, we could only complete these on our Muller Martini or by hand which is time-consuming for short runs.”
The Horizon iCE StitchLiner Mark IV is designed to produce saddle-stitched booklets at speeds of up to 6000 booklets per hour. It incorporates Horizon’s iCE LiNK cloud-based platform, which enables workflow automation from upstream processes through post-press operations. The system provides real-time production data, remote software updates, and scheduled maintenance functions, with information accessible via mobile devices or desktop computers. The software is designed to integrate with management information systems.
Platinum Print reports that the transition from the older system to the Mark IV has been straightforward. Mr Wyvill said the familiarity of the operating interface allowed existing staff to adapt quickly, while new operators were able to learn the system with minimal training. The company expects the installation to support more efficient and cost-effective production as demand for short-run and on-demand work continues.
