machine. He says if the beam is broken, the cut either cannot be started or the motion will stop immediately if a cut is in process, thus preventing any nasty accidents. Other stand-out features to keep an eye out for include the ability of the machine to store and retrieve multiple cutting programs. Hillhouse says this allows for often-used cutting sequences to be recalled fast, saving both time and, hopefully, errors. Linking in with this, Hillhouse says most users prefer to work with a machine that has a touchscreen interface to further improve overall ease of use. In addition, he says the actual format of the machine might be considered a critical feature. Hillhouse explains larger guillotines might allow users the opportunity to buy their chosen substrate at the optimum price by buying larger-sized sheets and trimming them down to a preferred printing size – possibly cutting down from A2 to A4 sheets. “Beyond this basic cost-cutting exercise, the guillotine opens up a whole raft of print work that might require an image to bleed off the edge of a sheet,” Hillhouse says, continuing: “This needs over-sized sheets and an accurate trim to remove the excess paper after the printing process. With longer sheet printing now being a feature of many digital print engines, format is a very important thing to get right.” In terms of how Morgana can help, Hillhouse has several suggestions. He picks out the 55cm EBA 5560 as its most popular guillotine, but adds that in recent years, Morgana has seen more demand for its 65cm 6600 and 72cm 7260 machines due to digital print manufacturers moving to larger sheet sizes and promoting long sheet applications. As for new solutions, Hillhouse picks out THE 56 from EBA. The device features a 15.6” multi-touch control screen as well as a maximum cutting width of 56cm and stack height of 8cm. In addition, when programs are entered, the machine gives a visual guide to turning the stack in the correct direction for the next cut, helping operator efficiency and productivity. In addition to EBA, Morgana supplies the Mohr range. Mohr machines are a heavier duty hydraulic range of units in 66cm and 80cm cut sizes, with Hillhouse saying the most popular model is the 80cm Mohr 80. Although normally supplied as a three-phase unit, the 66cm version can also be supplied as a single-phase machine. “Both the Mohr 66 and Mohr 80 Plus are 62 email: news@printmonthly.co.uk July / August 2024 - Issue 349 controlled by a colour 18.5” touchscreen, which also shows job visualisation, taking the operator through each step in the cutting process,” he says, adding: “The PLUS models can also be equipped with a barcode-reading capability, delivering the desired cutting programme by reading from a barcode added within the trim of the printed job.” Automation Equation Next up is Intelligent Finishing Systems (IFS), which offers finishing solutions from a range of brands, including BaumannPerfecta and its collection of guillotine machines. Eric Keane, managing director at IFS, says a guillotine should be regarded as an essential element for any in-house bindery. “With fast turnaround short runs increasingly becoming the staple workload, a system that is easy to operate and quick to set up will help ensure smooth and streamlined production,” Keane explains. However, before investing, Keane says PSPs should consider how they can benefit from the latest technology and what performance gains can be realised. This could include greater productivity with features such as touch-screen programmability and job memory storage; increased efficiency with the calculation of optimal cut sequences; and lower labour costs by adding joggers and jogging tables. Above all, Keane says, is automation. He explains that from the cutting process to quality checking systems preventing operator errors, every step can be highly automated ensuring reliable, repeatable, quality. “Intuitive technology can support ease of set up and operation to create a dynamic bindery with streamlined proWhile multi-function finishing devices can handle some standard trimmed formats, they are limited ▲ Supplied by Morgana, THE 56 from EBA has a maximum cutting width of 56cm GUILLOTINES ◄ Available from IFS, the BaumannPerfecta collection of economic highspeed guillotines includes models such as the 92 and 132
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