With Trengrouse describing both automation and connectivity as “essential”, he says print companies increasingly expect cutting systems to integrate seamlessly into their digital workflow rather than run as isolated machines. With POLAR Compucut from HEIDELBERG, cutting programs can be generated automatically from prepress data, eliminating manual programming and reducing setup times. In combination with POLAR Automation Control Environment (PACE), operators receive digital process guidance throughout production. This, Trengrouse says, standardises workflows, increases process reliability, and helps address the industry's shortage of skilled labour. While precision and productivity will always be at the top of printers’ minds when they are on the lookout for new machinery, Trengrouse recognises that they are also increasingly looking for ergonomics, ease of use, and workflow optimisation – all of which he says are addressed with POLAR AirGo Jog from HEIDELBERG. “The POLAR AirGo Jog combines jogging, alignment, and buffering of material in a single process step,” he says, adding: “This not only accelerates pile preparation but also significantly reduces physical strain on operators. In many print shops, ergonomics have become an important investment criterion, particularly as experienced operators become harder to recruit. “Customers also value those solutions that simplify operation and reduce manual handling. Systems such as PACE support operators through guided workflows, while integrated cutting cells combining cutters finishers will play a significant role. He picks out the Horizon B2 SmartStacker and Horizon B3 SmartSlitter, both available from IFS, saying they provide modern print production the opportunity to efficiently cut full bleed finished applications or cut and stack separated book blocks or straight stacks for offline binding or stitching. “These smarter and fully automated solutions support production flexibility as they do not need highly skilled operators,” Seaber says. He goes on to make similar comments to Hudson and Trengrouse on both connectivity and workflow integration, saying these are now becoming “essential” as print runs continue to get smaller, thus increasing the number of job makereadies. “Whether you are using a traditional guillotine like our small-format GrafCut G73H and G80H, or our HPM range of medium- to large-format guillotines, or even a smarter solution like our Horizon B2 SmartStacker and/or B3 SmartSlitter, workflow automation is now becoming essential. It helps you ensure maximum production efficiency with little to no waste and higher productivity to reduce overall production costs.” IFS exclusively offers the GrafCut G73H (73cm) and G80H (80cm) guillotines with ten-inch touchscreens and hydraulic operation of both the blade and clamp – providing more cutting power with less moving parts and HPM guillotines, which range in size from 92cm up to 188cm. IFS is also the exclusive agent for HPM, one of the largest guillotine manufacturers in the world. Its range of medium- to large-format guillotines can be supplied with a traditional stack-lift, jogger, and unloader. However, IFS also offers high-volume customers a HPM guillotine with an automatic loader and unloader and a stand-alone nearby pile turner with jogging, aeration, and air expulsion. “User experience will continue to shape research and development,” Seaber says, adding: “Focus will be on ensuring smooth, streamlined, and intuitive operation. This supports fast throughput when managing short-run, fast-turnaround jobs.” ▲HEIDELBERG’s POLAR AirGo Jog combines jogging, alignment, and buffering of material in a single process step and peripheral equipment help maximise throughput and consistency. “We expect more printers to invest in solutions that reduce manual intervention and enable fewer operators to manage greater production volumes. Intelligent workflow systems, automated job setup, and connected production environments will continue to gain importance.” Smarter Solutions Meanwhile, Jason Seaber, technical sales director at Intelligent Finishing Systems (IFS), says as digital print volumes continue to increase, multifunction Smarter and fully automated solutions support production flexibility as they do not need highly skilled operators GUILLOTINES | ROB FLETCHER 62 email: editor@printmonthly.co.uk Issue 363 - November | December 2026 IFS exclusively offers both the GrafCut G73H and G80H (pictured) guillotines
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