been hand collated. “But when looking at updating existing capabilities operations should consider how much the latest automation can elevate their production speed, capacity, and support greater application versatility. The latest Horizon systems are equipped with iCE LiNK, a cloud-based platform that can provide device monitoring, KPI analysis, PM schedule/alerts, JDF/JMF Workflow, scheduling, job creation, editing, and more. We are also having a lot of conversations about the role of robotics and how they can support faster, more efficient, and round the clock production for operations of varying sizes.” For Keane, the latest generation of automated solutions have been designed to remove production bottlenecks, improve workflow efficiency, and enable operators to move seamlessly between systems. “Ultimately, the right automation strategy one operator thus reducing labour costs and job turnaround times with increased profit margins and happy customers. This is just one example of how automation is changing finishing operations.” The Final Line When it comes to concluding thoughts, Davidson says: “One point I’d emphasise is that finishing is often the final stage in the production process, yet it’s one of the most important factors in how the customer judges the quality of the finished product. Even the best print can be let down by poor creasing or inaccurate folding. We’re seeing an increasing number of printers looking for ways to diversify their services and bring more work in-house. Modern creasing and folding equipment gives businesses the flexibility to produce a wider range of applications, improve turnaround times, and create new revenue opportunities without significantly increasing labour costs.” Davidson’s final points emphasise that investing in finishing equipment isn’t just about specification. Scheffler from Motioncutter echoes this mentality, vouching for a change in attitude towards the process: “Finishing shouldn’t be thought of as just another step in production. It should be thought of as part of the design concept itself. Digital creasing, structural cutting, engraving, and personalised finishing all enable businesses to create applications that would have been impractical or not commercially viable using analogue methods. As digital print continues to evolve, I believe digital finishing will play a key role in helping printers to produce work that stands out.” Scheffler’s final thoughts, encapsulate what the future of finishing and the print industry will be, adding: “For years, we’ve talked about variable data printing but I think the next step should be variable data finishing, where every job can contain a different printed sheet, and a different cut path, crease pattern, or structural finishing. This is where digital finishing really starts to unlock the full potential of print.” ▲Jörg Scheffler, chief executive officer at Motioncutter, with one of the company’s laser systems can make a substantial difference in creating a more streamlined, efficient, and profitable workflow,” says Keane, adding: “Horizon has introduced the Horizon iCE StitchLiner Mark V saddle stitching system for inline and offline configuration with both the Canon varioPRINT iX3200, and HEIDELBERG JetFire 50 B3 sheetfed inkjet presses. This new solution provides true print and finishing on demand with just Without the availability of standalone finishing equipment there is no opportunity for smaller companies to grow 84 email: editor@printmonthly.co.uk Issue 362 - September | October CREASING, FOLDING, AND COLLATING | DAVID OSGAR
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