Horizon vertical signature collator
S Ravichander, GM, Chennai-based Green Pearl Publications says speed and efficiency of the kit has reduced manual work and shored up finishing tasks.
16 May 2013 | By Sidhesh Kanade
Horizon vertical signature collator
Describe your company?
Green Pearl Publications (GPPPL, formerly known as SRM Publications) is in the business of printing of various books, notebooks, records, leaflets, etc. We have planned to invest Rs 5-crore into outside market segments. GPPPL is equipped with violet CTP for supporting the sheetfed offset machines, UV coater, automatic notebook making machines in our production shop floor supported with various post production and finishing machines.
What does the machine do?
A post-production kit, it is used for collating (gathering) folded signatures
Why did you choose this machine?
For its space saving and cost-effective solution for post-press application.
Did you look at any other similar machines?
Yes, we did look at horizonal gathering machines. However, given the number of short-run jobs we do, an investment on such a machine looked too big. Also horizontal machines would need more space. Hence we decided on the vertical cost-effective gathering machine, which also required less space.
Why did you make the purchase?
We wanted to reduce dependence on labour for gathering of signatures and an automation to enhance capacity. The machine preparation is done with a touch of a button enabling fast job change-over too. Horizon ticked all the right boxes and it was in line with our finishing capabilities.
How fast is it?
It can collate close to 10,000 eight-signature books per shift per day.
What’s the quality like?
Quality has not been an issue. Once a missing signature is detected the machine stops.
How easy is it to use?
Very simple and it’s easy to train unskilled workers, too.
Has it won you any new work?
Though it has not won any new orders, it has supported our cause to enhance production capabilities in post-press, which gives additional capacity for finishing and also makes excess manpower available for other work.
How much time or money has it saved?
It’s speed has certainly cut time required for collating by half.
Were there any difficulties experienced during installations or after?
It was easy to install the machine as it came completely assembled and was packed well. It took a couple of hours to complete the installation and commissioning.
What about the pre and after sales service?
We had excellent support from Proteck both, before and after the sales. Proteck paid special attention to have operators understand the setting for different types of jobs and paper and trained them in doing all type of jobs.
Who do you think the machine is right for?
Any printer who is into book printing and handling signatures for perfect binding or hardcase and who is not too big to look at horizontal gathering machine should look at this intermediate facility to enhance capacity and reduce manual dependence.
Under what circumstances would you invest in another?
When we feel that our present set-up is running to capacity, we will look for another Horizon collater to ensure quick and easy post-production operations.
Conclusion
User’s verdict
User’s verdict
Speed 4/5
Quality 4/5
Reliability 4/5
Reliability 4/5
Value for money 3/5
See All