Micropress has revamped its folding capacity with not one but two folders, from different suppliers. A Heidelberg Stahlfolder TH82P will increase section folding capacity and will ease bottlenecks in the litho department where a long perfecting Speedmaster XL106 with plate to unit was installed last year.
A Horizon AF566 FKT will accelerate leaflet folding and will ease bottlenecks for short runs that the new press is capable of delivering effectively. Micropress has more recently installed the UK’s first Heidelberg Jetfire 50 inkjet press.
The Heidelberg folder comes with the StackStar C robotic arm to minimise the manning required to operate the folder. It replaces an older TH82. Micropress has robot arms to load pallets on its other B1 folders, but these were provided by MBO. The Heidelberg robot will be easier to integrate into a fully networked production planning and tracking system and provides a point of comparison with other manufacturers. Joint managing director Rob Cross says: “It made sense to buy the Heidelberg offering in this case as we grouped the sale with the folder itself. I would say the CoBo have always delivered very well for us and we are looking forward to seeing how the Starstack C compares.”
The StackStar C is a collaborative robot, that is it is not caged but uses light beams for safety. These illuminate the protected area that operators should not enter when the arm is in operation and provide full access to switch pallets as necessary.
The Horizon, which was installed ahead of the Heidelberg folder, is a B2 folder that is capable of delivering folded sections, but is really intended for short run leaflet work. It does not have a robot as it is focused on short runs and smaller format sheets. It has Horizon’s iCE interface to link to the company’s production network.
The folder is effectively fully automated in set up, reducing the training requirement and enabling operators to move between tasks. It follows on from investment in Horizon’s CABS perfect binding line and a StitchLiner MkIV.
Joint managing directors of Micropress are James and Rob Cross. James says about the Horizon investment: “We needed additional folding capacity for leaflet work and the main reason we chose the AFV566FKT was its ease of use. The tools on the system that enable quick positioning and makereadies set it apart from the competition.
“It will allow us to respond quickly to a rise in leaflet work, especially as the simple to set up and operate solution means team members can efficiently complete the jobs with confidence.”
Of the Heidelberg folder, Rob says: “This investment is about bringing our folding capacity in line with what the presses can output. Our staff are already familiar with the TH82P style of technology, so it’s been a quick and easy transition on that front.
“There’s a learning curve with the StackStar C, but, as always, the team is pleased that we’re continuing to invest in the latest technology.
“The increase in folding capacity probably means the bottleneck is now on the presses but this does depends on the nature of work. We do such a wide range of work and if we are particularly heavy in one area it can move the bottleneck there. A moving bottleneck probably means we have the balance about right, especially if its weighted more towards the presses as these are the most expensive assets that you want to be sweating.”
