Inkjet & Digital Printing
Worldcolor Announces New High-Speed Digital Ink Jet Press and Bind System Solution for Short-Run Books
Monday 24. May 2010 - System to also produce versioned and variable magazines, catalogs and high-end direct mail
Worldcolor (TSX: WC, WC.U) today announced that it has partnered with Kodak and Muller Martini to create a breakthrough technology solution for producing short-run books. Worldcolors new FastBook Digital system uniquely integrates and automates book prepress, digital printing and finishing in-line to achieve a seamless files-in/books-out solution. The system will produce up to 1,000 books an hour in color and black and white with quality levels and a price point superior to many conventional short-run book manufacturing applications. The system can also be configured in future applications to produce versioned and variable magazines, catalogs and high-end direct mail.
The FastBook Digital system, which can be supported by as few as two operators, will offer a shorter-run, quicker-turn production option for publishers seeking to decrease book obsolescence waste, reduce forecasting risks and better manage book inventories. Run lengths up to 3,500 copies are expected to show customer benefits when compared to conventional alternatives. The system also will complement Worldcolors new Custom Publishing Engine solution that allows publishers to repurpose existing content into new, customized and versioned books and publications.
The Kodak Prosper 5000XL Press and the integrated Muller Martini SigmaLine finishing line are the key components of FastBook Digital. The press features Kodaks revolutionary Stream inkjet technology that is capable of delivering offset press quality at higher speeds and lower costs than previous ink jet systems. The press can print on both coated and uncoated papers, including glossy coats, over a wider range of paper basis weights than prior systems. The press variable data, variable speeds, simple paper path and variable cut-off capabilities offer superior flexibility and utilization advantages. Muller Martinis SigmaLine technology seamlessly integrates the Kodak press with the finishing for a total digital solution to fully automate book manufacturing. The configuration entails all in-line components including the SigmaFolder fully format variable signature folder, SigmaCollator for book block creation, the revolutionary SigmaBuffer, and a fully automated perfect binding line. The total digital solution including digital printing and finishing is managed by Muller Martinis end-to-end workflow system Connex.
“FastBook Digital reflects our continuing commitment to innovation, speed and efficiency as a way of helping our book publishing customers succeed,” said Brian Freschi, President, Worldcolor North America. “FastBook Digital is also part of our Pressroom-of-the-Future initiative that will be transformational in terms of how our book and other operations will better serve publishers and their changing needs in a digital world. The same systems approach also will deliver unique applications and benefits to our magazine, catalog and direct mail customers. “
Another key component of FastBook Digital is a fully-automated front-end workflow solution that seamlessly integrates content file development and proofing, file management, order entry and processing: “We have worked hard to create a custom front-end solution that will make it easy for our customers to enter their work into the production workflow and manage it throughout” said Gary Durand, Executive Vice President, Operations. On-line systems and tools will give customers everything they need to leverage the full potential of this revolutionary print and bind technology.”
The first FastBook Digital installation will be in Worldcolors Dubuque, Iowa, facility and is expected to be operational in the fourth quarter of this year.