Connectivity and Cutting-Edge Finishing Solutions On Display at Standard’s Finishing 360

Automation and connectivity were key themes of this year’s Finishing 360 event at Standard Finishing Systems, with more than 20 solutions from Horizon and Hunkeler demonstrated and on display. Standard, which is the North American distributor of equipment from Japan-based Horizon and Switzerland-based Hunkeler, held the event on May 21 and 22 at its Andover, Massachusetts, National Demonstration and Training Center, hosting approximately 130 visitors representing 80 companies.

Among the highlights of the event was the North American debut of the Horizon BBS-56 plowfold book block solution. The BBS-56 was demonstrated in-line with the BQ-500 perfect binder and the HT-1000V variable trimmer, for a complete roll to perfect bound book solution. Kelly DiMarco, product specialist for Standard, led the demonstration of the book block solution, explaining that it meets the needs for short- to medium-run book production, and can produce up to 800 books per hour.

“Finishing 360 is the North American debut for the BBS-56, and we are very happy with how that’s going,” Don Dubuque, Standard’s director of marketing, said. “It’s been great speaking with and seeing the reactions from customers.”

With the book making system designed for short and medium run lengths, it was fitting that the book being produced live on the floor was The Roll-Fed Inkjet Reference Book. The book is a comprehensive guide to roll-fed inkjet, and is sponsored by Screen, printed on Screen inkjet equipment, and written by Aron Allenson, Screen’s high-speed inkjet product manager. Mark Schlimme, VP of marketing for Screen Americas, attended the event and said he was excited to see the book being finished by a partner company.

“It’s a great book for anyone wanting to learn about inkjet,” Schlimme said. “It’s a great resource for internal training.”

While the North American debut of the BBS-56 and the in-line perfect bound book solution was at the center of the event, attendees also explored several other finishing systems from Horizon and Hunkeler. For those in the mailing industry, a roll-fed postcard application, that was printed by Canon, was being demonstrated, the Hunkeler CS8 II high-speed rotary cutter was demonstrating its cutting capabilities that can reach up to 590 fpm, supported by two cutting cylinders. The CS8 II can run web widths up to 22.5” and supports coated and uncoated media ranging from 27 lb. text to 12-point card stock.

From the cutter, the postcard proceeded into a separator and then on to the Hunkeler LS8-30 30” long sheet non-stop stacker. Utilizing four tables, the stacker can sort postcards accordingly based on their destination, increasing efficiency and reducing postage costs.

Serving the pharmaceutical printing industry, the Horizon AF-408F buckle folder was on display, highlighting its ability to efficiently produce the complex zigzag folds often utilized in pharmaceutical packaging inserts. Powered by a user-friendly touch panel display, the machine features eight buckles and can process sheets up to 16.92” x 25.98” and reach belt speeds of 98 to 590 fpm and a suction head that can reach 30,000 cycles per hour.

While the machines on the floor attracted much of the attention during Finishing 360, software played an important role in the event as well. The Horizon iCE LiNK bindery control system was prevalent on screens throughout the showroom floor, highlighting its ability to improve efficiency with real time data reporting. iCE LiNK is a web-based solution that connects to all Horizon equipment, allowing operators, managers, and business owners to see how their equipment is performing, no matter where they’re located.

Standard's Finishing 360 event hosted approximately 130 visitors representing 80 companies at its National Demonstration and Training Center in Andover, Massachusetts.

Among the features that iCE LiNK provides is the ability to alert users if a machine needs maintenance, including if a part needs to be replaced or if it is time to take preventative maintenance measures. Additionally, iCE LiNK can track a machine’s performance across multiple shifts, allowing production teams to assess any variations in efficiency from shift to shift. iCE LiNK is also connected globally, giving users the ability to benchmark their team’s equipment usage against other users around the world.

Another advantage iCE LiNK offers is that the Standard Finishing team can track its customers’ Horizon equipment performance. This allows the team to be able to proactively offer service and solutions to customers if the data indicates that there may be a need.

While the Finishing 360 event offers Standard’s customers and prospective customers the ability to check out all of the latest Horizon and Hunkeler finishing equipment, Dubuque says that the National Demonstration and Training Center is open year-round for in-person visits and also features the ability for Standard to offer virtual video demonstrations for customers and prospects remotely. Additionally, he says that Standard is looking forward to showcasing Horizon and Hunkeler solutions at PRINTING United Expo, October 22-24, in Orlando, Florida.

“We have a great partnership with PRINTING United Alliance and we appreciate the wonderful job they do organizing the Expo,” Dubuque says. “The Expo  is always a great opportunity for us to meet with attendees and show them the latest solutions from Horizon and Hunkeler. With less than five months to go, we can’t wait to get to Orlando!”