Creasing & Folding In One Pass

Standard Horizon CRF-362 Creaser/Folder

The Standard Horizon CRF-362 Creaser/Folder has been designed to handle the unique requirements of creasing and folding digital color output across a wide range of light and heavy weight stocks, coated or uncoated. The CRF-362 comes configured with seven selectable fold patterns and six selectable cover creasing patterns for perfect binding including spine, hinge, and flap creasing. The system uses impact scoring technology that eliminates or minimizes cracking of the stock or printed image. Set-up and changeovers – including fold pattern, creasing number, and up/down crease selection – can be easily achieved through the high resolution color touch screen designed for simple and intuitive operation.

         Key Features:

• High resolution touch screen
• Fully automatic setup
• Suction belt feed system
• Up to 10 creasing lines
• Up/down creasing anvils
• 200 job memory storage
• Large diameter fold rollers
• Dual delivery option

Cracking Issues? We've Got Solutions

"Cracking" is a common problem with digitally printed output. The good news is that is can be easily rectified using some of the exciting new technology highlighted below. Consider these options as you look to improve your print output, contain waste, and ultimately improve your bottom line.

FORMAX Atlas C100 Creaser

 Key Features:

• Color touchscreen control panel
• Fully automatic setup
• Creases up to 8,500 sheets/hour
• Up to 16 creases pr sheet
• Accommodates sheets up to 27.5" x 12.9"
• Unlimited programmable jobs
• Includes a single perforating kit
• Lifetime guaranteed creaser matrix 

 

 

FORMAX Atlas C200 Creaser

 Key Features:

• Color touchscreen control panel
• Fully automatic setup
• Creases up to 8,500 sheets/hour
• Up to 16 creases pr sheet
• Accommodates sheets up to 27.5" x 19.6"
• Unlimited programmable jobs
• Includes a single perforating kit
• Lifetime guaranteed creaser matrix

Are Trade Shows A Thing Of The Past?

YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn....

Like it or not, social media is now a daily part of our lives. And, with some enhancements, upgrades, and new start-ups, it's likely a phenomenon that is here to stay. Many equipment manufacturers, vendors, dealers, and even customers have fully embraced these communication technologies wholeheartedly. Who can blame them? The draw of instant exposure, controlled content, and little or no costs are just too much of an attraction to avoid.

But, are these free (or nearly free) formats the only way to "get the word out"? Are trade shows truly a thing of the past now that social media is so ingrained in our "Google" filled lives? Quite simply, the answer is not by a long shot!

For sure, trade shows have gotten smaller and less attended in recent years. Lower attendance figures can be directly linked to social media as a venue to gain instant access to equipment features & benefits, testimonials, and on-line demonstrations. But, trade shows do still bring a unique perspective to anyone considering new equipment purchases or looking into options available in this rapidly changing digital marketplace.

Following are a few things to keep in mind while considering whether to attend your next trade show:

• Trade shows are a valid event- not a 30-second sound bite. Although our attention spans are short, an indiscriminate or ill-advised purchasing decision may have a negative impact on your production facility that could likely last a long time.

• Trade shows present a perfect opportunity to "kick the tires" on a product you are considering. A good habit to get into while attending a trade show is to bring product samples with you. What better way to find out whether a product will work for you than trying it out LIVE!

• Networking is a huge benefit associated with trade shows. Imagine an opportunity to talk with manufacturer's reps, dealer representatives, and current equipment users all within a stone's throw of each other? The impact and knowledge you can gain, in many cases, is simply worth the trip alone.

• There is no better time than major trade shows to see the newest product introductions! Most manufacturers deliberately hold new equipment innovations, announcements, and enhancements for maximum exposure at trade shows. Be one of the first to see newly introduced, exclusive, and/or "cutting edge" technologies.

• Discounts and deals aplenty! Manufacturers want to walk away from a major trade show with it being worthwhile for them as well. The best barometer of a successful trade show is "how much did we sell"? That motivation is a driving force for promotions that might normally be unattainable. Another great opportunity for the trade show enthusiast!

Any marketing expert will remind you that advertising and exposure to end users is a multi-pronged approach. Certainly, in this day and age, social media plays a key role in achieving that exposure. But, trade shows still offer a tremendous opportunity for those considering a significant purchase in digital finishing equipment. Do not underestimate the "tried and true" benefits of attending a trade show.

NEW Standard Horizon SmartSlitter

The Standard Horizon SmartSlitter, an all-in-one smart sheet processing system that can slit, gutter cut, edge trim, cross-cut, perforate, and crease all in one pass. Perforation and creasing can be performed in both horizontal and vertical directions in the same pass. Skip perforation feature can produce T- and L-perfs ideal for coupons, tickets, and business reply cards. The system can deliver multiple up greeting cards with or without creasing, table tents, invitations, and much more with both matrix and rotary creasing.

Standard Horizon SmartSlitter

For accordion fold applications or perfect bound books, up and down creasing can also be performed in one pass. Standard size business cards can be printed 21-up on a sheet and processed to a receding stacker for easy handling. Print mark registration adjusts for digital print image shift from sheet to sheet. The color touch screen features a simple user interface for easy operation including job setup via barcode. The system accepts sheets up to 14.33” x 26.37” and can deliver finished sheets just under 2” x 2”.

Don't Be An Iwish Buyer

An Iwish person has no specific nationality, special flag they fly, or national anthem that they sing. An Iwish person spans all income levels and can be a graduate of some of the finest educational institutions in the world. Iwish people are not judged by the homes they live in or the automobiles they drive.

Iwish refers more to a mindset and an inevitable regret after purchasing a product. Iwish people speak one universal language. It often goes like this:

"I wish I had known that before I purchased ..."

"I wish I had considered this before I bought..."

"I wish they had told me that before I paid for..."

"I wish I had asked more about the limitations of..."
"I wish, I wish, I wish..."

At some point in our lives, we too may have had some of these same Iwish tendencies. But, it's those that learn from their own negative buying experiences, or those of others, who truly break the Iwish spell. Where finishing equipment is concerned, it's really not that difficult to make an educated buying decision. When it comes to considering, and ultimately purchasing finishing products, here's a few pointers to keep in mind:

• Leave yourself plenty of time to make an educated, well thought our purchasing decision. In today's environment we have an "I need it today" mentality. With high dollar purchases, you should abide by the axiom of "hurry up and slow down".

• Don't be a victim of YouTube. Although YouTube is a fabulous tool for finding out information on a product, that's where it should end. Don't use YouTube as a replacement for a live demonstration running your application(s).

• Ask questions. Believe it or not, finishing equipment is evolving at a breakneck speed. Automation and different binding methods are evolving rapidly. Be sure to ask as many questions as you can, especially with regards to future growth and long term use of the product you are considering. Finishing equipment can get expensive- don't purchase a "dead end".

• Ask for referrals, speak with your peers, make use of industry specific blogs and users groups. This is where the rubber hits the road. These are the people who will let you know whether they had an "Iwish" moment or two. Good or bad, most people will give you an honest assessment of the equipment they've purchased when asked.

• Check out the competition! It sounds obvious, but many people will not take the time to do this. Vendors that feel strongly about their product line and are comfortable with the quality of the product they sell, will not only encourage this but actually insist on it. In most cases, it only solidifies in the buyer's mind what may have already been expressed about the product they are considering.

• In these challenging times, don't make price your biggest issue. Yes, obviously price is a huge consideration, but many other things might outweigh a "good deal". Consider some of these concepts instead: ease-of-use, economies of automation, product durability and longevity, production speeds, down time, quality of the finished product, resale value, upgrade path, and after sale service and support.

Purchasing regrets, and Iwish moments, are actually quite easy to eliminate. By planning ahead, doing some homework, and weighing your options in a disciplined and logical way, your equipment purchasing decisions can be productive, positive, profitable, and even fun. Take control of the education and decision making process and Iwish moments will be a thing of the past!

NEW Standard Horizon CRA-36 Auto-Creaser

Crease, Perforate, Slit, Gutter Cut in One Process

Building on their reputation as a true innovator in digital post-press finishing solutions, Standard Horizon has introduced the new Standard Horizon CRA-36 AutoCreaser.

Standard Horizon CRA-36 AutoCreaser

The Standard Horizon CRA-36 sports many advanced features, including:

• High pile, top feeding system
• Superior mechanical creasing mechanism(s)
• Easy-to-use color touchscreen control
• Screen selectable up & down creasing
• Maximum 10 creases in one pass
• Spine, hinge, and flap can be done for perfect binding covers
• Impact perfing unit available
• Ability to rotary perf, edge trim, and gutter cut (with optional accessories)
• Maximum sheet size: 14.3" x 34"

See the Standard Horizon CRA-36 AutoCreaser in action:

Are You VIP Worthy? Think Again.

Standard's VIP Program Stands Out

When people think of VIP's they immediately think of red carpets, limousines, and paparazzi. Standard Finishing Systems' idea of a VIP, although not quite as glamorous, is no less important. In fact, Standard has invested heavily in their VIP program and the results are in. Their VIP program stands out in the digital print industry!

About 5-years ago, Standard Finishing Systems made a tremendous investment in significantly expanding their demonstration and training facilities in Andover, MA. Standard, through careful thought and planning, transformed their location into a "world class" demonstration center with nearly all of their products on display. Mr. George Vergilis, Director of Sales for Standard Finishing Systems, encourages dealers from all over the country to use Standard's showroom to facilitate their sales efforts.

Certainly, Standard does not take their VIP program lightly. Preparation for a VIP demo generally starts well in advance with regional dealer representatives analyzing applications and arranging to have demonstration materials shipped to Standard in advance of the VIP's arrival. In many cases, special equipment considerations must be made to handle the wide ranging applications that are commonplace in today's digital environment.

After careful advance "ground work", a VIP will typically arrive the evening before their scheduled demonstration. During a casual get together and pleasant introductions, all parties have an opportunity to revisit product applications and demonstration expectations one last time. Usually, what awaits these VIP's the following morning far exceeds their expectations!

What ensues throughout the VIP's demo day is a world-wind of activity. First, VIP's tour Standard's warehouse where they witness firsthand ready to ship finishing equipment stocked floor-to-ceiling. VIP's also get a taste of Standard's commitment to parts inventory and logistics management during their warehouse tour as well. Immediately following this tour, VIP's are brought to Standard Finishing Systems' headquarters. Most importantly, VIP's get their first glance at the demonstration floor.

Once inside the demonstration facility, a VIP can't help but recognize the fact that Standard is a true leader in conventional and digital finishing solutions. Standing on the demonstration floor, VIP's are able to see the depth of the entire Standard Horizon product line in one panoramic view. Standard feels this is an extremely important element of a VIP's day. It's imperative that they walk away not only seeing their own application running, but realizing that the Standard Horizon product line is all encompassing.

As a sidebar, one other unique thing to note about a VIP's visit is that, all Standard personnel, both technical and sales, are staffed that day for them alone. Mr. Vergilis is quick to point out that, Standard is adamant about scheduling only one VIP visit per day. This means that, time spent with the VIP is exclusive to them and the products they intend to see.

When listening to George Vergilis talk, it's obvious he's ecstatic about the success of Standard's VIP program. Although Standard's demo floor investment coincided with their 100-year anniversary, George Vergilis says, "many VIP's that visit Standard comment that they knew Standard, but had no idea that Standard offered all this!" It's not unusual for a VIP to walk away with a "wish list" for future consideration. In many cases, VIP's have left with a purchasing decision made on a product that they had no intention of considering upon first arrival!

After several years, its quite apparent that Standard Finishing Systems' VIP program has been wildly successful and a model for the industry. It's not uncommon for customers to make return visits as their equipment needs evolve and change. Summing things up, Mr. Vergilis states that "prospects are about to make a large investment and a VIP demonstration gives them an opportunity to see the company and management who is supporting our dealers." What better way to "roll out the red carpet"!