GPS finds productivity, quality and versatility gains with Stahlfolder TH 82-P

Print Solutions

GPS Colour Graphics has taken delivery of a Stahlfolder TH82-P and has discovered it really can offer a minimum of 50% and up to 100% increase in productivity over any other model and can handle concertina folding without fuss. The folder was delivered to the Belfast company last month.

‘I bought this folder because I knew it had a higher run rate and I am always looking for higher line speed,’ said Derek Bell, managing director. ‘It has a lower mechanical speed but a higher output and that means it gives better quality control and is easier for the operators to run. It is a leap forward in technology.’

The Stahlfolder TH 82-P is an industry level, high output folder. The key is the portrait feeding and underlapped shingle method that operates throughout the folder to produce the traditional format sections and with the minimum of 50% higher output than on standard TH/KH (buckle/combination) folders. With this technology 16 page A4 sections can be produced at up to 16,400 copies per hour with minimal increase in machine speed. This high output can be achieved with only 140 metres per minute. The problem with chasing output by mechanical speed is that it can compromise quality because of the stability of the sheet, especially with sensitive stocks.

The new folder, which is supplementary rather than replacement equipment, will run alongside existing MBO models and a range of Stahlfolders. A £5 million move to a new 125,000 square foot premises in Belfast (from a 25,000 square foot site) two years ago has given the company space and room for growth.

The folder operators have benefitted from a two stage training programme. They had initial basic training on installation but are now having a more detailed programme, having had the time to adapt to the technology. Heidelberg offers a range of training programmes, tailored to the needs of each customer.

The new Stahlfolder will handle book sections through to leaflets. GPS produces over 99 million items a year from sewn books to folded leaflets. Its finishing line up is comprehensive and as a company it not only has print (three long perfectors but also digital and wide format technology) but even augmented reality and digital publishing services. This is a 222 year old business with a very forward thinking attitude and a willingness to invest but only when it sees that there is a process change and an increase in efficiency and output.

The Stahlfolder TH 82-P will be available at GPS around the clock, 6.5 days a week.