News
Cambridge University Press First in UK with Large Format Book Press from manroland
Award winning book printer Cambridge University Press has announced details of its latest press installation – a ROLAND 900XXL machine dedicated to monochrome book work. The single unit press incorporates manroland’s reverse sheet printing system to provide for double-sided printing of the sheet without the need for a perfecting device to turn the stock. The press is the first of this configuration to be installed in the UK.
The size-6 ROLAND 900XXL joins a collection of presses at CUP featuring models from KBA, Akiyama and Heidelberg, and replaces two existing B1-format machines. “We select each press on its merits for the specific task that we need to achieve,” explains Alan Dunger, Manufacturing Director. “In this particular case we were looking to combine the work produced by two ageing B1 presses into one large format press, and take advantage of the faster make-ready capabilities that all manufacturers have been incorporating into their products in recent years.
“As is normal at CUP, we conducted a detailed examination into all of the leading suppliers’ products. We found the manroland offering to be the most suitable for our needs. The ROLAND 900XXL allows us to print monochrome work on both sides of the sheet, without having to turn the paper; the speed of make-ready, with all of the latest automation on the press, is exceptionally good; and we are capable of producing work at over 12,000 sheets per hour – we couldn’t find any other large format press that could match that performance on the range of stocks that we handle. We are delighted with the machine,” said Mr Dunger.
The company tested its standard stock range on the machine, which included papers from 70gsm through to 120gsm. “The press will handle stocks from 40gsm, but that wasn’t our requirement for this particular part of our production area,” added Alan Dunger. The ROLAND 900XXL has also been operated with an alcohol free fount solution from day one, as CUP continues to focus on its environmental responsibilities.
“Our average production run is just 1,500 sheets, which is why speed of make-ready is an important issue for us. The ROLAND 900XXL incorporates many advanced features to ensure a fast and efficient set-up, with details of each make-ready stored on the systems computer. We can recall those settings when a similar job is required. Having said all of that, some of our work does include runs in excess of 20,000 sheets, so the high speed of the manroland press was also an important factor for us – we didn’t find another machine of similar format that was capable of such high speeds.
“In summary, this press actually produces more work than the two B1 machines it has replaced; with faster make-readies; a faster printing speed; and just one operator – it’s a real win-win installation for us!”
Operators at CUP have quickly adapted to the new machine. “Our operators like the press, which is an important element of any installation,” confirmed Alan Dunger. The press incorporates manroland’s Inline Observer system – a series of camera’s located throughout the press that allow the operator to follow the paper path through the press on a screen mounted at the control desk. The press minder can alter the air-flow to adjust any inconsistencies in paper travel and immediately see the effect via the camera system.
The ROLAND 900XXL is currently operated over 24-hours for five days a week, with a view to moving it to six day production early in 2008.
With regard to future potential for the press, Alan added: “Because of its fast performance, this machine will allow CUP to compete for longer run work.”
CUP had recently updated its platemaking system with a view to the forthcoming large format plate requirement, and existing bindery equipment was able to handle the 1,420 x 1,020mm paper size.
Commenting on the installation, Gary Doman, Director of Sheetfed Sales at manroland GB, added: “This is the ideal productive solution for book printers. We anticipate a lot of interest in this style of machine in the coming year from UK book printers looking to enhance their printing capabilities, and be more cost effective.”
To contact Cambridge University press call 0122 335 8331 or visit www.cambridgeprinting.org
Cambridge University Press First in UK with Large Format Book Press from manroland
Award winning book printer Cambridge University Press has announced details of its latest press installation – a ROLAND 900XXL machine dedicated to monochrome book work. The single unit press incorporates manroland’s reverse sheet printing system to provide for double-sided printing of the sheet without the need for a perfecting device to turn the stock. The press is the first of this configuration to be installed in the UK.
The size-6 ROLAND 900XXL joins a collection of presses at CUP featuring models from KBA, Akiyama and Heidelberg, and replaces two existing B1-format machines. “We select each press on its merits for the specific task that we need to achieve,” explains Alan Dunger, Manufacturing Director. “In this particular case we were looking to combine the work produced by two ageing B1 presses into one large format press, and take advantage of the faster make-ready capabilities that all manufacturers have been incorporating into their products in recent years.
“As is normal at CUP, we conducted a detailed examination into all of the leading suppliers’ products. We found the manroland offering to be the most suitable for our needs. The ROLAND 900XXL allows us to print monochrome work on both sides of the sheet, without having to turn the paper; the speed of make-ready, with all of the latest automation on the press, is exceptionally good; and we are capable of producing work at over 12,000 sheets per hour – we couldn’t find any other large format press that could match that performance on the range of stocks that we handle. We are delighted with the machine,” said Mr Dunger.The company tested its standard stock range on the machine, which included papers from 70gsm through to 120gsm. “The press will handle stocks from 40gsm, but that wasn’t our requirement for this particular part of our production area,” added Alan Dunger. The ROLAND 900XXL has also been operated with an alcohol free fount solution from day one, as CUP continues to focus on its environmental responsibilities.
“Our average production run is just 1,500 sheets, which is why speed of make-ready is an important issue for us. The ROLAND 900XXL incorporates many advanced features to ensure a fast and efficient set-up, with details of each make-ready stored on the systems computer. We can recall those settings when a similar job is required. Having said all of that, some of our work does include runs in excess of 20,000 sheets, so the high speed of the manroland press was also an important factor for us – we didn’t find another machine of similar format that was capable of such high speeds.
“In summary, this press actually produces more work than the two B1 machines it has replaced; with faster make-readies; a faster printing speed; and just one operator – it’s a real win-win installation for us!”Operators at CUP have quickly adapted to the new machine. “Our operators like the press, which is an important element of any installation,” confirmed Alan Dunger. The press incorporates manroland’s Inline Observer system – a series of camera’s located throughout the press that allow the operator to follow the paper path through the press on a screen mounted at the control desk. The press minder can alter the air-flow to adjust any inconsistencies in paper travel and immediately see the effect via the camera system.
The ROLAND 900XXL is currently operated over 24-hours for five days a week, with a view to moving it to six day production early in 2008.
With regard to future potential for the press, Alan added: “Because of its fast performance, this machine will allow CUP to compete for longer run work.”
CUP had recently updated its platemaking system with a view to the forthcoming large format plate requirement, and existing bindery equipment was able to handle the 1,420 x 1,020mm paper size.
Commenting on the installation, Gary Doman, Director of Sheetfed Sales at manroland GB, added: “This is the ideal productive solution for book printers. We anticipate a lot of interest in this style of machine in the coming year from UK book printers looking to enhance their printing capabilities, and be more cost effective.”
To contact Cambridge University press call 0122 335 8331 or visit www.cambridgeprinting.org
