At Print 2001 in Chicago, Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) unveils the new ACC 2.4 digital controller for Heidelberg's folders (ACC = Accessory Controller). It controls the peripheral devices used for gatefolding, gluing and timed perforations. The ACC 2.4 features tremendous functional flexibility and ease of operation. With the low investment costs, users gain a considerable financial advantage over conventional controllers that are designed for just one application. The inline gatefolding, gluing and timed perforation workflows significantly boost the practical applications of the Heidelberg Stahlfolder and other makes of folders, and also deliver attractive end products with enhanced product quality. The ACC 2.4 can simultaneously control two gatefold buckle plates or two spot gluing guns. Other options include two EAP heads (EAP = Single Section Perforation), one gatefold buckle plate and one spot gluing gun or one gatefold buckle plate and one EAP head. Gatefolding now a breeze at 15,000 cycles per hour Independent of the folding speed, the device also precisely controls the switching times for the new FFP gatefold buckle plate from Heidelberg. Continuous operation at 15,000 cycles per hour is easy, since the design no longer includes any solenoid that can heat up. Precision control of the deflecting profile allows very small flap gaps of between just 0.5 and 1 mm, depending on the thickness of the paper. Because double folding is minimized, paper thicknesses between 80 and 150 gsm can now be processed in multi-up. Gluing in the folder as an additional service Gluing apparatus increases the added value of the folder, enables penetration of other market segments and improves processing of intermediate products. The ACC 2.4 supports interrupted glue lines, variable spot gaps and different spot sizes. Auxiliary gluing is also possible to give the best possible finishing effects for envelopes with flaps on gatherer-stitchers and adhesive binders. With the new in-plate cold glue guns, the folding rollers no longer need to be segmented. Timed perforations for attractive products Timed perforations are often used in cases where postcards are to be removed from a larger brochure by tearing them along an angled perforation. The ACC 2.4 controls the EAP heads needed for this, making the production of these otherwise complex yet particularly attractive products possible. Two EAP heads can be used at the same time, and controlled independently of each other. Each EAP head can carry out up to four timed perforations per sheet.