Andover, Massachusetts May 06, 2008 -- Under the theme "Think Intelligent Automation," Horizon International will showcase a broad range of highly automated post press solutions at Drupa 2008 in Dusseldorf, Germany.  With headquarters in Kyoto, Japan, Horizon has 550 employees and operates the largest facility in the world devoted to manufacturing folders, binders, collators, stitchers and cutters.

"Intelligent Automation" refers to Horizon's longstanding development philosophy, built on deep technical expertise in all finishing processes combined with a comprehensive understanding of the critical operator steps needed to produce professional-quality cut sheets, folded signatures, saddlestitched booklets, and perfect bound books. 

For example, some automated folders still require an operator to measure each panel and input the dimensions before the changeover can begin.  "Intelligent" Horizon AFC folders use an intuitive, icon-based color touchscreen that prompts the operator for sheet size and desired fold pattern.  Using this data solely, the folder calculates all necessary set-ups and can perform a fully-automated changeover in under 30 seconds.

"Horizon has an outstanding reputation as a world-class innovator in post press," says David Reny, Managing Director, Standard Finishing Systems, Horizon's exclusive North American distributor.  "Best-in-class Horizon automation has brought new levels of labor-saving efficiency to bindery operations of all sizes, so customers are excited to see the latest developments."

Horizon also brings intelligent control at the network level, with full JDF compliance, via the i2i Bindery Control System.  Job parameters can be entered at a central control console and then called-up by any Horizon finisher on the network.  Every machine on the Horizon stand at Drupa will be i2i-connected, enabling fully-automated set-up, job tracking, productivity and work-in-progress statistics, error reports, and more.  The Horizon i2i system can also be interfaced with most MIS systems for seamless JDF/JMF interoperability.

Horizon Folders at the Forefront

Standard Horizon folders are highly regarded world-wide for reliability, fold quality and performance.  The line continues to grow, with important new folders and accessories slated to premier at drupa:

- AF-406T6A – small-format (maximum sheet size 15.7 x 25.6) 6-buckle folder with pile feed and suction head has an optional 6-buckle second unit that can be added straight or cross-wise.  This provides application flexibility, especially for the insert, outsert, and pharmaceutical markets. 

- AF-566F – six-buckle folder accepts sheets up to 21.9 x 33.4, includes pile feeder with suction head, and has an optional 4-buckle second unit that can be added straight or cross-wise for maximum application flexibility.  This buckle-buckle format addresses an established need for the North American market.

- CCD-AFC / CCD-AF – CCD camera options for AFC folders enable sheet-by-sheet verification reading from the top, bottom, or both to insure 100% integrity of folded signatures inside and out.  Any double-pulls off the press that slip into the bindery can be caught during folding.  This eliminates the possibility that sheets printed one-side-only and folded image-side-out end up as blank book pages.  This level of quality check assures ISO 9001 compliance.

The extensive fleet of other Standard Horizon fast-make-ready paper folders and accessories, all equipped with intelligent automation and touchscreen control, will also be shown.

Horizon Binders Break New Ground

Standard Horizon binders have captured a significant share of the short-run, print-on-demand book market with steady innovations which continue at drupa 2008.  Building on the market success of the popular BQ-270 single-clamp binder, Horizon has added a large color touchscreen and an ergonomically-designed digital caliper, making the new BQ-270C even more efficient and productive than earlier models.

The Standard Horizon BQ-470 four-clamp binder, featuring interchangeable EVA / PUR adhesive tanks and unparalleled automation, now has two new accessories.  Operators can use the SI-470 digital caliper to measure book thickness and automatically transfer this data to the binder for automated set-up.  The other accessory is the new PM-470 Pre-melt tank, for operator convenience and longer runs between adhesive replenishment.
 
The complete Standard Horizon book binding product line will be on display, ranging from short-run print-on-demand binders up to the 15-clamp CABS 5000 production perfect binding line with in-line three-knife trimming.

Technology Demonstrations Offer a Window Into the Future

Horizon will also show technology demonstrations of a next-generation saddlestitcher and a new hardcover book system, which are expected to be commercially available sometime in 2009.

Horizon's Biggest-ever Drupa

Drupa 2008 marks the largest-ever exhibit of Standard Horizon products in Europe, with nearly 13,000 square feet devoted to state-of-the-art finishing solutions.  JDF interoperability will be demonstrated with industry-leading partners, and Horizon solutions will be shown on several partner stands, including HP Indigo, Pitney Bowes, Punch Graphics and Xerox.  Attendees are invited to arrange a private equipment demonstration tailored to their application requirements by pre-registering for the Standard VIP Program at www.sdmc.com/drupa.