CROWN POINT, Indiana — Scheffer International, a leading manufacturer of inline and offline finishing systems that provide added value to web printing operations, has secured its third contract in as many years from a major direct mail printer to mobilize a complex web finishing line. 

The customized finishing line will complement a new full-color inkjet web press — a first for the Crown Point, Indiana-based machinery manufacturer. As part of Scheffer International’s continuing growth strategy, the project marks the company’s entry into the high-speed inkjet printing arena. Previously, its heavy-duty standard and custom finishing systems have been used for web offset print finishing.

“Engineering a robust inline finishing solution to meet the demands of high-volume digital production printing represents a natural evolution for Scheffer International,” said Bud Scheffer, president. “Digital printing holds great promise for the future of our industry, especially as the applications in variable data inkjet printing continue to diversify. With web-fed machines on the market featuring wider web widths, printing speeds of 800 feet per minute and faster, and quality that rivals offset, rugged, reliable finishing elements will play a critical role in ensuring high uptime and efficiency.” 

The digital finishing line, which Scheffer International design-engineered from scratch, is slated to ship in April 2016. It will follow on the heels of the February startup of the Scheffer International Segmented Variable Cutoff Pattern Perforator. This newly developed pattern perforator for the inkjet web press will improve perforating accuracy and reduce waste through on-the-fly adjustment and perfect registration.   

“Projects like this one open the door to future equipment applications that help print providers differentiate products in the digital printing and finishing processes,” said Eric Lo, vice president of engineering and a partner in Scheffer International. “We work closely with clients to learn more about their specific needs and then design and engineer the appropriate solution. That gives us the opportunity to branch out into new areas of digital print production, such as packaging.”