Standard Finishing Systems partner Hunkeler recently announced another successful Innovationdays event as worldwide experts from the digital paper processing industry met in Lucerne, Switzerland to see the latest developments in roll-fed digital printing solutions. Hailed as the most focused trade fair in the industry with an unmatched variety of solutions on display, the five-day event again attracted over 5,000 highly-qualified visitors who gathered to see real-world applications running live from Hunkeler and 70+ exhibition partners, including Graph-Tech, Horizon International, HP, KBA, Kodak, Océ/Canon, Pitney Bowes, Ricoh, Screen, Xeikon, and Xerox (CiPress/Impika).

Integrated total solutions from software to finished product spanned the hall with a special focus on uptime, productivity, and ease-of-use. Among the 30+ live applications, Hunkeler demonstrated the new flexible, high-performance book-on-demand line with a paper web width up to 30 inches, processing 4-, 6-, or 8-page signatures. Equipped with the PF7 double plow folder, CS6-H6 high-speed cutter, and SD7 double star wheel delivery unit, the system achieved non-stop production of book blocks up to 650 feet/minute with complete inline verification checking. 

Hunkeler also introduced Remote Assist for fast, professional 24/7 expert support designed to minimize equipment downtime. Huncustomer services ensure worldwide access to Hunkeler’s comprehensive expertise, including browser- and tablet-supported solutions with image transmission to allow a more exact analysis and faster problem identification.

Standard partner Horizon International showcased a broad range of integrated finishing solutions including the new BQ-280PUR Perfect Binder designed specifically for short-run, high quality PUR binding and featuring book-of-one production capability with single-person operation. Horizon also demonstrated the HT-1000V Variable Three-knife Trimmer capable of one-to-one variable trimming in-line with Horizon perfect binders, or off-line. In the Hunkeler booth, the Horizon BQ-470 Perfect Binder was finishing book blocks produced on the PF7 book-on-demand line. Glued book blocks were removed with robots from the delivery unit and transferred to Horizon’s BQ-470 via a transport carriage for near-line perfect binding.

Several video interviews were conducted on the show floor, featuring commentary from Hunkeler executives, partners and customers, including Standard’s Business Manager Hunkeler, Johan Laurent. “One of the great benefits at Innovationdays is the ability to see applications flow across multiple booths, which allows the visitor to experience truly continuous, highly efficient workflows – throughout the entire value-added chain, from requirement to solution,” explained Laurent.

During the opening day press conference, Hunkeler announced positive business results for 2012 and further expansion of their Wikon headquarters. A healthy order book and strong demand during the past few months have led the company to increase staff levels from 250 to 300 employees. CEO Stefan Hunkeler attributes the company’s success to continued reinvestment into the development of new solutions, coupled with a passionate focus on helping customers transform their businesses.

Hunkeler Innovationdays continues to steadily gain international prestige and popularity. Extending the duration of the event by another day proved to be a good decision and will be carried on in 2015. Dates for the next Innovationdays have already been set for February 23-27, 2015 and visitors can expect even more advancements in technology with sophisticated process control, increased automation, enhanced versatility and flexibility.

Visit www.innovationdays.com for videos from the show floor and other event highlights. Whattheythink.com will also run an Innovationdays Education Series from 3/26 to 3/29, featuring videos on different Hunkeler solutions at http://tinyurl.com/what-they-think-innovationdays.