The 12th edition of Hunkeler Innovationdays (Messe Lucerne, 20th – 23rd February, 2017) will see Domino Digital Printing Solutions partner with Hunkeler and IBIS to showcase a modular solution comprising Domino’s K630i high speed compact single-engine duplex ink jet press, producing both book blocks and multi-page booklets.

“The book market represents a high growth opportunity for Domino, which means Hunkeler Innovationdays is the ideal event to demonstrate the added value we bring to this sector,” explains Bryan Palphreyman, Product Manager at Domino Digital Printing Solutions. “There is a demand for flexible technologies that not only facilitate high production output and are geared for rapid job change, but also minimise manning requirements and material waste. The modular solutions that Domino is putting forward answer these requirements.”

Highlighting real production efficiency, the Domino K630i monochrome printing press combined with Hunkeler’s double plow folder and high-performance cutting module will be converting paper rolls into two different sized book blocks at Hunkeler Innovationdays.

When required, paper can be diverted from the cutter into an IBIS Smart Binder to produce variable multi-page saddle stitched booklets. This highly efficient production system can produce book blocks or booklets on demand. The compact size and small footprint of the Domino K630i press give it the required flexibility to be integrated into a modular solution, while its variable production speeds of up to 150m/min allow the high productivity required for printing in the book sector.

Bryan explains what can be achieved from the combination of these two technologies: “For a 3-up imposition, 210mm long page book, in combination with the Hunkeler line, we can produce up to 1.4bn pages per annum, which for an average 300 page book equates to 4.6m books per annum. It is an exceptional level of productivity that will no doubt appeal to both book printers and publishers.”

Gosport based Ashford Colour Press Ltd were so impressed with this solution that they became the first UK based book printer to place an order for a Domino K630i.  Since approximately a third of Ashford’s digital print volume is monochrome, they wanted to invest in a system that would allow them to print this work more cost-effectively. As it turned out, the K630i ticked all the important boxes: quality of output, running speed, ease of operation and compact footprint.

The modular solution’s ‘24/7’ rated production process is also ideal for booklet printing and when diverting to the IBIS binder, can produce saddle stitched booklets of up to 200 pages, at the rate of up to 7,000 per hour.

“We are delighted that this solution has become part of the Domino product offering and have high expectations for the reception it will get at Hunkeler Innovationdays,” concludes Bryan.