Category Archives: Print Finishing

Think Smart Factory 2019

November 11th – 13th, 2019, the first Think Smart Factory will take place in Kyoto, Japan. The target group of international event are future-oriented print service providers who want to fully automate their processes.

Kyoto, Japan – A consortium of industry partners are coming together this November to demonstrate technology in a very special format. The Think Smart Factory 2019 will be held in Kyoto, Japan and it stands to be a very unique glimpse at a future that’s coming together right now at a future-defining moment for our industry.

 The collaborate expo stands to turn things over by integrating every manufacture in a way to best demonstrate the interconnectedness and integration that these partners have been working for decades to create. Technologies of all kinds are coming together for the industry’s first attempt at a complete Smart Factory.

The special expo will be broken into common industry departments such as futuristic workflow controlled inkjet printing direct to roll. There will be a special sheet processing zone for demonstrating a new future of job ticketing and work processing. Rolls can be finished directly to saddle stitched books. There will also be a Smart Stitching Zone, Smart Binding Zone, Smart Folding Zone, and even a shipping zone.

Attendees will be treated to fully integrated applications showcasing uses of robot arms and automated vehicles. Arms can load binders at peak efficiency while smart AVG (Automated Guided Vehicles) transport finished work to the shipping zone.

This exhibition stands to demonstrate a new wave of technology and special processes that are more or less available today. Those attending will see the effort of thousands of engineers coming together in a way that’s never been seen before. Look forward to reporting direct from the event!

Mid-State Litho
5459 Fenton Rd.
Flint, MI 48507
www.midstatelitho.net

Aerocut Prime Complete

Aerocut Prime Complete – the Most Versatile Digital Finisher, Ever!

The Aerocut Prime complete is the most productive and versatile digital finisher, ever! Click here to learn more…

The AeroCut Prime Complete is an ideal solution for print finishing, especially for short-run digitally printed applications, such as business cards, post cards, invitations, greeting cards, leaflets, tickets and more.  The Prime saves time and cost for any print shop, in-house printer, commercial printer, etc.

The first advantage of adding the AeroCut Prime slitter/cutter/creaser is imposition. When using a paper cutter there is conflict in production. Cutting cards on a cutter works better with larger stacks and in order to do that you wind up mixing the names or ganging up cards. As you cut the stack, you are confronted with keeping the stacks in order so that they can be boxed without mixing up the cards. When using a slitter/cutter you put only one name on a sheet, eighteen-up. Run as many sheets as you need to complete the order.

Compensation for inconsistent register from the digital print engine is the second advantage of a slitter/cutter. The Aerocut Prime does not cut based on the edge of the sheet. The Aerocut Prime reads the registration mark on the lead edge and cuts based on the position of the mark and not on the edge of the stock.

Finally, the Aerocut Prime slitter/cutter removes nearly all of the labor in finishing business cards. Simply place the stack of sheets into the feeder, push the start button, and walk away! Watch the Aerocut Prime demo video by clicking the link below!

Watch a product video >>

Benefits & Features Include:

  • Laser-Sharp Accuracy
  • Great Expandability
  • Ultimate Weapon for Digital Printers
  • Productive & Versatile 
  • Intuitive Operation
  • Instant Job Change
  • Expandable Feed Tray
  • Robust Slitters & Guillotine Units

Basic Functions Include:

Creasing Unit: The true rule and matrix creaser allows the Prime to offer world-class creases on digitally printed stocks. Creasing pressure can be adjusted in 5 levels instantly by shifting the lever. 

Slitting / Cutting Units: The Prime features 2 single blade slitters to trim the top and bottom margins of sheets, and 2 double blade slitters, bleed center gutters and deflect waste into a waste bin. The durable guillotine cuts stock up to 400 gsm in weight. Slitter and guillotine blades are self-sharpening.

Feeding Unit: The Prime feeds printed stocks one-by-one from the top of the ream on the feed tray. The air-suction top feed system feeds even coated stock precisely without damage. There are several features to ensure feeding different weights and qualities of stock every time. 

Instant Job Change & Intuitive Operation: The AeroCut Prime can change jobs instantly, therefore is the ideal solution for finishing digitally printed applications, such as business cards, post cards, greeting cards, tent cards, tickets, leaflets, and more. The 7″ touch screen allows operators to set job programs and run the machine intuitively and instantly.  

Expandable Feed Tray & Conveyor / Stacker: The expandable tray is capable of feeding stocks up to 26.75″ in length. Most stocks for today’s digital print can be finished on the Prime. The stacking capacity is 4″. The conveyor / stacker is light weight and easy to attach. Engineered to adjust for different stock and sizes of finished pieces.

Patented Feeding Mechanism: The patented “Tri-Suction Feeding Mechanism” reduces risks of double feeds and mis-feeds drastically, therefore it prevents paper jams and enhances productivity.

Easy Maintenance: The Prime now has detachable rollers, not only making cleaning easy, but it gives better access to components in case of a paper jam.

Mid-State Litho, Inc.
5459 Fenton Rd.
Flint, MI 48507
PH: 810.238.7370
www.midstatelitho.net

Three Years Later, the John P. Pow Company Explains How the MGI JETvarnish 3D Changed Their Business Model

Three Years Later, the John P. Pow Company Explains How
the MGI JETvarnish 3D Changed Their Business Model.

3rd Generation Publishing Services Specialist Looks Back on MGI Digital Finishing Investment with New Customers and Business Growth.


MELBOURNE, FL (USA), September 8th, 2015 – Three years ago, the John P. Pow Company and MGI Digital Graphic Technology joined forces to help expand digital finishing options for the book publishing industry. Since then, JP Pow has been building and growing the range of its publishing and printing services portfolio with the MGI JETvarnish 3D Digital Finishing Solution. Together, John P. Pow Co. & MGI are helping publishers sell more books.

A Tradition of American Publishing & Printing Goes Digital
For over 70 years, the John P. Pow Co. has been providing expert lithography & print finishing services to some of the world’s finest publishers – with a nationally recognized specialty in both paperback book covers and hardback dust jackets. “Our original investment in the MGI JETvarnish 3D was designed to provide our clients with the highest quality standards and most flexible design options possible.” said Mr. Mark Finneran, JP Pow’s Vice President.

“MGI’s technology helped launch us towards the digital future.” added Mr. Finneran. “We’ve expanded our trade service business and experienced successful growth in “touch-centric” book cover market categories in publishing like holiday, seasonal, children’s, home décor, cooking and technical works”.

“Now we have more finishing options for all kinds of book covers and other types of commercial printing projects as well. The JETvarnish 3D produces strong, finely detailed textures and a durable enhancement effect that customers love.”

MGI System In-House Leads to Improved Quality & Project Management
“Prior to working with MGI, we outsourced our Spot UV work. Now, by bringing the JETvarnish 3D in-house, we can manage our costs, ensure high quality, offer more customer options and manage our production schedules more effectively. For the last three years, the machine has been in continual production mode – at times going 2 shifts non-stop.”

Profitable Prototyping, Short Runs & POD Services
”Furthermore, the JETvarnish 3D’s ability to quickly prototype new designs and implement short runs has helped us increase our capacity for highly profitable customized projects such as limited editions, private printings and E-Commerce-driven Print-on-Demand (POD) services.”

Improved Competitive Position
“The addition of MGI Digital Finishing Services has helped us establish a better competitive position.”, Finneran continued, “The ability to quickly prototype and implement short runs gives us a sales advantage in our key target markets. The features & functions of the JETvarnish 3D give us something new to sell and show customers. The MGI digital enhancements are a brand new change in the industry and are a sexy & exciting advance towards the future of the print finishing business.”

Increased Quality Enhances Customer Experiences
Mark Finneran summarized JP Pow’s experience with MGI digital finishing technology by saying, “Our relationship with key clients has growth and strengthened with the high quality output, improved job scheduling, more flexible project management and greater customer satisfaction that comes from the MGI JETvarnish 3D Spot UV 2D coats & 3D texture effects.”

“We’re honored to help contribute to the creative skillcraft of such a respected firm as JP Pow. For three generations they have helped publishers produce great books that get noticed, purchased and read.” said Kevin Abergel, MGI Vice President of Marketing & Sales.

MGI’s JETvarnish 3D digital finishing product supports production printing applications to produce eye-catching, luxurious-feeling 3D foil & embossed textured effects. The JETvarnish 3D streamlines spot UV coating, embossed tactile coating and foiling through a fully digital process that requires no screens or dies and no minimum runs. MGI’s creative enhancement options help graphic artists & printers utilize their craft experience to offer dynamic new digital designs, features and formats.

About the JP Pow Company: Premier Printing & Publishing Specialist
In 1935, John Percy Pow started using a one-color letter press to produce advertising material for Boston businesses. The business grew when John Pow’s son Jack entered the business. In the late 50’s, Jack Pow teamed up with Tom Finneran Sr. and the two became partners. Soon afterwards, the firm moved to offset printing ranging from one to four color technology.

From then on, John P. Pow Co. steadily built a reputation for providing publishers with high-quality book components along with top-notch, personalized customer service. John Pow branched out and is now serving customers both locally and nationally. JP Pow is a strong reliable business with nearly 50 employees working day and night at their South Boston location. Even with this growth, John P. Pow continues to offer the type of personalized customer service a small firm does best. They remain a family-owned business, with the founders’ grandchildren now actively involved in operations.

MGI Media Contact:
Kevin Abergel
Vice President of Marketing & Sales
MGI USA, Inc.
+1 321 751-6755

Mid-State Litho, Inc.
5459 Fenton Rd. Flint, MI 48507
Toll Free: 1-800-343-4231
www.midstatelitho.net

Kelvyn Press Goes Digital with MGI…

def8ce2c-364d-4e64-b87f-0f1a1c669705Kelvyn Press Goes Digital with MGI’s JETvarnish 3D, iFOIL & Meteor DP8700XL+

81 Year-Old Commercial Printing Leader Expands Services & Revenue Streams with MGI Digital Printing & Finishing Technology

MELBOURNE, FL USA (August 31st, 2015) – Kelvyn Press, Inc. in Broadview, IL, started in a garage across from Kelvyn Park in Chicago many decades ago. It grew and moved into The Donahue Building in ChiTown’s storied “Printer’s Row” neighborhood. In 1968, the Malacina family took over the business and has since expanded nationally by creating a separate firm, called Financial Graphic Service (FGS) with a dedicated focus on government, financial, banking, securities, health care, legal and regulatory projects.

Kelvyn Press & MGI 2015 Print Industry Awards

In 2015, the Printing Industries of America (PIA) recognized the quality of Kelvyn’s work with MGI digital technology with a coveted “Premier Print Award” (popularly known as a “Benny” after Benjamin Franklin, the founding father and leading printer of the American Republic). Additionally, the Binding Industries of America (BIA) awarded them a Product of Excellence (POE) Award. The PIA also recognized the MGI iFOIL product in 2015 with an internationally prestigious “InterTech Technology Award” to match the one earned by the JETvarnish 3D in 2013.

Kelvyn Press & MGI Partnership: Digital Helps the Business Grow

After 80 years in business, Kelvyn Press invested in MGI technology in 2014 to launch a new Digital Print Department with the Meteor DP8700XL+ press and the JETvarnish 3D & iFOIL integrated finishing suite. They also upgraded the JETvarnish 3D with the T2 option – a second row of inkjet heads that can double throughput speed and Spot UV elevations up to 200 microns. Since then, the machines have not stopped running and their business has grown with new work producing brochures, catalogs, invitations, envelopes, business cards, books and many more profitable new enhanced print applications.

Printing Industry Trend: The Move to Digital Technology

Tony Malacina, Kelyvn’s Director of Operations, stated “Digital has been getting bigger each year. The whole industry is going digital. It is an inevitable business transition of technology. The MGI JETvarnish & iFOIL finishing solutions have opened up a whole new doorway to new business opportunities.”

MGI Digital Printing & Finishing Business Impact

“The MGI digital technology sells itself. Customers fall in love with their samples. We prepare “Before & After” samples of client work to highlight the dramatic impact & enhancement of the JETvarnish 3D Spot UV Coater & iFOIL products.”

“Working with the prototyping options of the JETvarnish 3D & iFOIL allows customers to play with ideas and experiment with different choices. The MGI digital technology brings out their creative spirit and helps them appreciate the value of print.”

“With MGI, there are so many foil, color, texture and substrate options to choose from. Customers love being able to pick and choose which variations of 2D spot coats, 3D enhanced textures and embossed foil coloring they want. We find this helps build good customer relationships, leads to more referrals and ultimately generates more revenue for the firm.”

MGI VDP Personalization & POD Customization Value:

“Clients can change their print selections and enhancement options to adapt to changing business conditions or market cycles. For example, for each season, the output can have a different theme for Spring, Summer, Fall & Winter – or an English or Spanish Version personalized for each recipient.”

Print Samples as Sales Tools:

“We’ve also created a gallery of samples in our visitor area. Customers get inspired to use their imagination for new projects – which leads to new revenue. With MGI digital printing & finishing technology, all we need is a PDF file to print a new brochure or publish a new book.”

MGI Media Contact:
Kevin Abergel
Vice President of Marketing & Sales
MGI USA, Inc.
k.abergel@mgiusa.com
+1 321 751-6755

Mid-State Litho, Inc.
5459 Fenton Rd.
Flint, MI 48507
www.midstatelitho.net

Perfect Creases for Digital Printing Output

be-digital

Perfect Creases for Digital Printing Output

To ease bindery and production woes while adding versatility, a fine line of Technifold finishing tooling is available from Baumfolder. For use with your digitally printed material, the EZ-Fit and EZ-Fold Tri-Creasers completely eliminate fiber cracking on stock ranges from 90# text and up and produce a crease that is as good as, or better, than a letterpress. Easily produce multiple crease settings for any imaginable print/stock combination; and watch the tools work like magic on difficult, toner based, digital output.

The BAUM 20 Versatile Finishing Module (link to product page) with 1-1/8 adjustable shafts is the newest product to accommodate these waste-saving tools. Other BAUM models, with specific-sized, adjustable center-distance capable shafts include:

  • BAUM 714XLT
  • BAUM 15, 18 & 20 Pile Feed Folders
  • BAUM 20 Auto Set, Continuous, and Inline Feed Folders
  • BAUM 20 Legend Continuous and Pile Feed Folders
  • BAUM 26 Continuos Feed Folders
  • BAUM 30 Continuos Feed Folders

Please Note: Technifold finishing tools will only work on specific-sized, adjustable, center-distance shafts.

Perfect Perfing

Micro-perf is a special, very fine perforation that tears clean when pulled apart. This perforation is used for stocks that need perforations and must be fed again through copiers and printers.

micro-perf-comp

There are kits available for both 7/8” and 1-1/8” shaft sizes. The key to whether your machine can utilize a micro-perf is dependent upon if your machine has adjustable slitter shafts. The adjustment occurs in the center to center distance between the shafts. Because the micro-perf crushes the paper between a blade and a hardened metal ring, a fine adjustment is necessary to prevent tearing the paper or damaging the blade.

There is now an adjustable slitter shaft assembly available for 714 folders which can allow your table top machine to run a micro-perf assembly. This will work on certain 714 parallel machines starting with the “XE” in 1991. You can contact us to find out if your specific machine is capable of this upgrade.

Article Provided by Baumfolder – March 24, 2015

Mid-State Litho, Inc
5459 Fenton Rd.
Flint, MI 48507
www.midstatelitho.net

Round-Cornered Products

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Round-Cornered Products

Successful Round-Cornered Products

Following these five tips will help your Challenge Machinery customers avoid many mistakes that commonly occur when working with round-cornering equipment:

  • Keep the knife and die sharp and in good alignment. Dull knife and other poor adjustments lead to irregular cuts. Carefully sharpen knives with a 35-degree bevel and finely hone them (#32 micro cut or better) to remove coarseness and burrs.
  • To ensure good corners, always firmly place paper against the left and back guides.
  • Are you experiencing unusual noises and irregular action when you run your machine? A maintenance check is probably due. Have your machine checked by a qualified person.
  • Exercise care when handling and changing the knives.
  • NEVER leave the machine running unattended!

Challenge SCM Hydraulic Cornering Machine

The Challenge Single Cornering Machine (SCM) is the perfect solution for production-level round cornering requirements. Available as either hydraulic or manual, the SCM features a table designed to handle any size stock, six sizes of precision, heavy-duty knife and die sets, integrated chip catch bin, and high pile capacity. Both models are designed to ensure years of trouble-free production. Challenge cornering machines minimize operator fatigue and provide the power needed for cornering difficult jobs of index and coated stock. Give you jobs the added professional quality with our dependably accurate cuts with each cornering stroke of our single cornering machines. Read more here>>

The Challenge Advantage

At Challenge Machinery, our goal is to design, manufacture, and market equipment that adds value to your customers’ printed products. We offer drills, paper cutters, book trimmers, cornering machines, and other print finishing equipment that can improve your customers’ productivity and make their lives easier.

Additional product information is available at www.midstatelitho.net or if you would like to receive a brochure for Challenge please contact MSL at sales@midstatelitho.net. MSL can also be reached at 1-800-343-4231.

Mid-State Litho, Inc.
5459 Fenton Rd.
Flint, MI 48507
www.midstatelitho.net

set up in as little as 14 seconds

horizon_logo

Designed for commercial printers, in-plant printers, and binderies, the Standard Horizon AF Series Floor Model Folders include advanced set-up automation, including gap settings, through a user-friendly color touch-screen control panel. Up to two hundred different jobs can be stored in memory with set-ups accomplished in as little as fourteen seconds. Precise stepper motors drive end stops and fold plates to the exact location for the sheet size and fold style selected.

Consistent Fold Quality

AF Folders ensure consistent fold quality with steel and soft-formed polyurethane combination rollers.

Reliable and High Speed

An advanced rotary suction-feed system guarantees fast, smooth feeding of a very wide range of stocks.

 

   
AF-406A

The AF-406A small-format automated 6-buckle folder with pile feed and suction head has an optional 6-buckle second unit that can be added straight or cross-wise…for sheets down to 1.99″ x 3.94″. This provides application flexibility, especially for the insert, outsert, and pharmaceutical markets.

 AF-566T4F

The NEW AF-566T4F Buckle-buckle folder is a fully automated folder that can store up to 200 custom jobs in memory for easy recall, with automated make-ready in as little as 14 seconds. it is equipped with 6 buckles on the first station and 4 on the second station – which can be added straight or at an angle – for maximum application flexibility.

Click Here to view all Standard Horizon AF Folders!

Mid-State Litho, Inc.
5459 Fenton Rd.
Flint, MI 48507
www.midstatelitho.net

FREE Product Video from Standard

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New Equipment at Standard

FREE Product Video from Standard

We are pleased to share some information on our latest products and invite you to view a product video now. We’d be happy to assist you in evaluating new solutions for your bindery and would like to arrange a visit with you soon. Please call Mid-State Litho at 800-343-4231 with any immediate needs.

Request your FREE DVD or view a Product Video now!

 

Standard's BQ 470 HT 80

Perfect Binding & In-line 3-knife Trimming
Easily handles trimming of variable thickness books, one after another, for true on-demand book production.
StitchLiner HO Flores_225
Standard Horizon StitchLiner + HOF
Saddlestitching for Digital Output
The HOF-20 allows you to feed pre-collated digitally-imaged sheets into the StitchLiner for complete booklet processing in one step!

AF_566T4F_PerfectFolderStandard Horizon AF-566T4F
Fully Automated Buckle-Buckle Folding

New 6+4-buckle modular concept allows for simple to complex fold patterns. Short make-ready with fully automated set-up, including roller gap adjustment. User-friendly design and large color touch-screen. View a Product Video Now > >

 

BQ160_225Standard Horizon BQ-160
Affordable PUR Perfect Binding

With single-person operation, the BQ-160 with PUR capability can bind at speeds up to 180 cycles per hour with books up to 1.57″ thick. Ideal for personalized photo book production! View a Product Video Now > >

Copyright © 2013 Mid-State Litho, Inc., All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you opted in at our website, via email, or added your name to our mailing list in-store, with one of our team members or at an event.
Thank You for being our Valued Customer!

Mid-State Litho, Inc.
5459 Fenton Rd.
Flint, MI 48507
www.midstatelitho.net

 

Felins Banding Systems, Automatically Switch from One Band to Another!

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Mid-State Litho, Inc. New Products for 2013Felins Banding Systems, Automatically Switch from One Band to Another!

Mid-State Litho, Inc. is proud to announce that they are now a dealer for Felins Banding Systems. Offering Ultra-Sonic Banding Machines & Heat-Seal Banding Machines for your bundling needs.

Your Business Success is Our Goal and here at MSL we want to offer all the advantages of banding technology. Whether you are looking to band materials for different production and advertising purposes or finishing products with high-quality materials – MSL wants to give you options to help you bundle products appropriately and reliably, while saving on costs.

Felins banding equipment is cost-effective and banding materials are economical. Some advantages of ATS Banding Technology include:

  1. Edge Protection Banding
  2. Seamless Integration
  3. Simple Operation
  4. Cost Savings
  5. Marketing with Banding

The US-2000 CSW-DMS (Pictured Above)

WIth this banding machine with a digital measuring system, label stacks of different sizes  (mixed sheet printing) can be automatically measured and banded with single or multiple bands.

  • Sequential processing of different formats
  • Single and multiple bands
  • Automatic stack measuring

Featuring band mixed product sizes without change over and automatically switch from one to multiple bands easily. Banding stacks from multiple cutters have never been easier and the Shuttleworth conveyor minimizes shingling; up to 24 stacks per minute.

Mid-State Litho, Inc.
5459 Fenton Rd.
Flint, MI 48507
www.midstatelitho.net

Streamline your digital workflow with the Aerocut

aerocut-banner-web

 Streamline your digital workfolw with the Aerocut

aerocut-g2-webWith  the Aerocut, full-bleed documents including brochures, business cards, post cards, CD jackets and more can be creased and trimmed in one easy operation.

The high performance air feed system eliminates marking and double feeds.

A wide range of stocks including gloss, laminated, and UV coated can be creased without cracking, even with full-bleed ink coverage. A handy-on-line perforating unit easily snaps into place to provide even more versatility.

The digital touch screen control panel comes pre-programmed with 83 cutting programs, and up to 50 more can be stored in memory.

Unmatched precision is what sets Aerocut apart. The vacuum belt and air knife feed system smoothly transport paper to the self-adjusting rollers which work with the cut mark registration feature to maintain pinpoint accuracy throughout the run. Crease depth is adjusted using a 5-position dial. Easy-access rollers and self sharpening blades mean minimum maintenance and down time.

If you’re ready to streamline your digital print finishing and blow the competition away-fly Aerocut, by MBM.

Mid-State Litho, Inc.
5459 Fenton Rd.
Flint, MI 48507
www.midstatelitho.net