User Reviews

Ian Crossley, managing director of Greenhouse Graphics, says he chose the Horizon over rival machines for its environmentally friendly credentials

What does the machine do?
It is a book production line, which runs at speeds of up to 4,500 books per hour. It features a 10in icon-based colour touchscreen and automated set-ups throughout. There is also a 200-programme job memory for instant recall and set-up of repeat jobs from its archive.

Why did you choose this particular machine?
One of the cornerstones we have built the business on is a sustainable approach to printing. We have our own EcoPrint-System4, which is a series of environmental initiatives covering issues such as VOC emissions, energy use, chemical use, recycling and waste reduction. We compared eco-friendliness, speed of jobs, set-up and wastage. We also looked at energy use. With all of these factors taken into account, we considered the SPF/FC-200A the best choice.

Did you look at any other similar machines?
We looked at other machines, but at the end of the day we felt the Horizon was more robust and that tipped the balance. We needed to feel that it was going to last.

Why did you make the purchase?
We have a lot of short-run magazine work so we needed to be able to change jobs quickly. It is also good to know we can stop a job halfway through a run, put another job on and then go back to finishing off the first one afterwards. The flexibility is one of the machine’s strengths.

What features do you particularly like?
Primarily its simplified jam-removal and belt-cleaning procedures as well as a stitch-delay time and multi-knocking up at the stitch section. Automation is extended to every adjustment and includes lateral registration on the machine, the stitching head unit, stitch distance and more. I also like the external waste removal, which is convenient, user-friendly and saves downtime.

What’s the quality like?
Very good with the ability to make very fine adjustments.

Is there anything that you wish it had that it doesn’t?
We would like the three-knife trimmer option, but don’t have the space.

How reliable is it?
Very reliable. We’ve had no problems in our first 18 months of operation.

How easy is it to use?
Our main operator is delighted with the machine.

How much time or money has it saved?
It has saved us a significant amount of time.

Has it won you any new work?
We tend to do runs of 1,000 to 5,000 and the speed of the machine has essentially doubled throughput. In the past we would have had overtime, but this is not needed now. We can also take more jobs on that we would have said no to before.

Would you say that it offers value for money?
Without doubt the machine has lived up to expectations and is proving to be a good investment.

Who do you think the machine is right for?
Any print producer who is involved with short-run magazine and booklet work where timescales are critical.

CONCLUSION
User’s verdict   
Speed *****
Quality *****
Value for money *****

Supplier’s response    
GAE joint managing director Bryan Godwyn says: “We are not surprised to see a glowing report from any user of this system. Its performance and quality are outstanding and this is down to Horizon’s terrific design and development department. What is particularly interesting is its contribution to carbon footprint-reduction as reported by this user.”
Price from £19,000
Contact GAE 0207 899 78053