The new model, the AF Speed, was premiered at Drupa and at 8,000sph it's over twice as fast as its predecessor.

"We thought the original model was fast at 3,600sph, compared with other machines on the market. However, the new machine is over three times the speed of its rivals," said Mike Biggs, managing director at UK distributor Encore Machinery.

The AF speed is aimed at the digital market. It uses a "rise and fall" platen action, which eliminates cracking on jobs printed by toner technologies.

According to Biggs: "Because there's no penetration, the toner just sits on top of the paper, so it does tend to crack when folded by other methods."

It's suction fed and uses a three-phase CAM and pulsed motor that produces a positive crease on stock weights ranging from 60 to 800gsm and sizes from 150x210mm to 500x700mm. "Its ideal for a quick set-up, fast turnaround digital environment," said Biggs.

Encore expects to take delivery of the AF Speed in the next few weeks, and it has a list price of 14,500. "This really is big news for us," said Biggs.

Story by Darryl Danielli