Horizon launches new booklet system

The device incorporates Horizon’s cloud-based iCE LiNK workflow as standard
The device incorporates Horizon’s cloud-based iCE LiNK workflow as standard

Horizon has launched the new iCE StitchLiner Mark IV system for the high speed production of high quality sheetfed booklets.

The next evolution of the StitchLiner Mark III saddle-stitcher, the Mark IV achieves high quality booklet production at speeds of up to 6,000 booklets per hour.

The device incorporates Horizon’s cloud-based iCE LiNK workflow as standard. It uses cloud technology to automate workflow from upstream to post-press.

This provides access to an intuitive easy-to-use dashboard that reports real-time production analysis for improved efficiency and profitability, remote update capabilities and scheduled maintenance resulting in less downtime.

The information is accessible via smartphone, tablet, or desktop PC and the software is designed for integration with MIS systems.

Machine enhancements have also focused on increased productivity. Uptime has been maximised via the ability to manage changeable speeds without stopping.

The fully automated system is better able to cope with a sequence of very short run products in a range of paginations, and it uses a touch panel for easy set up.

The machine, which was shown for the first time at IGAS 2022, is commercially available immediately from supplier Intelligent Finishing Systems (IFS) and pricing starts from £182,000.

IFS technical sales director Jason Seaber said: “Horizon has developed a highly productive system that can seamlessly handle variable page booklet applications from the latest sheetfed toner and inkjet presses.

“Easy to use and fast to set up it is perfectly positioned to responsively manage a wide range of applications in any busy production environment.”

Other features include a new stitcher for variable thickness production with automatic stitch length adjustment; a new jogging mechanism for maximised productivity; four-direction jog guides and two-layer accumulation and air assist for precise sheet alignment; and smooth transportation supporting high production speeds, even on variable thickness mode.

The device also has several new design features that aid easy operation. These include a status light that indicates, at a distance, how the system is running, and an ergonomic design where all the operator required actions are on the same side.