Press Release
18 September 2001
New Watkiss DigiVAC Collating System
The launch of the new Watkiss DigiVAC Collating System at Print UK
underlines Watkiss Automation’s commitment and proven track record in
using innovation and new technology to give dramatic improvements in
efficiency and performance.
The DigiVAC introduces a completely new concept in collating and
booklet making - that of non-stop production. By maintaining a continuous
work flow, the DigiVAC comfortably outperforms all conventional collators.
At the heart of this is the revolutionary patented suction feed system,
which feeds sheets from the bottom of the paper stack. This means that the
operator can reload the bins whilst the machine is still running, before
the bins actually run out. Considering that a conventional collator may be
standing idle as much as 50% of the time whilst the operator is reloading
the machine, the productivity gains of the DigiVAC are easy to see (and
are illustrated below).
This un-interrupted work flow makes the paper feed more reliable
because the paper stack is constantly aerated - all collators perform
better when they are running rather than stop/starting. It also reduces
the capital outlay required. Until now, the only way to obtain continual
running with a conventional collator, was to purchase double the number of
feed bins or towers in order to allow bin linking or grouping.
The DigiVAC is extremely easy to use. The design of the feed system
eliminates the need for any adjustments to the tray height, air
separation, vacuum or separator, leaving only a single adjustment for
different stocks. In many cases no adjustment is necessary at all. Equally
important, the machine is less strenuous and more comfortable for the
operator to use than a conventional collator.
The intelligent control system removes all of the guess work for the
operator. Bins automatically switch on when they are loaded; once the job
is started the bins are security locked to prevent operator error, the
detection system is self-calibrating and automatically compensates for
minor stock variations. Various operating modes for collating preset
quantities, feeding covers or for running batches are easily programmed.
The DigiVAC is a very compact machine, with a footprint of less than a
square metre. It includes an integral faulty set handling facility and a
built in hand merge station, which enables large sets to be combined prior
to booklet making. These features would normally add considerably to the
size of the machine.
The DigiVAC is a modular collator, with 8 or 12 bins per tower,
including the option to upgrade an 8 bin machine to 12 bins after
purchase. Set delivery is bi-directional, either into a 20° offset jogging
stacker or into the Watkiss BookMaster range of booklet makers and
trimmers.
The DigiVAC collates sheets from 120 x 200mm to 350 x 500mm, including
A3, A4 and CD-insert size. It is extremely gentle on delicate stocks and
digitally printed work, handling stocks from 50 to 300gsm+. In common with
other Watkiss collators, the feed system is centre referenced, so the feed
is always balanced regardless of sheet size, and mixed sizes can be
handled with ease. Actual production speeds are up to a constant 3,500
sets per hour delivering sets into a jogger, or 2,500 per hour into a
booklet maker.
The DigiVAC is virtually maintenance free. There are no consumable
parts (such as feed separators or motor brushes), and no lubrication is
required.
It will appeal especially to small to mid-range printers, encompassing
the increasing numbers of digital press users. In these work places,
operators may not have the paper handling skills that are found in the
offset press environment. It is for this reason that the DigiVAC has been
designed to be so simple to run that the operator can simply load the bins
and press the start button.
The combination of reliable sheet feeding with a constant work flow,
makes the DigiVAC the most productive and easy-to-use collator ever.
- ends -
Press Contact
Jo Watkiss
Watkiss Automation Limited,
Watkiss House, Blaydon Road,
Sandy, Beds. SG19 1RZ England
Tel: +44 (0)1767 682177
Fax: +44 (0)1767 691769
Email: jowatkiss@watkiss.com
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