PRESS RELEASE

14 September 2001

Watkiss Automation are exhibiting on Stand 640 at Print UK.

Innovations on the stand include a brand new collator range - the Watkiss DigiVAC, and a new Digital Bookmaker System for users of Océ 31x5 digital printers. These new products, which are being launched at the exhibition, underline the company’s commitment to supplying effective print finishing solutions to digital and offset printing operations of all sizes. Other exhibits include the well established Watkiss Vario Collating and Finishing System, the BookMaster booklet maker range and the Watkiss SpineMaster booklet finisher.

The new Watkiss DigiVAC quite literally turns collating on its head. The revolutionary patented suction feed system feeds sheets from the bottom of the stack, so the operator can reload the bins whilst the machine is running. The result is non-stop productivity, which easily outperforms all conventional collators.

The DigiVAC will appeal to small to mid-range printers, encompassing the increasing numbers of digital press users where operators may not have the paper handling skills found in the offset press environment. It is extremely easy to operate, with only a single adjustment for differing paper types. It will collate stocks from 50 - 300+gsm, sized from 120 x 200 to 350 x 500mm (including A3, A4 and CD-insert size). Collated sets can be delivered into a jogging offset stacker, or into a booklet maker.

Further product information is included separately in this press pack.

Also new at Print UK is the Watkiss Digital Bookmaker System for digital printers. This unit fits online to the Océ 31x5 range of high speed digital copier/printers. It can be easily switched between online or offline operation, giving it the flexibility to finish the output from the entire print room.

This makes the Digital Bookmaker System far more effective than a conventional online booklet maker linked to a single printer, and provides a far better use of resources.

Used online, it accepts sheets from the Océ printer, adds additional sheets if required (such as coated offset printed cover stocks), and then passes them through an online booklet maker, with optional trimmer.

Used offline, it functions as a finisher and booklet maker for electronically-collated digitally printed work, or as a conventional collator and booklet maker for batch printed work.

Other products on show include the Watkiss Vario Collating and Finishing System, the only truly modular (bin by bin) vertical collator in the world. Users can buy up to 16 bins per tower, and can combine suction feed and friction feed if they wish. Machines can be upgraded or enlarged at any time, with long term compatibility assured. It collates full B3 sized sheets (520x364mm; 14x20" ) from 52cm presses without requiring pre-trimming and will also accommodate sheets down to 120x160mm; collating at up to 7,200 sets per hour. A full range of ancillary online finishing equipment for jogging, stacking, stitching, folding and trimming are available.

The hugely successful Watkiss BookMaster range of booklet makers and trimmers can be seen running online with Watkiss Vario and DigiVAC collators. The BookMaster features a Zero Maintenance cut wire staple system which requires no maintenance for over one million (1,000,000) cycles.

Watkiss will also be exhibiting Nearline Finishing Solutions for digital print, including the Watkiss Document Finishing System. This unit automatically gathers electronically printed sheets, inserts additional sheets if required and then produces a high quality finished saddle stitched book.

The Watkiss SpineMaster takes traditional stitch-fold booklets and transforms them into SquareBack booklets. These have the appearance of perfect binding and the security of a stitched spine. SquareBack booklets are flat, making them easy to pack, stack and handle. There is no risk of loose pages, and you can even print on the spine.

The wide range of print finishing equipment on the Watkiss stand demonstrates the commitment of the company to the full spectrum of the extended printing industry.

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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

Notes for editors
Watkiss Automation Ltd. is a wholly family owned and managed company which has been designing and manufacturing innovative collating equipment since 1974. Design and manufacturing facilities are located in Sandy, Bedfordshire (UK). As part of the Watkiss Group which includes printing companies, Watkiss Automation is uniquely placed to develop equipment for the Graphic Arts marketplace. The company has been the recipient of two British Design Awards (1979 & 1993) and the Queen’s Award for Export Achievement (1994). The principal product ranges, the Watkiss Vario Collating and Finishing System, the Watkiss BookMaster and Watkiss SpineMaster are exported to over 60 countries worldwide.