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From books and leaflets to large format graphics, there are literally hundreds of applications for finishing equipment. Whatever the requirement, there is a technology to meet that need and because businesses each have their own needs when it comes to finishing, Canon offers a range of in-line and off-line solutions.
Strategic marketing manager professional print for Canon UK, Nikki Richardson, explains: "A common question is whether to opt for in-line or off-line finishing, but the question is often not as simple as that. The way people finish documents depends on their needs and the volume of work produced. It is simply a matter of working out which process works best for that particular job.
"For this reason, whenever a customer purchases a Canon imagePress, we audit existing workflows to determine what will be most suitable. All aspects are taken into consideration including whether they have the space for off-line equipment or even the manpower.
"In-line finishing can be more efficient, especially for smaller organisations and those who require a 'green button' option that will produce a completely automated finished book. Canon's imagePress range offers a variety of finishing options, including booklet making, perfect binding and three-edge trimming. This is ideal for small in-plants and certain quick-print operations.
"Off-line is extremely useful in high volume production environments where it makes sense to have digital presses alongside off-line finishing capabilities. Canon has formed a pan-European alliance partner network, including partners such as Duplo, that offers a range of off-line finishing options, from laminating and bookmaking to coating and photobooks. By working with these specialist companies, Canon aims to offer customers an all-round complete solution when they purchase an imagePress device."
The big picture
For larger finishing solutions, Hybrid offers an expanding range of laminators and associated consumables.
Typically purchased in a package with a Mimaki printer, Hybrid's print and finish and print, finish and cut packages feature either a Mimaki JV33 solvent printer (in a 1.3 or 1.6m print width) or the new, integrated Mimaki CJV30 solvent printer/cutter. The latter is available in four widths, some of which are especially attractive to entry level purchasers.
At the larger end of the market, Hybrid offers print, finish and cut packages with either of the two larger CJV30 printer/cutters at 1.3m and 1.6m, or with the flagship JV33 series printer in the same two widths. Accompanying these are a choice of three further laminators - the Hybrid Titan, the Hybrid Arctic Titan and the Hybrid Titan 1064.
Recent digital technologies have seen striking developments for laminating printed materials. The Hybrid Titan 165, for example, will take board up to 12mm thick, while Mimaki's new hybrid roll-to-roll/flatbed cold curing UV printer, the UJV-160, demonstrates the role that laminators continue to play in the high end graphics market.
One of the beauties of the ink technology employed by the Mimaki UJV-160 is that it needs no time to gas off. The inks' flexible nature also means it will print to formable vinyl, so whether it's a sheet of foamboard for display graphics or a roll of vehicle wrap, lamination can take place directly after printing. This compares well with solvent prints, which can take up to 24 hours for gassing off.
Back to school
For those who are new to the world of print finishing, Roland DG Academy has added to its portfolio of digital print courses with a new module, titled ‘Basic Application Finishing.' It will be taught at the company's bespoke training facility based at Walsall College and is designed to provide sign makers and printers with skills in the basic preparation, application and finishing of a range of vinyl, digital and lamination media.
Head of operations for Roland DG (UK), Sam Sooialo, said: "Increasingly, sign makers and printers are looking to bring specialist skills in-house as the technology, price and footprint of new finishing machines makes them suitable for an in-house digital print one-stop-shop approach. Taking finishing in-house also enables printers to maintain greater control over both the quality of the finished product and the timeframe in which it can be produced."
The course consists of theory and practical sessions and will cover finishing techniques including preparation, weed face and dry application of cut vinyl; application of: flood coating to board; wet and dry digital print to board; etch films to glass; and wet and dry digital print to glass, as well as basic lamination and mounting techniques, including application to contours and curves.
This introductory course is suitable for those who are still considering setting up a finishing department as well as printers who are currently finishing in-house but feel they need to enhance specific techniques.
Sam Sooialo continued: "A basic general knowledge of digital print production is obviously preferable in order to get the most out of the programme. The additional skills gained on this course will help printers and sign makers to expand their print product portfolio and target new opportunities by adding finishing techniques to applications."
And finally
It goes without saying that the more options which you can offer to your customers, the more chance you have that they will stick with you in the long term. Print finishing is a cost effective way to branch into a new area of business and with the right training you will soon have an additional revenue stream to chase away the recession.
How many of your customers have asked about the carbon footprint of your printing service?
