This week at the Heidelberg open house, UK printers will get a first look inside the new Stahlfolder TH 56, a miniature folder with a big future.
"Heidelberg remains committed to folding. It has completely transformed its folder range but the developments just keep coming," says Ian Trengrouse, the postpress product specialist at Heidelberg UK. "This folder is a robust machine which is ideal for miniature and pharma folding."
The need for leaflets in small packaging is rising, spurred by increased legislation on providing critical data in food and pharma and the use of smaller sized cartons to minimise waste. Consumer goods - such as mobile phones, SIM cards and headphones - are also providing opportunities.
"The automation on the new TH 56 is unmatched in the market which speeds up makeready, efficiency and overall machine effectiveness. The configuration of the rollers means it can handle very lightweight stocks, even 35gsm, comfortably and productively and in formats down to a 35mm length," says Mr Trengrouse.
The Stahlfolder TH 56 features two parallel folding stations with eight buckle plates. It is high engineered from the flat pile feeder through to the pressing station and modified delivery. The folder operates at 230 metres a minute.
"This is a folder which will appeal to pharma specialists, of course, but will also be attractive to a wider range of printers who want to find something unique and added value to offer their customers. Pharma work can generate about four times the price per 1,000 of standard folding work. Miniature folding was a black art handled by specialists until recently. With the TH 56 it becomes standard fare for the productive printing house," says Mr Trengrouse.
Heidelberg continues to offer unmatched support for its folding machines with 22 service engineers, dedicated demonstrators and Helpdesk specialists providing advice and back up. The company also runs specialist folding training courses at the National Showroom in Brentford.
www.heidelberg.com