This year marked a new chapter for Interpak books, establishing one of the first Web-based print-on-demand systems with the intension of building in-house skills and market demand for short-run book printing.
"Interpak Books have shown foresight in introducing a print-on-demand solution for small orders and short-run book applications, something that previously represented a major cost to the publishing industry," says Oc'e`s Accounts Manager, Shaun Kennedy.
"By having the means of producing submission titles, small book orders and repeat order books at short notice, Interpak can now offer a specialised service to the marketplace at extremely attractive pricing structures compared to Litho-based production," Shaun added.
Barry Clarke, MD of Interpak Books, the driving force in Interpak`s decision to go digital, stated: "Interpak acknowledged that publishers require short-run and long run production potential, and Interpak focuses on continuing to service these requirements. We researched our print-on-demand needs thoroughly and visited business fares and production sites in both the UK and Europe before deciding on a Web-based Oc'e printing system. Oc'e`s professionalism and highly innovative Web-based systems have given us a decided advantage over traditional litho-based book production houses."
Malcolm Green, Project Manager at Interpak, has included a perfect-binding unit that will further increase productivity and extend Interpak`s ability to react faster to customers` needs.
"We now can react instantly to customers` demands and we are capable of offering a level of service not previously seen in the book printing industry in SA," says Green.
Oc'e provided in-depth training and support during the development stage, which has seen a steadily increasing amount of book printing work move with a further move from the traditional workflow of Lithographic printing to the digital printing system. The Interpak sales team are now full equipped with the knowledge to further promote the print-on-demand system.
The Oc'e and Interpak partnership will continue over the next few years, with the objective of growing the throughput in Interpak`s print-on-demand division to be able to broaden the product range on an on-going basis.
The Oc'e DemandStream 8080, with a roll to sheet solution, encompasses a high-end scanning facility, job ticket and workflow production software. In the near future, the system will be upgraded to full signature production printing.
The solution installed at Interpak consists of DemandStream 8080, capable of printing over 470 A4 pages per minute in duplex at a resolution of 600dpi, thus delivering high quality output at high speed. The roll unwind unit allows Interpak to use rolls up to 460mm.
The use of a Web-based production system has significant cost and productivity benefits, while also ensuring the best reliability available for a digital printing system.
Other short-run digital book manufacturing lines have been installed this year, at Cambridge University and Quebecor World.
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