CPI has revolutionised text printing at its Chatham site with the
installation of Timson’s new ‘Zero Make-Ready’ press.
Conventional printing presses need to stand idle between jobs, while plates are installed and made ready for the next section to be printed.
But CPI Mackay’s new ‘ZMR’ can move from one job to the next without stopping.
The record-breaking large format press has two printing units on each side of the web, allowing the machine to continue printing while the next set of plates is being installed, with no loss of production time.
As one run ends, the next unit is accelerated to the exact press speed and brought into register, taking over with a new run. Putting the new ‘ZMR’ through its paces in the US last year, before its UK launch, a record 311 make-readies were achieved in a 24 hour period.
No make-ready downtime means the new ‘ZMR’ can deliver what is believed to be the UK’s most efficient book printing operation. The press has been designed with short-run book printing in mind, while retaining the
long-run efficiencies of web printing. Having two units, the ‘ZMR’ also offers the flexibility of printing in two colours, with exceptional quality.
Commenting on the commissioning of the new press, CPI UK Trade Sales Director Mike Austin said: “Our recent programme of significant investment at Mackays, not just in the new ZMR but also with the Corona binding line, means that CPI is well placed to meet the needs of today’s UK publishers. We’re very excited by the changes at Mackays and the improved service we can now offer our customers.”
Among the first publishers to see their work on the ‘ZMR’ last week were Jennifer Corin, Phil Evans and Kate Tolley from Transworld, pictured with Mackays’ Operations General Manager Andy Watts (second from right).
