Each component of the press delivery system is different to the next, so each stage of the process – from the planning phase to installation and commissioning – requires individual consultation from qualified experts. “There are three key areas that must be borne in mind,” explains Pierre Horath, Head of Marketing for Press Delivery Systems at Muller Martini. “First, precise planning of the overall concept; second, high production reliability; third, the appropriate level of automation.”

Reliable Paper Transport

Given the large volume of paper, the first priority with Ultra-Wide Web Offset is to transport the printed products reliably and smoothly. Other important criteria include access to both the printing press and the press delivery systems and the best possible paper flow. The Newsveyor conveyer from Muller Martini is an overhead-transportation model that frees up floor space, enabling the press delivery systems to be positioned easily and flexibly. It is suitable for locations where space is at a premium and for bridging large distances, for example between different buildings or floors.

“Due to the considerably larger paper volumes, UWWO necessitates a thicker shingle stream than conventional web widths,” points out Pierre Horath. “The Newsveyor from Muller Martini uses nonpaced transfer for transporting the paper and can handle up to three shingle streams at the same time. This enables a larger number of copies to be transported per running meter and thus lowers costs in comparison with single-gripper systems.”

The overhead Newsveyor transport system provides a high degree of flexibility in terms of layout and excellent access for optimal paper logistics with large volumes of paper.

Three Storage Designs

As a complete supplier of finishing systems, Muller Martini attaches great importance to the optimal short-term storage of signatures, as this is the only way to ensure that the products in the finishing process are finished reliably and correctly. According to Heinz Gerber, Sales Manager at Muller Martini, there are three possible storage designs: “Rolls, logs and stacks. Each design meets different requirements. Roll and log storage are more suitable for half-finished products, while stack formation is much better for the take-off of press-finished products.”

If the products are finished inhouse, it would be advantageous to use a roll system thanks to its high storage capacity and greater loading autonomy. However, if the finishing is performed externally, logs are much better suited to the task. They are also used when handling products with a wide range of sizes or when products have to be stored for a long period of time.

Press delivery systems that are connected to XXL printing presses require a variety of automation levels, in order to achieve quick system setup, optimize production by means of a control system and lower production costs. “Although the number of pages produced with UWWO is increasing, runs – in line with the general trend – will decline,” says Pierre Horath. “Therefore, we must respond to shorter and shorter workflow times. In particular, this requires very short setup and changeover times for the machines in the press delivery system.”

 
Horizontal log formation produces perfect logs – even at the highest production speeds.