The Timson T-Book finishing system is designed to complement web based digital printing platforms in an in-line or near line application. In-line operation provides a complete integrated solution for perfect bound books from white paper through to the finished book. T-Book provides the tool to enable the book printer to embrace the merging digital technologies. It uses the expertise that has made Timsons the world leader in book printing.

Key features

• Finishing system for web based digital platforms from all suppliers
• Optimum outputs from utilisation of maximum web width at all times
• Minimum make-ready through automation controlled via JDF
• Fusing of book blocks with sinusoidal glue pattern
• T-Book sits comfortably in the Timson portfolio of presses offering the book printer economies at the lower volume end of the market.

Principles of operation

T-Book processes a web into ribbons based on page width plus trims, turning this through 90°, and superimposing two ribbons on top of each other. This is repeated across the available web width until the full web width is utilized.

There are automatic and manual options for registration before ribbons enter a variable cut unit. After the cut unit, the two-ply sheets are shingled and transported to the batching unit. The system automatically identifies the first and last page, and creates a separation in the shingle stream so that the batching unit can create a book block from each developing stream, with up to four blocks across the press per cycle available.

The batching unit creates a high-quality book block using accurate sheet placement, complemented by high frequency vibration.

The completed block is transferred to an outfeed conveyor, passing a fusing station that adds a sinusoidal glue line to one open edge as the block passes. This fusing process provides the block with a robustness that allows problem free handling during subsequent processing, either in-line with a perfect binding system, or off-line with a stand-alone binder. Blocks can be fed into a stand-alone binder using an automated book block feeder.

Minimum make-ready

The Timson T-Book is designed for minimum make-ready at product changeovers. It can operate in a Zero Make Ready (ZMR) mode on consecutive jobs when there are no changes to book size and paper type. Size changes are fully automated, with set up of all key features achieved via a CIP IV interface: slitter positioning, angle bars, compensators, cut length, book size and page extent.

Size range

T-Book is a variable size system covering a wide range of European and American formats from A6 pocket books to A4 /US quarto books, and any size in between.

For further information on the Timson T-Book press, please contact Jon Walker or complete the reply form.

• True zero make ready for one colour work

This offset press with its vertical web line delivers true Zero Make Ready on one colour books. While one unit prints at speeds up to 400 m/min., the pressman is changing plates on the other unit. At the appropriate time the new unit is accelerated and synchronised at web speed. As soon as the last signature is produced, the new unit starts to print - no loss of time and a major saving in paper waste.

• Fast make ready for two colour work

This is not the only benefit - the T48A ZMR's design with a blanket to blanket distance of less than 40 inches, gives greater control for tight register two colour work. Although it is necessary to stop the press for a plate change, it still takes advantage of Timsons Semi-Automatic Plate Changing System; unloading the old plates and loading the new plates simultaneously, first on the bottom unit and then on the top.

• Shaftless drive technology

At the heart of the ZMR design is a state-of-the-art AC servo drive, the result of a joint development between Timsons and Indramat - a leading supplier of this technology.

• Custom built for maximum profitability

The T48A ZMR, like the T48A, is designed for optimum performance. Print cylinder circumference and web width are chosen to minimise trim waste and maximise the number of pages in the signature. The folder can be selected from Timsons comprehensive range, creating a press capable of meeting the unique requirements of each individual book printer.

The T48A at the Chicago exhibition, Print 2001, was demonstrated in full Zero Make Ready mode, printing 1400 copies of a 192 page book in ten minutes.

For further information on the Timson ZMR press, please contact Jon Walker or complete the reply form.

Shown first in 1997 at the Chicago print show, thirty Timson T48A presses are now installed in nine countries.

• Downtime decimated

The semi-automatic plate changing system means the press can be stopped for as little as three minutes for a subsequent make-ready - Ideal for the short run market.

With the optional pre-setting system, slitters and divert bars can be moved automatically for the next new book size.

• High output

With a choice of maximum web speed of 1300 ft/min or 1500 ft/min (396 m/min or 457 m/min), the T48A is also ideally placed to cover the medium and long run market.

• Tailored to your needs

Select the web width and print cylinder circumference for your book size - no excess trim waste.

• Quality folding

The Timson M7 series of long grain folders will give a tight, accurate fold without unsightly creasing. Combination folders increase the number of formats available.

• Enhanced page count

The combination of wide web and collect folders means more pages per signature, fewer make-readies and a more efficient bindery operation.

For further information on the Timson T48A press, please contact Jon Walker or complete the reply form.

The T32 has probably been responsible for many of the changes in the printing of black and white books. Conceived in the 1970s, it has continuously evolved into the flexible press it is today.

• Increased versatility

The ability to change the print module to one of a different circumference widens the range of book sizes which the press can produce. This can be coupled with either one Timson variable size folder or two fixed size folders.

Like its offspring, the T32 handles a wide range of materials from 28gsm bible paper through to the bulky and coated papers used in book printing.

• Economy in production

In its two web format the T32 is ideal for long run work. With the Timson collect folders, the T32 produces more pages per signature with corresponding savings in make-ready time and increases in bindery efficiency.

For further information on the Timson T32 press, please contact Jon Walker or complete the reply form.

If you are a printer of books in one or two colours, talk to Timsons and discover the benefits of the T32 and T48A in your market place.

In accordance with a policy of continuous improvement, Timsons Ltd reserve the right to amend the technical specification as necessary without notice. Please check latest details with the Company.