Apex originally hoped a UK demonstration model of the B2-format, space-saving offset-litho press would arrive last autumn, but the delivery was delayed. The compact model, which is ready for demo at Apex’s Hemel Hempstead showroom, features a Ryobi PCS-K control system above a new low-pile delivery section and new-style footboards. “It is built on the foundation of the 750 series, which is long and well established all over the world,” sales and marketing director Neil Handforth said of the device, which has a guide price of £480,000. “Ryobi wanted a machine more accessible for the smaller print shops wanting to move up a size or those with B2 kit wanting shorter runs but tight on space. This is 20% smaller than a 750 series machine and is just short of 8m long. “But the important thing to remember is that although this is a compact press, underneath the covers it’s still a 750 series heavy-duty machine with the same inking power, up to 600 micron.” Handforth said: “In spite of the number of digital products launched into the B2 sector at Drupa, we are convinced offset still has a significant role to play.” The 760E press prints up to 13,000sph, 2,000sph slower than the entry-level 780E and the 750. Handling paper sizes through to 765mm x 600mm the device has a maximum printing area of 765 x 545mm for the S type machine, and 765 x 580mm for the XL. A double-diameter impression cylinder and transfer drum aid stable and efficient paper transport, even with heavier stocks, according to the manufacturer. Similar to the 780E and 750 models, the 760E can handle paper thicknesses from 0.04-0.6mm in straight mode or up to 0.4mm in perfecting. Other features include semi-automatic plate changing and continuous dampening, and an ultrasonic double-sheet detector. Additionally, following the Kodak/Ryobi partnership announced at Drupa, the device can be specified with Kodak Prosper digital inkjet printheads to provide a hybrid printing system. The device will be on display at the Print Efficiently event at Apex’s Hemel Hempstead showroom in October....

Apex originally hoped a UK demonstration model of the B2-format, space-saving offset-litho press would arrive last autumn, but the delivery was delayed. The compact model, which is ready for demo at Apex’s Hemel Hempstead showroom, features a Ryobi PCS-K control system above a new low-pile delivery section and new-style footboards. “It is built on the foundation of the 750 series, which is long and well established all over the world,” sales and marketing director Neil Handforth said of the device, which has a guide price of £480,000. “Ryobi wanted a machine more accessible for the smaller print shops wanting to move up a size or those with B2 kit wanting shorter runs but tight on space. This is 20% smaller than a 750 series machine and is just short of 8m long. “But the important thing to remember is that although this is a compact press, underneath the covers it’s still a 750 series heavy-duty machine with the same inking power, up to 600 micron.” Handforth said: “In spite of the number of digital products launched into the B2 sector at Drupa, we are convinced offset still has a significant role to play.” The 760E press prints up to 13,000sph, 2,000sph slower than the entry-level 780E and the 750. Handling paper sizes through to 765mm x 600mm the device has a maximum printing area of 765 x 545mm for the S type machine, and 765 x 580mm for the XL. A double-diameter impression cylinder and transfer drum aid stable and efficient paper transport, even with heavier stocks, according to the manufacturer. Similar to the 780E and 750 models, the 760E can handle paper thicknesses from 0.04-0.6mm in straight mode or up to 0.4mm in perfecting. Other features include semi-automatic plate changing and continuous dampening, and an ultrasonic double-sheet detector. Additionally, following the Kodak/Ryobi partnership announced at Drupa, the device can be specified with Kodak Prosper digital inkjet printheads to provide a hybrid printing system. The device will be on display at the Print Efficiently event at Apex’s Hemel Hempstead showroom in October....

In November 2011, after a three year legal battle, Tech-ni-fold reached a settlement in its patent infringement lawsuit against two Minnesota-based companies, Update and D&R Bindery Solutions. The UK-based firm has now reached a resolution with Michigan-based reseller Rosback Company, against which it also filed a patent infringement suit. Under the initial 2011 settlement, Update and D&R agreed to cease manufacturing and sales of its Ultimate Score product, meaning Rosback was also prevented from reselling the products, which it sold under the name Truescore. But earlier this year Tech-ni-fold discovered that Rosback was selling TrueScore-Pro and TrueScore-Pro Quad products that also infringed Tech-ni-fold’s Tri-Creaser patents. “Upon further investigation we concluded that although the look of the devices had changed in some respects, both products clearly infringed our patents,” said managing director at Tech-ni-fold Graham Harris. He explained that the Tri-Creaser patent protects the rotary rubber creasing technology used in 80% of Tech-ni-fold products. He added: “We wrote to Rosback, and last week Rosback agreed to cease selling the products.” Harris is still concerned however, about how many TrueScore-Pro and TrueScore-Pro Quad devices have already been sold. He said: “I have fought quietly and fairly for five years to protect my IP and good name in the market. It is sad that litigation is sometimes the only tool that works to deter certain behaviour. But I will not hesitate to start litigation proceedings next time I see a product that our legal team and I deem to be potentially infringing.” He added: “Tech-ni-Fold welcomes competition, but it must be fair and just, and I hope that by speaking out, others will think twice about chancing a design to gain quick access into the market.” Rosback was unavailable for comment....

Last week CPI’s parent company changed ownership and restructured its debt when it was acquired by a new consortium of French investors. With the ownership situation resolved, the £112m turnover UK operation can now press on with the planned expansion of its short-run facilities, which will result in the creation of 20-30 new jobs and a 50-60% increase in its digital print capacity in the UK. It is installing a second HP T360 inkjet web at its Antony Rowe facility in Wiltshire. CPI brands its HP lines as ‘Quantum’ technology, and now has seven systems across Europe. The new press, a colour model, will be fitted with the Timson T-Fold from MPG’s King’s Lynn site. This is the first time CPI has configured one of its HP lines in this way. Francois Golicheff, CPI UK chief executive, said: “In the UK everything is going as planned, we have had quite a good year and gained market share and volume even though there is no Fifty Shades of Grey. “We had already decided to buy a second Quantum line, the equipment from MPG allows us to speed up the ramp-up,” he explained. “We are not doing things because of the demise of MPG, this is all part of our plan. It sits perfectly with the continuing market shift towards shorter, more frequent print runs.” CPI declined to put a figure on the spend, but said it was “a significant investment to support our customers”. It forms part of CPI’s £20m investment plan in the UK. In addition to the T-Fold, CPI is also buying the Kolbus KM600 binding system with sequential signature feeder, Kolbus BF casing in-line and DA 260 casemaking machines from MPG King’s Lynn. MPG’s collapse has resulted in a significant amount of new work for CPI UK. Chief operating officer Ian Browning-Smith said CPI had seen a big increase in volumes for the scientific, technical, medical and academic market (STMA), and in the amount of cased books it was producing. “We shared a large number of customers as the two largest STMA book printers. Instead of dual supply, or working with three or four printers, we’re finding that customers want to find a partner that has the right technology and can deliver large volumes,” he said. “Demand for hardback books is rising, publishers are investing more in those products, which is pleasing,” Browning-Smith added. The new kit will be installed over the next two months. CPI said it would be up and running in time for the traditionally busy pre-Christmas production period. CPI employs 980 staff in the UK....

Last week CPI’s parent company changed ownership and restructured its debt when it was acquired by a new consortium of French investors. With the ownership situation resolved, the £112m turnover UK operation can now press on with the planned expansion of its short-run facilities, which will result in the creation of 20-30 new jobs and a 50-60% increase in its digital print capacity in the UK. It is installing a second HP T360 inkjet web at its Antony Rowe facility in Wiltshire. CPI brands its HP lines as ‘Quantum’ technology, and now has seven systems across Europe. The new press, a colour model, will be fitted with the Timson T-Fold from MPG’s King’s Lynn site. This is the first time CPI has configured one of its HP lines in this way. Francois Golicheff, CPI UK chief executive, said: “In the UK everything is going as planned, we have had quite a good year and gained market share and volume even though there is no Fifty Shades of Grey. “We had already decided to buy a second Quantum line, the equipment from MPG allows us to speed up the ramp-up,” he explained. “We are not doing things because of the demise of MPG, this is all part of our plan. It sits perfectly with the continuing market shift towards shorter, more frequent print runs.” CPI declined to put a figure on the spend, but said it was “a significant investment to support our customers”. It forms part of CPI’s £20m investment plan in the UK. In addition to the T-Fold, CPI is also buying the Kolbus KM600 binding system with sequential signature feeder, Kolbus BF casing in-line and DA 260 casemaking machines from MPG King’s Lynn. MPG’s collapse has resulted in a significant amount of new work for CPI UK. Chief operating officer Ian Browning-Smith said CPI had seen a big increase in volumes for the scientific, technical, medical and academic market (STMA), and in the amount of cased books it was producing. “We shared a large number of customers as the two largest STMA book printers. Instead of dual supply, or working with three or four printers, we’re finding that customers want to find a partner that has the right technology and can deliver large volumes,” he said. “Demand for hardback books is rising, publishers are investing more in those products, which is pleasing,” Browning-Smith added. The new kit will be installed over the next two months. CPI said it would be up and running in time for the traditionally busy pre-Christmas production period. CPI employs 980 staff in the UK....