Standard Finishing Systems, a leading supplier of post-press and paper handling solutions in Andover, Massachusetts, recently announced the release of the Horizon iCE StitchLiner Mark IV Saddlestitcher, which combines signature scoring and folding, saddlestitching and three-knife trimming into a single system.

On the Mark IV, stitch length, balance adjustment and thickness settings all can be changed automatically from booklet to booklet during operation for true variable booklet production with consistent quality. Across all booklet sizes, the system’s scoring function reduces cracking on the spine and allows for a tighter fold. The sheet-alignment section features four-directional jogging for a tighter jog and more accurate alignment across stocks. Improvements to the Mark IV’s transport system also allows for stable sheet transport across substrates, even for coated and lighter weight sheets.

The Mark IV can run at speeds of up to 6,000 booklets per hour for A4 portrait applications and 5,300 booklets per hour for A4 landscape applications. These production speeds can be maintained even when the system is set to variable thickness mode or when cover sheets are being inserted. The Mark IV can run continuously even when errors like a dropped stitch or sheet misalignment are detected by automatically rejecting the booklet to an eject tray without operator intervention, improving system up-time.

“The StitchLiner Mark IV is an exciting update to our proven line of saddlestitchers,” said David Reny, executive vice president, Standard Finishing Systems. “The demand for variable booklet production has risen steadily in the past few years, and the Mark IV can easily deliver true variable booklet production at consistently high quality while increasing uptime and reducing the burden on operators.”

To learn more, visit www.standardfinishing.com.

Flint Group, Lier, Belgium, has announced the appointment of Robert Welford as president for Xeikon.

Stepping up from his current position as vice president of research and development, he will lead Xeikon through the next phase, reaffirming the company’s commitment to bringing the latest innovations in digital printing to customers across the globe.

Welford joined Xeikon in September 2018 when he took over the management of Research & Development, with a broad remit overlooking the engineering operations, the ink and toner competence centers, and the print process and project management office. As the new president, he will further leverage these competences and his solid background in the printing industry, as the company accelerates the industrialization of its broad product line and continued integration with Flint Group.

For more information, visit www.xeikon.com.

IST America, Shorewood, Illinois, has announced changes to its senior leadership team.

Effective April 1, 2023, Bill Bonallo will transition from his role as company CEO and president. Replacing him will be Errol Moebius, IST America’s current vice president. Bonallo will remain a strategic consultant until the end of this year and will be serving on the IST America Board of Directors until the end of 2026.

For more information, visit www.ist-uv.com/en-us.

Scodix, based in Rosh HaAyin, Israel, is expanding its team and business development infrastructure with the appointment of three new people. The company says this is in response to growing demand for more economical and sustainable embellishment printing.

Xavier Bastie has been named sales manager for France and all French-speaking countries. Bastie will be responsible for expanding Scodix’s footprint in the French market. Paolo Tettamanti has been named Italian sales manager. Tettamanti will lead the company’s sales efforts in Italy. Slawomir Iwanowski has stepped into the role of global channel director.

“We are thrilled to welcome Slawomir, Paolo and Xavier to our team,” said Mark Nixon, EVP sales and marketing. “Their extensive experience and knowledge of the industry will be invaluable as we continue to grow our business. Since we introduced the larger B1/41-inch format some time ago, and now with the quality boost we’ve given to Scodix Foil™, we need the additional support to meet the needs of packaging and publishing printers. Our team is set on the path to disrupt analog embellishment methods.”

Learn more at www.scodix.com.

Five special forums of drupa 2024 will provide a deep dive into the future of print and packaging industries, connecting technology leaders, newcomers and users, and specifically focusing on the top trends in the industry.

Organizers say these forums will become the hot spot for new technologies, applications and ideas. The drupa cube, drupa next age (dna) as well as touchpoints packaging, textile and sustainability will all address global mega trends, future technologies with growth potential and best practices covering a comprehensive range of topics. drupa will take place May 28–June 7, 2024, at the fairgrounds in Düsseldorf, Germany.

“In times of continuous change, disruptive processes and the resulting new business models, our special forums provide important guidance and are indispensable for the sector. Jointly with our partners, we bank on impressive industry expertise and on the topics defining the future for our target groups,” said Sabine Geldermann, director, drupa, print technologies Messe Düsseldorf.

Learn more at www.drupa.com.

Duplo USA Corporation, based in Santa Ana, California, and a provider of innovative print finishing solutions, has announced it will exhibit at the upcoming NPSOA Owners Conference, IPMA Roadshows and Sharp National Dealer Meeting.

Duplo is a gold sponsor of the 11th annual National Print and Sign Owners Association conference. Attendees are invited to visit the Duplo table to learn about on-demand finishing solutions and experience tactile applications. The NPSOA Owners Conference will take place March 16-18 at the Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

At the IPMA Roadshow stops in Missouri and Texas, Duplo will be on the vendor floor showcasing a range of applications finished on demand. The events are scheduled for March 21 at Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri, and May 11 at Christus Health in Tyler, Texas.

The Duplo team will also be onsite demonstrating the DC-618 Slitter/Cutter/Creaser during the Sharp National Dealer Meeting happening April 18-21 at the Wynn in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Learn more at www.duplousa.com/events.

Taktiful has introduced Taktify, cost estimation software dedicated to accurately estimating, specifically for digital print embellishments.

The software is designed for inkjet-based systems and digital presses with specialty ink and toner options. With the help of AI technology, Taktify also can suggest selling prices of finished pieces based on the geographic location of the printers.

Learn more at www.taktiful.com.

Scodix, based in Rosh HaAyin, Israel, announced Hish Offset Print, has acquired a Scodix Ultra 6000 Digital Enhancement B1 size press, upgrading its current Ultra B2 press. The Hish team cited the productivity of the system and consequent economies of scale were key drivers during the decision-making process.

Hish Offset Print is an Israeli producer of quality packaging printing of folding cartons. In its 2,000-square-meter facility, Hish plans to expand its existing workload capability and offer a reliable solution for the increasing demand of variable decorated specialty projects and packaging, with the Ultra 6000 marking the way for even more innovative possibilities.

For more information, visit www.scodix.com.