The “star of the show” for many, according to UK marketing manager Sarah Crumpler, will be the new DC-646 multi-finisher, a lower cost version of the company’s DC-646Pro, launched at Ipex this year.
While the DC-646Pro starts from £49,995, the DC-646 costs from £36,995, depending on configuration. The DC-646 directly replaces Duplo’s DC-645i, offering higher speeds and the option of upgrading to the DC-646Pro.
“Compared with the 645 the 646 is faster and has more functionality. For example, it can do 21-up full bleed business cards, which the 645i couldn’t do,” said Crumpler. “It’s future proof because the customer can invest in that as a base level machine but as the number of applications they want to produce grows they can upgrade it to the Pro; so that machine’s a big highlight.”
Compared with the DC-646Pro, the DC-646 doesn’t feature a rotary tool module or barcode reader, and comes with fewer application-specific modules.
Also launching at London Calling is an integrated folding system for the new DC-646 and the DC-646Pro which, unlike previous iterations, can keep up with the multi-finisher's productivity.
Duplo will be demonstrating the new DC-646 at the show. It will also be showing the new Duplo iSaddle Duetto System, one of three new iSaddle systems, and the other clear “highlight” for commercial printers.
The range is aimed as an upgrade and replacement of Duplo’s DBMi saddle stitchers, offering quick job changeover for shorter downtime.
It can produce A4 landscape-format brochures and books of up to 120pp. The maximum flat sheet size is 356x508mm with a minimum of 105x210mm or 174x254mm for a landscape format. According to Duplo, the system brings the advantages of flatter publications offered by older saddle stitchers and combines them with the automation of modern bookletmakers.
Also launched at this year’s London Calling will be an entry-level DC-616Pro slitter-cutter-creaser, aimed largely at in-plant facilities, a DP-F850 digital duplicator and DM230Vi direct mail collator.
The show will also see the UB-6000 PUR Binder, previewed at Ipex, become commercially available.
The UltraBind 6000 features a fully automatic set-up, including auto book-size measurement and automatic cover feed, and at 600cph is more than twice as fast as its entry-level sibling, the UltraBind 2000.
The UltraBind products complement Duplo’s existing range of binders, which includes its flagship DPB-500 DuBinder, and are designed by Duplo but built by an unnamed European manufacturer.
Although the iSaddle systems will only be officially commercially available from mid-October, the first has been bought by Leicester-based commercial printer Flexpress.
Six DC-646Pros have been sold since the model’s launch at Ipex in March.
Partners announced for the show include Anatalis, Lumejet, Neopost, Optimus, Taopix, Esko and Renz.
The latter has announced it will be showing a Mobi 360 semi-automatic calendar and book-binding machine for the first time, featuring tool-free makeready and a smaller footprint.
London Calling ‘Without Limits’ takes place on 15-16 October at East Wintergarden, Canary Wharf.
This year’s show will mark Duplo’s 30th anniversary. Previous London Calling venues include the Hilton Docklands, Tate Modern, Imax, the British Music Experience at the O2 and Somerset House.
