Predominantly a cutter/creaser, the DC-745 runs at 3,000 sheets per hour and can handle 26,000 business cards an hour, double its predecessor.

However, marketing manager Peter Jolly said that the machine came into its own when used with a barcode reader, which can enable a changeover in 20 seconds.

He said: "There is huge pressure on operators, but you can put the sheet in, push a button and walk away from it. Because of the barcode system it will work out what is next so an operator can be doing other things, it does the work of one person.

"Where the 645 lacked speed when using barcode or registration work, the productivity of the 745 is better."

The machine also has additional finishing options such as micro-perfing; perfing both edges and on/off perfing - Jolly added: "Where the 645 had hundreds of applications, the 745 has thousands."

It is operated from a PC controller and can produce an array of finished materials including business cards, greetings cards, photo-gift products and general business marketing collateral. 

Up to four independently controlled tools can be used, which enables users to switch easily between combinations of scoring, perforating, micro-perforating and slit-scoring.

Jolly continued: "We are starting to see the DC machines move out of the bindery and into the press room. It can take a lot of pressure off of the bindery because it can be run by the press operator.

The machine is available from May this year and Jolly expects the company to complete its first UK sale by the end of its financial year on 31 May. It is priced at £83,250.