The machine, which IFS claims is ideal for companies looking to add perfect binding at an affordable price, was premiered at Ipex earlier this year ahead of the official UK launch this month.

Joint managing director Bryan Godwyn said: "The Horizon Prodigy is ideal for printers expanding into on-demand book production for the photo, holiday and wedding album markets, as well as the self-publishing sector.

"For printers looking to add perfect binding to their capabilities, it provides a robust and simple-to-use solution that gives them the opportunity to slowly build up customer demand before moving up to higher-production industrial systems."

The machine has a running speed of 180 books per hour and is available from £16,000. The single-clamp machine is available in PUR or EVA formats and features colour touchscreen controls, integral spine notching and optional in-line scoring.

Binding modes include soft-cover book binding, spine taping and padding, with book thickness to a maximum of 40mm.