According to Positive Focus, the UK distributor for Australian-based LithoTechnics’ software, Metrix 3.5 can automatically configure bindery machines as a result of the detailed information it holds on each individual job file.

Ivor Dixon, managing director of Positive Focus, said: “We’ve had CIP3/CIP4 handling some very basic bindery information like folding or cutting, but it hasn’t been able up until now to take comprehensive information that allows it to set up a complete binding line.

“Metrix runs from a database and it has a lot more information [than most imposition tools] and a lot of that is built around the bindery specification, so it knows how the job is being folded because the way it’s being folded actually controls the layout on the sheet.”

He said the company now has an option that will write a comprehensive JDF/CIP4 file that can go out to a binding line. It allows the binding line to be set up more or less automatically. “This is really the first product that’s brought all the bits together,” he said.

Metrix 3.5, which was previewed at Graph Expo 2008, was singled out for praise by finishing equipment manufacturer Muller Martini for “allowing the binding industry to achieve a new technology milestone”.

Muller Martini project manager Markus Schluep said: “The largest obstacle to full bindery JDF integration has been the lack of an ‘agent’ to write JDF files that include bindery specifications for cutting, folding, saddle stitching and perfect binding.

“The geometry that is already entered into Metrix including trim size, laps, head trim, offsets, etc, can easily be exported as standard CIP4 JDF. These JDF job tickets can be read by our saddle stitchers and perfect binders, and save significant set up time.”

According to Schluep, Metrix 3.5 will ensure that bindery machines are set up to the exact dimensions used to paginate, proof, print, cut and fold page signatures, reducing duplication of data entry, as well as steps in the makeready process.