The Switzerland-headquartered mailing, packaging, and smart terminal equipment manufacturer said the new 3200 inserter “is the only system in its performance class that can be equipped with more than one envelope feeder”.
This enables automatic envelope changeovers between C4, C5, and DL envelopes while running multiple jobs, meaning uninterrupted processing.
Kern’s first new high-speed inserter launched since 2016, the manufacturer said the machine can be used wherever there is demand for flexible and complex requirements, and can handle both transactional and direct mail.
Compatible with the Kern software suite, the machine can handle paper weights between 70 to 120gsm. It can be equipped with up to 16 insertion stations – friction or rotary feeders – while at the system exit the machine can be supplemented with the Print@Exit digital printing system.
The 3200 will come in three speed versions. Kern told Printweek the initial version will offer a throughput of up to 24,000 envelopes per hour, while the other two models will have speeds anticipated at higher and lower levels.
Also new is a faster version of the existing 1600 inserter. Kern said this range has received enhanced development and specification and is now available in three speed formats of 8,000, 12,000, or 16,000 envelopes per hour.
“Perfect for today’s direct mail requirement of processing multiple jobs on the same machine, the Kern 3200’s modular design ensures investment protection for the future and completes Kern’s new inserting platform of six inserters,” said Kern head of UK sales David Cox.
“With direct mail reasserting its importance during the pandemic, the newly expanded family of machines now reaches all customer budgets and inserting demands.”
The new machines will be available for order from September, with expected lead times of Q1 2022. Kern said both the 3200 and 1600 ranges “will sit in the pricing zones with their peers in the market such as BlueCrest and Böwe”.
The manufacturer’s existing high-speed 3600 inserter will also remain in production.
